[_8rlb]

The pixels are classical mechanical, as opposed to LEDs (electrical) or other solid state devices.

The particles in a pixel could deform/burst or clamp together over time, as they move around. Both scenarios lead to decreased contrast.

The less they move the longer the screen will last. I've no experience with the manufacture of those displays but I reason with physics.

[dredmorbius]

More fluid than mechanical.

Note that even electrical displays can suffer burn-in, with CRT, LCD, and LED screens all exhibiting this. (I'm unsure about plasma displays, as I don't understand that technology.)

[_8rlb]

Yes! But intuition tells me that suspended particles moving past each other make a more fragile system than solid state devices.

Also take into account the difference in refreshes between reading a book (0.05 HZ) and writing (30 HZ). That is, using the display as a general purpose monitor necessitates 600 times as many partial refreshes. I approximate full screen refreshes occur 6000 times more often.

If degradation goes linearly with usage then the lifespan of the display would decrease significantly if used as a monitor. It would be good if someone in the industry could comment on this.