We find out how e-ink screens (used by the Kindle) compare with LCD screens (used by iPad and most smartphones).

The Amazon Kindle e-book reader differs from most tablet devices in that it uses an e-ink screen as opposed to a colour LCD screen. Fundamentally, e-ink is a very different technology from LCD. In this article, we look at how e-ink and LCD display technologies work and compare the two technologies.

How do electronic ink (e-ink) displays work?

E-ink (electronic ink) displays produce images and reflect light in the same way normal paper does.

Paper reflects light from the Sun (and from artificial light sources such as light bulbs). Because paper reflects light of all wavelengths, it normally appears white (see left diagram below). In order to form an image on paper, we need to add a layer of ink in the relevant places. This layer of ink is non-reflective (this region appears black as black is the absence of light; see right diagram below). By selectively adding ink to a piece of paper, we can form the desired image.

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Mobile phones with 3D displays finally reach the UK this month. In this article, we find out how they work and whether handsets such as the LG Optimus 3D and HTC Evo 3D will really be flying off the shelf.

The UK’s first 3D mobile phones begin to hit the shelves this month. 3D phones such as the LG Optimus 3D and HTC EVO 3D promise to allow you to watch 3D videos on your handset, to play 3D games and to record videos in 3D. But does 3D really add an extra dimension to the mobile experience? Will they revolutionise the mobile industry or will it be another short-term fad? In this article, we find out how 3D mobile phones work and discuss the outlook for them.

How does the human eye perceive 3D?

Like many other animals, humans have two eyes so that we can see in 3D. As each of our eye are in slightly different places, each eye will observe objects from a slightly different angle. The brain will then piece together the information received from each eye to calculate the distance to the object (hence giving depth perception).

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