Pixel Qi's power-saving 3Qi laptop displays were sold out just a day after it was announced and put on the market.

The 3Qi liquid crystal display (LCD) screens were developed for over two years. It can absorb ambient light to brighten screens, thereby reducing the need for a backlight. It can also extend the battery life of laptops by reducing energy consumption.

For its initial release, Pixel Qi came out with 10.1-inch screens for netbook-type devices that are targeted for the do-it-yourself community. The LCD screens, which go for US$275, have already sold out but have been made available for pre-order through Maker Shed's Web site.

The screens allow users to view full-motion video. It also has a reflective mode to take advantage of ambient light sources. This setting is best suited when reading e-books. Pixel Qi says that the screens consume 80 less power when in reflective mode compared to conventional LCD screens.

The screens have been tested with the Samsung N130 and the Lenovo S10-2 netbooks. The screens may eventually be available for e-books and tablets. Notion Ink, a consumer electronics firm, displayed its Adam tablet with a 3Qi display at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.