LG reveals solar-powered e-book reader
updated 07:40 am EDT, Mon October 12, 2009
LG Solar Cell e-Book lasts an extra day
LG Display today staked out a minor first for e-book readers with a prototype of the Solar Cell e-Book. The 6-inch device has its own solar panel and, since e-paper consumes little power of its own, can significantly extend its battery life even with only a 9.6 percent efficient solar charge. LG estimates another full day of reading if the Solar Cell is exposed to sunlight for four to five hours.
It's not clear whether the reader will be put on sale in the future, but the prototype partly exists as a stepping stone for improved solar panel efficiency at LG. The firm expects efficiency to jump to 12 percent by 2010 and to 14 percent by 2012.
