E-ink is the main display technology for e-book readers, but it is also used in other types of products to take advantage of its advantages in consumption and viewing comfort. We see them integrated into wearables, keyboards or laptops and Philips has thought that they can also be useful in monitors.
No sooner said than done. The Philips 24B1D5600 is a model with a screen 23.8-inch IPS and native resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. It offers a 75Hz refresh rate, 250cd/m² brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio (static) and 4ms (gray-to-gray) response time.
So far quite normal for the current level of the computer monitor market, although its focus on offices or work at home makes it gain benefits in connectivity with a Hub that includes a USB-C input that supports USB PD 3.0 up to 90W for charging third-party devices, a built-in Gigabit Ethernet port, audio output, and four USB Type-A ports. For digital video connection includes a Display Port 1.2 port.
However, the great novelty of this model is an additional and independent electronic ink screen on the right side of the monitor. It is attached by hinges and can be tilted up to 45 degrees towards the main screen. this screen E Ink measures 13.3 inches and has a resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels.
Another peculiarity of this screen is that it requires its own data input, which is done through a USB-C port that also supports DP Alt mode and is capable of outputting 15W of power to a connected device such as a smartphone.
What can we use it for? Surely an ordinary consumer will not find it very useful, but it must be emphasized that this monitor is intended for companies, home offices or the educational segment, for example to view documents without taking up space on the main screen, maximizing productivity and with a Black-and-white, energy-efficient display that won’t cause eye strain caused by conventional backlit LCD monitors.
Although the connection of the secondary screen is independent, Philips includes the Philips SmartRemote software for its control and work together with the main screen. An easy-to-use menu allows you to drag files into the tool window, browse content, zoom in, zoom out, and change pages.
This Philips 24B1D5600 is obviously not for everyone, but it can be useful for certain tasks. And it offers something “different” which is saying a lot in a segment where almost everything is invented and it is difficult to innovate.
