The GP is probably thinking of low-end TN panels, which really do have poor contrast, combined with significant variance in off-axis brightness and color reproduction, further exacerbating the problem. These were extremely common until only recently, with even Apple's pre-Retina MacBook Airs using them.
A modern IPS panel, however, can offer much higher contrast than most e-paper displays, and should offer a comparable experience to e-paper if set to an appropriate ambient brightness and color temperature. This last part is key, because otherwise, you end up with a harsh, bluish cast in residential lighting scenarios.
Most TVs and monitors can have their color temperature set manually, but the only OEM I'm aware of that is doing this automatically right now is Apple with its "True Tone" displays.
A modern IPS panel, however, can offer much higher contrast than most e-paper displays, and should offer a comparable experience to e-paper if set to an appropriate ambient brightness and color temperature. This last part is key, because otherwise, you end up with a harsh, bluish cast in residential lighting scenarios.
Most TVs and monitors can have their color temperature set manually, but the only OEM I'm aware of that is doing this automatically right now is Apple with its "True Tone" displays.