Onyx Boox, known for its e-ink Android tablets, has unveiled a new 25.3-inch color e-ink monitor, the Mira Pro, priced at $1,900. This monitor boasts a 3200 x 1800 resolution and utilizes Kaleido 3 color e-ink technology, offering a wider color gamut and faster refresh rates than previous generations. While still slower than traditional monitors, it targets users sensitive to eye strain and those who primarily work with text-based documents, code, or comics. The Mira Pro runs Android 11 and features several ports, including USB-C with DisplayPort support, allowing connection to various devices.
The technology news website Ars Technica reports on the burgeoning availability of a new color E Ink monitor, manufactured by Onyx Boox, a company known primarily for its Android-based E Ink tablets. This monitor represents a significant development in the E Ink display market, as it offers a color display experience with the characteristic low-power consumption and eye-friendly nature of E Ink technology. While the exact model name isn't explicitly stated in the Ars Technica piece, the article focuses on its most striking feature: its price point of $1,900 USD. This positions the monitor as a premium offering, likely targeted at niche users who prioritize the benefits of E Ink over the vibrant colors and high refresh rates of traditional LCD or OLED displays. The article highlights Onyx Boox's history with E Ink devices, suggesting that their experience in this area lends credibility to their foray into the monitor market. While detailed specifications are not fully enumerated, the article mentions the utilization of Kaleido 3 color E Ink technology, which implies a color palette and resolution likely improved over previous iterations of color E Ink. It also notes the monitor's intended use cases, suggesting it may be particularly well-suited for tasks such as reading, coding, and writing, where reduced eye strain and a paper-like display are highly valued. Furthermore, the article touches upon the current landscape of color E Ink monitors, implicitly acknowledging the limited options available to consumers and positioning Onyx Boox's offering as a notable, albeit expensive, addition to this growing market segment. In conclusion, Ars Technica presents this new monitor as a compelling development for those interested in color E Ink technology, while also acknowledging its potentially prohibitive cost for the average consumer.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43857040
Hacker News users discussed the high price point of the Onyx Boox Mira Pro, with some expressing interest despite the cost due to its unique eye-friendly nature, particularly for coding and writing. Several commenters questioned the value proposition compared to larger, higher-resolution traditional monitors at a lower price. The slow refresh rate was also a major concern, limiting its use cases primarily to static content consumption and text-based work. Some users shared positive experiences with previous E Ink monitors, highlighting their benefits for focused work, while others suggested waiting for future iterations with improved color and refresh rates at a more accessible price. A few commenters also discussed potential niche applications like displaying dashboards or using it as a secondary monitor for specific tasks.
The Hacker News post discussing the $1900 color E Ink monitor from Onyx Boox generated a fair amount of discussion, with many commenters expressing interest but also reservations due to the high price and limited refresh rate.
Several users discussed potential use cases for such a monitor, particularly for coding and writing due to the reduced eye strain offered by E Ink technology. One commenter mentioned its appeal for focused work, comparing it to a distraction-free typewriter. Another user suggested its suitability for reading documentation and static content. However, the slow refresh rate was a major concern for many, with some doubting its practicality for everyday computing tasks. One commenter highlighted the potential issues with video playback and interactive applications.
The price point was a significant barrier for many commenters. Some compared it to the cost of high-end, conventional monitors, arguing that the E Ink monitor, despite its niche appeal, was overpriced. Others speculated that the price would eventually decrease as the technology matures.
A few commenters expressed interest in seeing reviews and real-world performance tests before considering a purchase. They were curious about the color accuracy and overall user experience. One user specifically asked about ghosting, a common issue with E Ink displays.
The discussion also touched on the potential market for such a monitor. Some believed it would appeal to a small, dedicated niche of users prioritizing eye comfort and focused work. Others suggested that its adoption would depend heavily on future price drops and improvements in refresh rate.
Finally, some comments focused on the broader E Ink technology and its future applications. One commenter mentioned the potential for color E Ink in signage and other public displays. Another expressed hope for future iterations with improved color saturation and responsiveness.
Overall, the comments reflected a mixture of intrigue and skepticism. While many acknowledged the potential benefits of a color E Ink monitor for certain tasks, the high price and performance limitations were significant deterrents. Many commenters adopted a wait-and-see approach, hoping for future improvements and price reductions.