E-paper? Huh? I'm confused.

With healthy debate continuting in regards to books versus e-books, I thought we had enough to discuss. Then the Vook appeared. And now, it seems there's another contender joining the fight: e-paper.

TG Daily announced today that AU Optronics is using something called "flexible e-paper" to create a new (and apparently, larger) surface on which to read.

AU Optronics (AUO) has announced a 20-inch e-paper module - the world's largest,
it says - and has launched its six-inch and nine-inch flexible e-paper displays.

The 20-inch EPD (Electrophoretic Display) module is aimed at public information display applications because of its ability to eliminate backlight. It features power consumption of less than 2W as well as 16 gray level capabilities.

The company has also launched six-inch & nine-inch touch function built-in e-book displays. With in-cell touch functions and embedded single chip solution, the nine-inch e-book display provides a 1024 x 768 screen. AUO is also launching two-piece six-inch e-book with a foldable design to make it a bit more like a real book.

Read more about "e-paper" HERE

Exectuives at AUO seem to think e-paper is the next big thing. The senior VP and GM of AUO's Consumer Product Display Business Group, Dr. CT Liu says that "mass production of the flexible e-paper will drive the next wave of the reading revolution."

I just don't see this working. People who are part of the e-book movement don't care, and people who are more old-school (like moi) still don't want an e-book, even if they can bend the screen. It seems like a colassel waste of time, energy, and resources to me.

I guess we'll see just how long e-paper lasts, if it even ever takes off.

Let the games begin...