HP and Arizona State University researchers have introduced the first prototype of a paper-like computer display made mostly from plastic that has a lot going for it: it’s affordable, flexible and takes it easy on the power. Applications could include electronic paper and signage, according to a press release issued by the two outfits.
(The image above from ASU’s Flexible Display Center represents what such a display could look like in the future.)
The displays are based on self-aligned imprint lithography (SAIL) technology from HP Labs. Other organizations, such as DuPont Jeijin Films and E Ink, also made possible the first prototype.
The invention brought to mind the Plastic Logic reader that colleague Paul McNamara blogged about from Network World’s DEMO show in September: The show’s gee-whiz, hold-it-in-your-hands hit product was the Plastic Logic reader designed specifically for business users. It’s the size of a standard sheet of paper, three-tenths of an inch thin and weighs less than a pound, yet can be stuffed with thousands of documents in myriad formats that can in turn be read anywhere and annotated.
