Epson unveils 300dpi high resolution e-reader display

Epson is developing a 300dpi e-reader display designed especifically for the enterprise and education sectors where large volumes of data are consumed.

The 9.68in display will come with a 2,400x1,650 resolution and will be developed in conjunction with paper and printing manufacturer E Ink.

Further details have yet to be announced, but the display is shaping up to be significantly better than those incorporated in popular e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle.

The UK edition of the Kindle, for example, comes with a 6in screen capable of 167dpi at a resolution of 600x800.

Epson explained that existing 160dpi displays are not crisp enough to render intricate content such as engineering diagrams and illustrations.

"We developed this device specifically to meet the high data demands of business and academia," said Torao Yajima, managing director at Epson.

"Our IC controller and processing power enables the display to handle large files while maintaining the excellent display control and operability found in today's e-readers, including fast page navigation and a sophisticated user interface."

Adding resolution is not revolutionary, but it is a step up and could be seen in high-profile devices such as the Kindle, according to Nick Dillon, a device and platform analyst at Ovum.

"There is still a significant demand for black and white displays as they provide the best reading experience, especially when compared to tablets such as the iPad 2," he told V3.co.uk.

"What will be interesting is the next generation of e-reader screens which offer colour and faster screen refresh rates, like the ones being developed by Pixel QI and Qualcomm with its Mirasol technology."

Further specifications, availability and pricing are yet to be released. E Ink will manufacture, sell and support the newly-developed 300dpi ePaper display and Epson will provide the display controller.