Netbook Reviews

At Computex 2009 we have seen many new netbooks and nettops introduced to the market. But one of the more interesting developments in the netbook market is a new screen technology from Pixel Qi.

If you have ever used, or should I say, tried to use a laptop or a netbook outside in the sun, you would have no doubt struggled in viewing the display. Due to the high light levels outside, even on their brightest settings, most LCD displays can not be read easily.

Pixel Qi are working on their new 3Qi “Nantasket” screen for netbook and eBook readers. This new display, although similar to eInk, allows for full saturated color and faster refresh rates.

They demonstrated an Acer Aspire One with a Pixel Qi screen fitted. With the backlight on the screen is much brighter than a normal LCD, and with the backlight off, the black and white display can easilly be read in the brightest outside conditions. The screen also used much less power, just 0.8 watt, compared to the typical 2.5 watts.

Pixel Qi also hope to get the energy usage down to just 0.8 watts over the next six months, saving a lot of energy, and providing longer battery life.