Prototype flexible e-paper (via LG)
E-Books are becoming extremely popular on platforms like the iPad and the Kindle for their 'portability.' As consumer demand goes up, new technology has a way of bubbling up too. One of the newest developments in E-Book platforms is the Electronic Paper Display or EPD, a flexible plastic e-paper. LG, experts at many kinds of displays, are hoping to revolutionize the E-Book world by making EPDs a household item.
This year, LG is already attempting to sell EPDs in China and Europe. The malleable plastic display is 6’’ across and has a 1024 x 768 resolution, thickness of 0.7 millimeters, and weighs in at 14 grams. The advantages of EPD compared to traditional displays are they reduce eye fatigue, they are cheap, less risk for failure and energy efficient. The LG EPD can bend up to 40 degrees and was proven to be quite durable. These displays survived repeated drop tests from a 1.5m height and punishment from a urethane hammer with no breakage or scratching. (I have sent my Amazon Kindle in twice now due to a broken screen after a drop.)
The original design manufacturers are located in China, and that is where LG first launched this product. In April, the device was intended to hit Europe, but no official word of that launch has been released.
Next for this LG project is making the EPD more flexible and using organic LEDs for their manufacture. No word yet on when this innovation will hit the states.
Cabe
LG's 2010 concept image of what we will carry in the near future. Although lard newspaper pages are quite cumbersome on the train, these people look happy. Either adopt the tech or look longingly on those who have it, like the guy in the background. The choice is yours.
Top Comments