Color E Ink Monitors Emerge: A New Era for Eye-Friendly Displays?
Are you tired of staring at bright LCD and OLED screens all day? A new wave of color E Ink monitors is emerging, promising a more comfortable viewing experience. These monitors, like the Boox Mira Pro Color and the Dasung Paperlike 13K, leverage the benefits of E Ink technology, offering potential relief from eye strain.
Boox, known for its e-readers, is debuting its first desktop monitor featuring a color E Ink screen. The Mira Pro Color carries over the same functionality as its black-and-white predecessor but uses the same E Ink color display technology found in devices like the Kindle Colorsoft. 
However, this technology comes at a premium. The Mira Pro Color, with its 25.3-inch display, is priced at a hefty $1,899.99. It also uses a 3,200 x 1,800 E Ink Kaleido 3 panel, displaying a limited palette of 4,096 colors. While it can't match the refresh capabilities of LCD or OLED screens, Boox offers customizable display modes balancing image quality and performance, even allowing for video playback.
Meanwhile, Dasung is offering the Paperlike 13K, a 13.3-inch 37Hz color E Ink portable monitor, boasting a faster refresh rate than previously seen in similar devices. Dasung claims its "God Level" refresh technology comes in faster than the frame rates of most movies, inching closer to LCD/LED display capabilities. 
It's important to note that the Dasung Paperlike 13K is compatible with Windows and Linux but not with Apple's macOS. It's currently available for pre-order at $749 for the color version with touch functionality.
Who are these monitors for? Boox themselves admit the Mira Pro Color isn't suitable for gamers, photo/video editors, or those who watch media regularly. Instead, these monitors are ideal for those spending their days editing text, writing, or working with spreadsheets in well-lit environments.
The Verdict: Color E Ink monitors may not be ready to replace your primary display for all tasks. However, they present a compelling option for users concerned about eye strain and seeking a more comfortable, paper-like viewing experience, especially for text-heavy work. As the technology evolves and prices become more accessible, E Ink monitors could become a more common sight on desks worldwide.
What do you think about color E Ink monitors? Would you consider using one to reduce eye strain? Share your thoughts in the comments below!