14 DAY TRIAL // When it comes to displays of any kind, the first technology that pops into one's mind is, most often, LCD. Unfortunately, liquid crystal displays have certain drawbacks that prevent them from becoming ideal display solutions, the most notable of which is their ability to make their images become invisible under sunlight. As such, new solutions, such as the Pixel Qi screen, may actually gain traction, and the fact that the first batch sold out within less than a day after launch definitely confirms it.
The Pixel Qi DIY (do it yourself) kit started to ship about two days ago. Essentially, the kit contains a 10.1-inch display and the instructions needed to replace a regular netbook's LCD with it. The process is mostly painless, can be completed in under 10 minutes and only involves a screwdriver. After the change has been made, end-users never have to worry about the sun again.
The main asset of the Pixel Qi is that it can switch the backlight on and off. Turning the light off makes most sense under sunlight, since the panel absorbs the ambient light itself, instead of reflecting it. This also ensures a far higher energy efficiency than any other panel on sale right now. Unfortunately, there are only two netbooks whose compatibility with the new panel is guaranteed, namely the Samsung N130 and Lenovo S10-2. This, however, is just a formality, since the displays can, or should be able to, actually replace any 10.1-inch screen.
For those interested in being able to use their netbooks outdoors, the official product page where orders can be set is available here. Of course, since they are sold out, customers will have to wait a while before getting their product. Fortunately, it shouldn't take more than a week for the next batch to be ready, which means that, at the very least, the wait won't be agonizing.