Color E-Paper Technology: Why Monochrome is Still the Best Choice
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Monochrome E-Paper Devices: The Current Preference
The Onyx Boox Note Air 2 is an example of an elegant monochrome e-paper reader (image by the author).
NOTE: I am not affiliated with these products; I am sharing my personal experiences.
As someone who has never fully embraced digital reading, I find the blue-tinted light emitted by typical LCD screens to be quite uncomfortable. My sensitivity to artificial light led me to utilize blue light blocking protectors on all my devices and wear blue light filtering glasses throughout my home. In short, I have a strong aversion to non-natural light, making e-paper screens a preferred choice for my sensitive eyes.
When Onyx introduced their latest color e-ink device, the Boox Nova 3 Color, I was eager to try it out. I hoped to find a color e-paper option that could serve as a replacement for my backlit LCD devices, which I had heavily modified to reduce blue light exposure. However, I ultimately opted for the Boox Note Air 2.
Understanding the Note Air 2: Monochrome Excellence
The Note Air 2 operates in monochrome; the screen does not display color directly. However, when I record the screen (as seen in the previous image) or cast it to another device, the output appears colorful.
So, why did I choose this monochrome model over a color alternative? Ideally, I would prefer a color e-paper display, but the existing technology is not yet sufficient. Both E-ink Kaleido and True Color DES screens lack amber front lighting, which is essential for reducing eye strain. These color screens also require a darker display to maintain vibrant hues compared to their monochrome versions. While the DES e-paper does slightly better with color vibrancy, all currently available color e-paper devices depend on blue-tinted front lighting to achieve any color (amber options are still unavailable).
As it stands, the technology for color e-paper devices is not market-ready. However, given the rapid advancements by Onyx and its competitors, I suspect solutions will emerge soon. When they do, I will be among the first to purchase one.
Exploring E-Paper with Arduino and Raspberry Pi
In this video, we delve into the integration of e-paper displays with Arduino and Raspberry Pi, showcasing the potential of this technology in creative projects.
Getting Started with e-Paper/e-Ink Display
This video serves as a beginner's guide to using e-Paper and e-Ink displays with Arduino and ESP8266, providing valuable insights for custom image projects.
The Best Color E-Paper Tablet Today
For those curious about the largest color e-paper tablet currently available, check out the 10.3-inch E-INK Kaleido 2 color screen.
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