Digital Ink? Just a Smear Campaign...or Will it Change the Way We Read?

This new technological is called by some 'revolutionary'. Others just a 'fad' that will fade away in time. But known by various terms "Digital Ink", "Electronic Paper" or "Rollable Display Technology" it is about to send centuries old print paper into the dimmest recesses of the Dark Ages. Although, differing terms they all give a basic idea of what this technology can do and deliver.

Thin! Flexible! Light! Are only some of the words heard to describe the attractive aspects of this new product. And what does it offer the average consumer?

For one thing, a thin light screen unrolls from a tiny case to reveal a larger paper-like display that allows readers a totally new reading delight.

The digital aspect is somewhat misleading- it still looks a lot like paper! But that is where the similarity ends. One of the benefits of this new technology its light speed advanced above and beyond the centuries old ways of reading/viewing words (data) to the new rollable display technology (or Digital Ink) currently about to send the printed word spinning off its axis.

Soon to be available in cell phones as well it takes reading to new heights, and the cell phone will have one more application that may soon become a must have.

Industry manufacturers are motivated by the probability that this will drive customer demand for 'right now, anytime delivery of data-oriented' services everywhere with 'timely' advantages over the printed word. No more waste. Consumers only buy what they actually use. Example: Most people don't realize that the average paperback is distributed and sold but rarely every single copy. Most are simply thrown away. There is also the fact that paper pulp is made from our only source of oxygen - trees. Even the ancients would still recognize the process of making paper at most any miller or printer today!

One particular "reader" is about paperback size but only 5" in height is has the distinction of being the thinnest reader so far. (and available by Christmas!) When actually reading from this new technology it reminds one strongly of reading an actual paper because the Readers' 800 x600 resolution is digitally crisp and clear at any reading angle and very readable even in direct sunlight-the bemoaned drawback to reading outside.

Thanks to the Electronic Ink Technology that utilizes positive or negative charged microcapsules, which display black or white on the screen, holds the charge -and the screens' image- until another 'page' is 'turned' or digitally replaces it.
The nicest part of this is you get a static- non-flickering screen with the added benefit of low to negligible power needs.
The buttons are easy to use and with one press of your thumb you jump to the next page with only a momentary black out of the entire page while the microcapsules bring up the next display reminding you that you do indeed hold in your hands an 'electronic' book.

The memory aspects of this "reader" are impressive - up to 80 books are available thru the onboard 'flash memory' digital base. If you are wondering pictures are displayed as well but in this first introduction to the public only in 4 shades of gray. This may sound a bit dull and monotonous but appear very crisp on screen although it takes a bit longer to display. With time and practice the little minor 'bumps' are ignored after a while.

The easy use interface and the buttons, ten to be exact, for accessing list selections, and two sets of page turning buttons, works well with the readers' software for file navigation and selection. With a single button depression you can also rotate the screen horizontally for a better view.

There are few drawbacks. The graphics are not in color. No wireless access. And the price may leave many diving for other more multi-functional devices like PDA's, etc.

But for those open to new trends this may offer a novel way of reading and those intrepid souls will openly welcome the sleek stylish reader with the digital screen pages. Reading is aeons old and for some a habit that the nice hard feel of a leather-bound classic can't replace.

But still, on top of this base and special layer, you still need a display technology that's also flexible enough to roll - such as the electronic ink. Combine these two in the right way and you have a rollable display that is tougher and lighter than anything based on glass!