Ledger starts shipping its high-end hardware crypto wallet
Is Ledger's New €279 Crypto Wallet Worth It?
Ledger, a French company known for secure hardware crypto wallets, has begun shipping its new high-end Ledger Stax wallets, designed in collaboration with iPod co-creator Tony Fadell. The Ledger Stax features a curved E-Ink display, enhancing visibility and energy efficiency, and includes advanced features like a secure touch screen and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless transactions. Initially sold for €279 during pre-orders, the final retail price remains unconfirmed. The device also supports Qi wireless charging and has built-in magnets for stacking multiple units.
How does the E-Ink display technology used in the Ledger Stax benefit its users, especially compared to traditional displays?
The E-Ink display technology used in the Ledger Stax offers several benefits, particularly when compared to traditional displays. First, E-Ink displays are highly energy-efficient, consuming less power than conventional displays, which is crucial for devices like hardware wallets that may not be charged frequently2. This efficiency extends the battery life of the Ledger Stax, making it more reliable for long-term use without frequent recharges.
Additionally, E-Ink screens provide excellent readability in various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight. This feature is particularly advantageous for a device like a hardware wallet, which may be used outdoors or in brightly lit environments where traditional displays might struggle with glare and visibility.
Moreover, the aesthetic and functional design of the Ledger Stax's curved E-Ink display allows for unique features such as displaying information on the spine of the device6. This can be extremely useful for users who own multiple devices, as it enables them to identify and differentiate between them easily, even when the devices are powered off. This design innovation not only enhances usability but also contributes to the device's sleek and modern appearance, aligning with the needs of high-end customers.
What challenges did Ledger face in producing the curved E-Ink displays for the Ledger Stax at scale?
Ledger encountered significant challenges in producing the curved E-Ink displays for the Ledger Stax at scale. The complexity of manufacturing these curved screens, which are a new feature compared to the flat screens used in previous models like the Nano S Plus and Nano X, led to production delays5. The company initially overpromised on the design capabilities, finding it more difficult than anticipated to mass-produce these innovative displays. This issue contributed to the delay in the shipment schedule of the Ledger Stax devices.