Solar Powered E-Book Reader from LG
E-book readers have given a step up to the dying art of book reading. By removing the need for forest to be cut down and pulped in to paper, the E-book has already put one foot forward towards being environmentally friendly.
LG Displays has proceeded with taking another step in their announcement of the solar powered E-book reader prototype. With the aid of a small 10cm by 10cm thin film solar panel that has a time 0.7mm thickness, LG claims that with just four or five hours exposure you can have a whole days worth of use.
The thin film technology has an efficiency rate of 12% and LG are working to increase the power output. They hope by 2012 to have improved the panels to 14%. This might not seem like much, but combine that with the advancement in electronic chips that will consume less power and the 2% solar efficiency will feel like much more.
E-books, the electronic form of books, have been around for a long time and now with more companies taking notice of make portable readers it will not be long before they become as commonplace as mobile phones. Screen technology developments that will include flexible screens that can be folded or rolled up will arrive.
There is no doubt that the traditional paper book and newspaper has some attraction, the feel of flipping pages and the ability to open up a book in bed or while we are commuting. I even hear some people take books to read while they are on exotic beaches with clear blue seas. Wherever your preference of reading places may be, E-book readers still cannot compete yet. LD is beginning on the road to show that these devices can be self-powering and removing them from having to be near a source of electrical energy other than the sun.
While, not quite in production yet. The reader is being showcased at the International Meeting On Information Display (IMID) in Seoul, South Korea. How much it will finally cost and when we will be able to purchase one are unknown, but you now know what kind of advancements in technology to expect and maybe hope for a truly paper media clone in the years to come.
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