EnerGenie ePP2: 9.7-inch eInk Device Unveiled at IFA 2013 [Video]

In addition to the presentation of the Sony PRS-T3, there is another eInk device making its debut at the IFA 2013. The EnerGenie ePP2 (E-Paper Printer 2), featuring a 9.7-inch eInk Pearl screen, is designed to provide valuable assistance in a productive work environment.

This is achieved through a high-resolution 1600×1200 pixel display with 200 ppi and the ability to send documents directly to the device as PDFs, complete with note-taking and highlighting functions. This works via the print function in Windows or Mac OS. Once a document is open, you can “print it to the device” directly when the ePP2 is connected via USB.

E-Paper Printer … for what purpose?

What might initially seem unnecessary, given that you can drag and drop any file onto an eBook reader’s internal storage, could prove very practical in reality. Using the print function allows the document to be automatically adjusted to the screen size, thus ensuring optimal readability on the eInk Printer with minimal effort. For office use across different PCs, the device could indeed be useful for specific applications.

Operation is carried out via a Wacom touchscreen, meaning inputs must be made with a stylus. The target area of use is clearly the business sector, as is evident in the PowerPoint product presentation.

Under the hood, an 800 MHz processor is supported by 256 MB of RAM. The 4 GB internal storage can be expanded by up to 32 GB with a MicroSD card. It runs on Android 2.3.4, likely in a highly customized and restricted version. The 2,350 mAh battery is supposed to last for up to 10,000 page turns. The ePP2 measures 270 x 188 x 11.5 mm and weighs 600 grams.

Better off with a tablet?

The price is expected to be a hefty 400 to 500 euros. With such a high entry price, the advantages of the device may diminish. For under 400 euros, you can already get 10-inch “Retina” tablets from Google or Kobo. While they lack a power-saving eInk display, they offer a multitude of other functions. In my opinion, it will be challenging to market such a device to (corporate) customers at this price point.

It is also interesting to note that the device’s design strongly resembles the Ectaco Jetbook Color and is based on the Hanvon E920. This is shown in this document, which also mentions that the development of the ePP2 was supported with EU funding (“This project was funded with the support of the European Regional Development Fund of the European Commission”).

If you’re interested in seeing the device in action, you can start the following video playback, or visit Gembird – the manufacturer of the ePP2 – at the IFA.