Pixel Qi introduces tablet-ready screens, we go hands-on (video)

When we last caught up with Pixel Qi at CES, we were downright ecstatic about its dual-mode 3Qi LCDs with switchable backlights, though we had a few wants, including touchscreen support and better viewing angles. Well, the screen company took our criticism to heart, and brought along its new touch-capable and "wideview" panels to Computex. The new displays -- which are readable indoors and out -- are also 30 percent more power-efficient than the previous models, PixelQi founder Mary Lou Jepsen told us.

Much to our delight, we were able to handle a number of different tablets and netbooks infused with the new screens earlier today. The one pictured above is actually an Intel Atom Moorestown-powered 10-inch slate with a capacitive touch 3Qi screen; there's a button on the right edge that turns the backlight on and off. Another on display had a Wacom digitizer for taking notes in Windows 7 Home Premium. In the short time we spent with the tablets and mock-ups, we discovered pen and finger input to be very responsive in both LCD modes. We were similarly impressed with the wideview screen on the netbooks -- a movie trailer was viewable when the screen was tilted off axis as well as from the sides. So, that's the good news, but where the heck are the real devices? You know, the ones we can buy? We wanted to know the same thing, and CEO Mary Lou Jepsen assured us that they are currently working with major manufacturers. We hope so, Mary Lou. We hope so. Hit the gallery for tons of shots (the screen is a photographer's dream!) and a video demo after the break.

PixelQi 3Qi tablets and netbooks at Computex 2010

[AJ2000 Posted Jun 2nd 2010 11:24AM]

Luv it. Want it. Need it.

[TareG Posted Jun 2nd 2010 11:44AM]

PixelQI have announced plans for this year to produce 4" screens for smartphones....

I am torn between by desire to see Super AMOLED (which is slightly worse than IPS-LCD outdoors, but incredible indoors) and PixelQI (which is simply unrivaled outdoors, but "not special" indoors....)

[TechBlogger Posted Jun 2nd 2010 12:48PM]

Very, very nice. Wonderful stuff.

[Keanedi Posted Jun 2nd 2010 12:56PM]

I wish real products will come out soon.

[EmGee Posted Jun 2nd 2010 1:00PM]

I'd like to see this on a newer version of the Kindle running a custom skin of android 2.2. I mean come on amazon we are waiting. PixilQi displays seem comparable to e-ink so why not just go with it. I especially like the wacom digitizer pen input, I think kindle should get that too, its size would be cool for taking notes and what not like that Asus tablet that is supposedly coming out.

[Plothole Posted Jun 3rd 2010 3:02AM]

@EmGee
The Pixel Qi panels appear to be considerably thicker than eInk. They're probably heavier too.

[EmGee Posted Jun 3rd 2010 1:16PM]

@Plothole Oh I see. Yeah I guess that would put a damper on the thinness of the device and probably get a persons arm tired much quicker.

[savagemike Posted Jun 2nd 2010 1:55PM]

I don't see why these aren't out.
The company has stated before that production is not an issue.
So why are they not in devices?

Does some suit actually sit somewhere making tons of cash and not realizing that this is game-changing tech which would be a go/no-go decision for a lot of people buying tablets.
For myself, other things being anywhere near close to in the same ballpark of equal for two products in the tablet realm I am considering - and I am choosing the one with this screen. Period. In a decision that would take about 2 seconds.
As in, if somebody releases this screen on a device then I am not even going to consider any unit (apple or otherwise) which does not have it.

I mean seriously... is some suit somewhere actually hemming and hawwing over whether this tech should be in their product or not!?

[darknessangel Posted Jun 2nd 2010 2:52PM]

so... when they say lower power consumption it would be cool to see some comparisons between the usual gadget and the one with Pixie magic.