Electronic Ink Ebook Reader Debuts in Japan

Sony released the LIBRIe in Japan today. This is the first device to use the Electronic Ink display that E Ink Corporation and Philips Electronics have developed over the last several years. This type of display has several advantages over traditional LCDs, and it is expected to be used in many more devices.

The LIBRIe's screen is covered with a layer of minute spheres with oppositely-charged dark and light particles inside. By applying a small bit of power, each sphere can be made to appear black or white.

It can maintain its image without power, drawing current only when it changes, which means batteries last a long time. The LIBRIe's four AAA batteries allow it to display more than 10,000 pages.

The display has a resolution of 800 pixels by 600 pixels at 170 pixels per inch (ppi). Electronic Ink displays deliver the readability of paper without backlighting and are thin and light. The LIBRIe's screen is 6 inches across and, according to the three companies, weighs half what a comparable LCD does, and is half as thick, too. The whole device about the same size and weight as a thin paperback book.

The LIBRIe has 10 MB of storage, plus a Memory Stick slot. It is available only in Japan for about $375. Sony has not yet decided whether it will be available in other countries.

All the ebooks for this device come from Sony. They are only about $5 each, but expire after 60 days.

Expect More Electronic Ink Displays

Although they aren't right for all applications, Electronic Ink screens are expected to be used in some future handhelds and smart phones.

Well aware that many users aren't interested in monochrome displays, E Ink Corporation and Philips Electronics are working on a color version intended for all kinds of portable devices. This should be available in about two years.

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