Pixel Qi late yesterday demonstrated its unique 3-in-1 hybrid display, known as the 3qi. The technology works as a traditional, backlit LCD but can switch its backlight off and convert to an e-paper mode. Besides saving battery life, the switch renders the display more readable in bright light. A third mode keeps the display in LCD mode but puts in monochrome to save energy.

Although still just a prototype, the 3qi display now has more definitive production plans and should be available in both e-book readers as well as netbooks during the fall. The 10-inch example is fitted to an Acer Aspire One D150, but it's not mentioned whether Acer would use the display itself or if it's simply a technology mule.