The Word on E-Book Readers (cont.)

Because e-book reader displays don’t emit light like an LCD screen does, you can read them only when there’s enough ambient light—just like a real book. Right now, e-paper technology is monochromatic and low contrast, so the dark-gray text on a grayish background often can be difficult to read in conditions other than bright light. Although reading an e-book on an e-book reader is easier on your eyes than reading one that is on an LCD screen, we found that the constant field of gray on an e-book reader made us bleary-eyed.   

The good news is that because they have no constant power needs, e-book readers last for weeks without needing to be recharged. Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are rated to last between 6,800-10,000 page turns between charges and can be recharged hundreds of times. This means that an e-book reader can display your books for decades.   

E-book reader manufacturers are trying to move beyond the shades of gray. E Ink is working on both higher contrast technology and color capability. IREX announced plans to apply its own color technology to its readers in 2011. However, we suspect that e-paper color will appear drab and unnatural—like a colorized black-and-white movie—but we’ll reserve judgment until the technology arrives.