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When it comes to electronic reader devices such as the Amazon Kindle and Sony Reader, touch-screen interfacing, wireless connectivity, E-Ink displays, and saving trees, are all par for the course. However, as LG casts an eye of consideration over the burgeoning market, it would appear keen to offer prospective buyers something a little different.
LG\'s prototype set to shine? Image: LG.
More pointedly, LG has this week revealed a solar-powered prototype book reader that will enable its users to (further) help preserve the environment while losing themselves in a thoroughly good ebook.
The ‘Thin Film Si Solar Cell’, which is 10cm x 10cm, less than a millimetre in thickness, and weighs in at a modest 10 grams, is situated within the device’s accompanying folder and therefore remains unobtrusive while absorbing its energy.
According to LG, the solar panel currently has an energy conversion rate of 9.6 percent and is capable of providing readers with a full day’s usage in return for five hours of sunlight charge time.
While LG adding yet more worth to the green credentials of electronic book readers is a tantalising prospect, the company has intimated that a market-ready reader is unlikely until an energy conversion rate of 14 percent has been achieved.
It has put forth a tentative date of 2012 for viable commercialisation.
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