Kyobo eReader: First Mirasol Display eBook Reader Debuts in South Korea
Yesterday, we reported that Mirasol displays might not be available for a while. Well, that seems not to be the case—at least not in South Korea. There, an eBook reader with a Mirasol display was introduced today.
The device is called the Kyobo eReader and features a 5.7-inch, touch-sensitive screen with a resolution of 1024×768 pixels. The pixel density, at around 223 ppi, is even slightly better than the already excellent iriver Story HD display (213 ppi). The reader even includes a display backlight, which is a significant advantage for an eBook reader.
The Kyobo eReader is powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 processor, although it’s unclear which exact model it is. It runs a customized version of Android 2.3 Gingerbread (the Sony PRS-T1 runs on Android 2.2.1). You will be able to access the integrated eBook store via WiFi. The 2GB internal storage can be expanded with a memory card. There is also audio support through the integrated speakers and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
The device measures 174 x 119 x 12.9 mm and weighs a solid 338 grams. The battery has a capacity of 1800mAh, which is larger than other devices (Sony PRS-T1 & Kobo Touch: 1000 mAh). The battery life is stated in “weeks” at 25% display brightness, with WiFi turned off, and 30 minutes of reading per day. The price of this currently unique reader is roughly equivalent to 230 euros, significantly more than current eBook readers.
It appears that the Kyobo eReader may be a reference model from Qualcomm. This would mean that the device might be available under a different name outside of South Korea in the future.
If we are to believe yesterday’s report, this will likely not happen until mid-2012 when display production is at full capacity.
In any case, this is our first look at a finished product with a Mirasol display… and after watching the promotional videos, I can’t wait to get my hands on one! The contrast looks good, the display background seems noticeably brighter than current eInk displays, and the colors are sufficiently vibrant.
However, there appear to be downsides as well. I can currently count three:
- The Kyobo eBook Reader weighs twice as much as a Sony PRS-T1 (!).
- The power consumption seems not to be as low as eInk displays—otherwise, such a large battery would likely not be necessary.
- Apparently, a capacitive touchscreen with a glass surface is used. This would mean readability in direct sunlight suffers significantly, and even under normal operation, this is a drawback.
At least the last negative point could be addressed with the well-known infrared touchscreen technology used by Sony, Kobo, and Amazon. Also, considerable weight savings may be possible by removing the glass surface. Only the battery life remains to be proven. In the press release, battery life is stated as “weeks”, so one can at least hope for two weeks. However, since the device has a display backlight and, thanks to Android, also includes a capable internet browser, it is highly likely that the battery could deplete much faster.
Let’s hope that the major eBook reader manufacturers adopt this technology by the next product cycle. This would further close the gap between eBook readers and tablets.
