Abstract
Electronic books (e-book) are an interesting option compared to classic paper books. Most e-reading devices of the first generation were based on e-ink technology. With the appearance of the Apple iPad on the market, TFT-LCDs became important in the field of e-reading. Both technologies have advantages and disadvantages but the question remains whether one or the other technology is better for reading. In the present study we analyzed and compared reading behavior when reading on e-inkreader (e-ink displays) and on tablets (TFT-LCDs) as measured by eye-tracking. The results suggest that the reading behavior on tablets is indeed very similar to the reading behavior on e-ink-reader. Participants showed no difference in fixation duration. Significant differences in reading speed and in the proportion of regressive saccades suggest that tablets, under special artificial light conditions, may even provide better legibility.
Highlights
Electronic books (e-books) have become an important part on the book market
Nielsen (2010) compared reading on an e-ink-reader (Kindle), on a Tablet (Apple iPad) and on a classic paper book by experimenting on himself. He found that reading on the e-ink reader was 10.7% slower than reading on a classic paper book
The analysis of eye movement data shows that reading behaviour on LCDs is very similar to the reading behaviour on e-ink displays
Summary
Electronic books (e-books) have become an important part on the book market. Advantages like a storage function, the possibility of adjusting font size or searching for keywords make e-books an interesting advancement of the classic paper book. The new generation of e-readers includes, among others, the Sony reader, the Amazon Kindle or the Barnes & Noble Nook Reader This generation of e-readers is equipped with e-ink display technology. For example the new Kindle reader gets up to a month of battery life Another advantage is that they can be used outside without glare. E-ink displays look more like printed-paper than any other display does Their technology is based on tiny microcapsules, with a diameter in the size of a human hair. When an electric field is applied, the white particles move to the top of the microcapsule where they become visible to the user This makes the surface appear white at that spot. By reversing the electric field, the black particles appear at the top of the capsule, which makes the surface appear dark at that spot ("E Ink: Technology", 2011).
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