electronic reader
Electronic readers target the electronic book, magazine and periodical market. These are electronic devices that adapt the reading behavior of the paper medium. This means that corresponding readers should not flicker, have no light reflections, display texts and images with high contrast, be extremely lightweight and flat, and, if possible, flexible.
The function of electronic readers is mainly performed by e-book readers, tablet PCs and netbooks, but also by PDAs and smartphones. Most of the previously mentioned requirements for electronic readers are largely met by e-book readers. These are readers that work with special displays, with e-paper, which is also called e-ink, although that is the manufacturer's name. These displays have a very low power consumption due to the process.
But the classic TFT and plasma displays used in tablets or netbooks are also suitable for electronic readers.
Since the e-ink process only supports black and white displays, there are initial developments for reader color displays with e-paper properties. This technology is called Mirasol and was developed by Qualcomm. Other readers work with dual-screen or dual- mode displays.
The functionality of electronic readers is limited compared to tablets, netbooks and PDAs and is based on needs and reading behavior. Another important factor is the connection to the Internet, from where the e-books and e-zines are downloaded. Access to the Internet is realized via WLANs, UMTS or Bluetooth.