Print
Dozens of comparisons between LCD and E-ink screens are made almost every day, but this is the first time we’ve seen both at 375x magnification. It still doesn’t really settle the argument as to which is better for reading, but it’s interesting to check out for yourself either way. The two technologies pictured above are the iPad’s 1024-by-768 IPS 132 pixel per inch LCD, along with the Kindle 2’s 600-by-800 167 pixel per inch e-ink display.
It would be interesting to see how much crisper the new “pearl” e-ink screen would look by comparison, but we still have a long way to go before it reaches parity with print.
Below is also a comparison between the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 LCD. Does the retina display live up to the hype? See for yourself.
Comments are closed on this article
MrHorspwer
August 16, 2010 at 5:23am
I just finished up my first ebook on an iPad. I was pleasantly surprised. Knowing how tiring it is to constantly stare at a standard LCD monitor, I didn't have high expectations for the iPad's LCD screeen as an e-reader. My expectations were exceeded and I will be purchasing more ebooks on the iPad.
Now, I can't tell you how much better or worse it is than an e-ink reader, since I haven't used one. I also don't sit down to read for hours on end. I'm a casual reader and the most I read on the iPad was a little over an hour. I didn't notice any fatigue or eye strain, certainly no more that reading a real paper book.
For the casual reader, unless you have specific eye strain issues, I don't see the iPad as being a notably inferior choice to an e-ink reader. E-ink is still pretty cool technology though.
JohnP
August 16, 2010 at 12:22pm
I too can easily read for an hour at a time on an LCD screen. I am not by any means a casual reader tho, averaging a book every other day. After about another 30 minutes on an LCD screen my eyes start to dry out, a headache forms and I am ready to quit. E-Ink is truly as readable as a book, better in some respects. I can read it all day (or all night depending on the book!). That is why I stick to E-Ink readers.
Nickompoop
August 15, 2010 at 10:03pm
I wish you had labeled the pictures to tell us where each sample came from (iPad, Nook, etc.). It's not clear at all which sample pertains to which product.
Mister Friendly
August 15, 2010 at 7:53pm
This is a non article with a link to a proper article that, apparently, you couldn't parse or comprehend well enough to summarize into something like a point.
JohnP
August 15, 2010 at 12:34pm
Now I would asume that MPC would have the ability to get their hands on these devices, yes? And that several people in the office actually like to read books, yes? So grab a device and sit down and read a book through in ONE sitting with each of the devices. This isn't gene splicing here...
When someone or some people DO this, I would assume that (he/she/they) will find out why the Kindle has sold millions of readers and books. The Kindle is easier to read for a long sitting. There is a REASON why the E-Ink started the E-Book revolution y'know.
So any volunteers? Me, I just spent 4 hours last night reading a book on my SONY 505 Reader. So I already know the answer to this question.
As for reading a book on a cell phone, good luck. I can watch movies on mine, but frankly the TV is slightly better.
Geesh.
