Pixelqi plans a low-power tablet

DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY OUTFIT Pixelqi is ramping up development of a bright and energy efficient screen that it hopes will be 7-inch Ipad and Kindle killer.

Ex-CTO of the One Laptop Per Child project, Mary Lou Jepsen founded Pixelqi to research and develop low powered and cheap displays. The company is working on a range of display technologies, including an idiot-proof do-it-yourself screen that can be fitted by anyone onto their existing netbook.

The Inquirer reported in June that Indian tablet maker Notion Ink was already lined up to use a Pixelqi display in its Adam tablet. The technology lets you use the screen in bright sunlight, unlike the Ipad.

"The dramatic power savings our screens offer allows much lighter devices by saving on battery weight and housing needed for battery safety," Ms Jepsen blogged.

"Our screens are also readable in any light even direct sunlight and are optimised for easy reading in any light and crisp text."

Of the new screen, Jepsen gave away scant details, saying only that it will be out soon.

"We are developing a 7-inch screen for tablets and ereaders that is planned for mass production in H1 2011. Samples will be available earlier, perhaps by late Q4 2010," blogged Jespen.

Jepsen also said Pixelqi's own tablet is back on track after putting production on the back burner thanks to the ubiquity of Apple's Ipad. Like most manufacturers working on tablets and netbooks, it had been afraid to go into the water with Apple eating up orders.

"Tight supply chain and 100% factory usage this spring and summer coupled with Apple's disruptive iPad effectively had a 1-2 punch impact: delaying most tablet makers from coming to market as early as they wished."

Jepsen said the situation has eased now, so Pixelqui is back on track to develop the product with Notion Ink. µ