Such gadgets will become more and more popular and everyone will want to hang them on the wall in their home. Why not now?
I have long dreamed of being able to hang something more than a static picture on the wall. Of course, these classic, fully traditional images can be beautiful too, but the chance to change the contents in the frame using an app, without printing, sounds fantastic, right? In addition, there are other applications for such devices, because I am still waiting for the moment when it will be possible to use a large, convenient electronic calendar that synchronizes with the calendars of other household members. The option to display notes, reminders and more would be great too. However, I will have to wait for all this, although we are one step closer to the popularization of such gadgets.
InkPoster – digital e-ink poster to hang on the wall
InkPoster is a digital poster created by three companies: PocketBook, Sharp and E Ink – the main manufacturer of electronic ink technology, which most of us know from e-book readers. The key to its uniqueness is the E Ink Spectra 6 screen, a technology that does not emit its own light, does not generate heat and does not consume energy when displaying a static image. Power is only needed when the displayed graphics change, which means that the built-in battery with a capacity of up to 20,000 mAh can last for almost a year of use.
And since it’s e-ink, many people will immediately think not so much about e-books, but about readers with colorful e-ink screens, which have not made much of an impression so far. The visual effect is what is most surprising. The screen does not have the typical LCD gloss, it does not strain the eyes and… it is supposed to be great at reproducing oil paintings, giving them that analog look, so the manufacturer directly suggests what InkPoster should be used for.
InkPoster Affresco and Tela – two models available in Poland
InkPoster is available in several versions that differ not only in diagonal, but also in the matrix technology used. The 13.3-inch model offers a resolution of 1,200 by 1,600 pixels and is the cheapest option for those who want to test the presence of a digital image on the wall. The 28.5-inch variant has a resolution of 2160 by 3060 with the support of Sharp IGZO technology, which ensures faster image updates and a higher level of detail reproduction. The largest, 31.5-inch model offers a resolution of 2560 by 1440 and uses the classic E Ink Spectra 6 without the Sharp module.
All models support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and are managed via the dedicated InkPoster mobile application. You will find there both your own library of works of art – from classical masters to contemporary paintings – as well as the ability to upload your own photos or graphics. The swivel screen allows for both portrait and landscape orientation, without any additional accessories.
How much does InkPoster cost?
And this is where the difficult part begins. InkPoster Affresco 13.3″ is priced at PLN 2,999, the much larger Tela 28.5″ costs as much as PLN 11,579, and the 31.5-inch model is in the middle with a price of $1,699 – it is not yet available in the Polish Czytio store. These are prices that are not only definitely beyond the reach of the average buyer, but also make InkPoster a niche product today, aimed mainly at companies and wealthy technology enthusiasts. It’s hard to even talk about whimsy, since the purchase would involve spending up to nearly PLN 12,000.
There is one more technical catch that is worth knowing about. Changing the displayed image takes several seconds – this is a limitation resulting directly from the nature of e-paper technology. This is not a problem for typical use (the poster changes once a day or once a week), but if you were hoping that it would be a good screen for anything else, even keeping a calendar, if the manufacturer released such a software update, then refreshing the content lasting up to 20 seconds probably eliminates InkPoster in this role.
Today, no one will choose a dozen or even several dozen inch E-ink screen for the price of a good TV. But we know well how technology becomes cheaper and more available, so it is possible that sooner rather than later we will see such devices at a reasonable price.
