Fujitsu shows off next-gen color LCD eReader

Fujitsu recently demonstrated a prototype of their next generation cholesteric LCD color digital paper module at the International Digital Publishing Expo. The machine uses a set of Cholesteric liquid crystals to create the display. Cholesteric liquid crystals are different from other methods of creating color LCD displays because this method does not require polarizing plates, reflecting plates, color filters or back lights in order to create the display, which allows them to be thinner than other LCD options.

The trial model, which weighs only weighs 220g, is running a Linux-based operating system, unlike previous versions put out by Fujitsu that used Windows. This new model has an enhanced processing speed, with a write speed of 0.7 seconds and the complete elimination of dithering on the 4,096-color range display that is 8" on the diagonal. The final screen resolution is 157 dpi with a contract ratio of 8:1.

Worried about being able to snag some of your favorite eBooks from sites like Project Gutenberg? Well, the device can read documents in the JPEG, PDF, and EPUB file formats, so you should be able to get what you want without having to spend too much cash on the classics that you know and love.

No word yet on when you can expect the device to be on shelves or what it will cost.

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