The Xteink X3: A Tiny Gadget with Big Potential
It was love at first sight. It was like walking the mall, going in and out of sprawling department stores in search of a specific, elusive item, only to eventually find what you were looking for. Only, I didn’t even know I was looking for something like the Xteink.
Discovering the Xteink X3
That was it. My life was going to change forever. I would get my hands on the Xteink X3 and stop doomscrolling forever. I would read more books than ever before… which is saying something since – I brag – I read at least 50 books a year. But – this is not to brag – I probably still spend more time on social media than reading. I know I generally feel less anxious when I limit my time on social media, but alas, the siren song of TikTok beckons. What if, instead of opening social media, I could just flip my phone over and read on a small e-ink screen similar to a Kindle? Could This $80 Gadget Fix Me?
From Screens to E-Ink: The Transition
I tried reading books (…or downloads of AO3) on my phone, immersing myself in a fictional world, rather than messages from the president in which he threatens to wipe out an entire country. But looking at my phone, where I’m constantly tempted to open Instagram to see what Reel someone sent me, doesn’t really soothe me the way a book or an e-ink device like a Kindle does.
I was so excited for my X3 to arrive that I constantly updated the tracking link until it was finally delivered. Even though I had meticulously compared the dimensions of the But sure enough, the X3 magnetically attached to the back of my phone like it was custom made.
My Here is my work:
The XTeink X3 watches the Phillies begin a ten-game losing streakImage credits:TechCrunch
Initial Impressions and Practical Use
For the first few days I had the X3, I carried it with me on the back of my phone. This made me a little nervous, as I’m used to having a Pop Socket wallet, which means I’ve gotten used to leaving the house without my real wallet. But I found that I used the X3 just as much when I carried it in my purse or pocket, rather than tethering it to my phone. I’m still not sure if I’ll keep this setup or if I’ll start using a real wallet to be able to connect the e-reader, but for now it’s what feels most natural to me. Additionally, my X3 comes with a very compact, cute magnetic case that perfectly protects the device and its screen and makes it a little easier to hold. At only $9 for the case, I would recommend purchasing one. The case can also magnetize your phone, although this seems a little less secure than attaching your X3 alone.
During my two weeks of testing, I found that the X3 helped me learn more. If you’re waiting in line at a cafe or waiting for the bus, you can simply remove the e-reader instead of opening Instagram. I also didn’t find the small screen difficult to read. But just buying the device won’t change your habits: you have to remember that you have a 3.7-inch screen in your pocket that can hold hundreds of books.
Technical Challenges and Community Solutions
The Xteink X3 is close to being my dream device, but it’s not there yet. The firmware that comes with the device is quite clunky – not unusable, but not exactly intuitive. I expected this, as the Xteink Reddit community was buzzing about CrossPoint, a free open source firmware created by the community. The process of downloading CrossPoint was a little intimidating as someone who writes words rather than code – but with the instructions on the CrossPoint website (and a few videos), it was pretty simple. I had some trouble at first, but then realized it was because I was trying to download the firmware from the X4 to my X3, so… that’s bad. You probably won’t even need the YouTube videos!
When you start loading books and open source firmware onto your X3, you’ll notice another controversial aspect of the device: it doesn’t have a USB-C port, unlike the X4. Instead, it uses a magnetic charger. Yes, it’s annoying to have yet another charging cable specifically for this device, but I don’t care. After two weeks of constant use, my X3 went from 100% charged to 96% charged, so I can’t imagine I’ll be using this magnetic charger too often. You don’t even need the cord to add new books to your e-reader – you can transfer files over Wi-Fi from your phone or computer (I wouldn’t call the process user-friendly, but I was able to figure it out without Googling anything).
Limitations and Unique Features
Speaking of loading books, that’s another inconvenience. The majority of what I read on my Kindle comes from Libby, which is my favorite (#unsponsored) app. The Libby app lets you easily borrow eBooks or audiobooks from your library and send them to your Kindle. But you can’t get these e-books (legally) on an This lack of compatibility is a drawback, but it also gives the device a unique feel: it’s a “dumb” device that doesn’t have apps or a touchscreen, which is surprisingly refreshing in the age of AI-enabled refrigerators.
You can add your own screensavers, which I clearly had too much fun withImage credits:TechCrunch
It’s not difficult to find interesting .epub files to load on the X3, even if you can’t access your Kindle or Libby library. Many good books are in the public domain, meaning they are no longer subject to copyright and can be downloaded for free (oddly, I’ve never read “Pride and Prejudice”, so now’s the time). A few months ago I purchased the entire .epub catalogs of science fiction writers Charlie Jane Anders and Annalee Newitz as part of a charity fundraiser, which should keep me busy for a while. If you want, you can even turn online articles or blogs into .epub files using a free program like Caliber.
Conclusion: Did the Xteink X3 Fix Me?
So, did the Xteink X3 fix me? Am I now a newly reformed woman who has a healthy relationship with social media and has read a bunch of classic novels that I never read as an English major, since I mostly took classes with ridiculous titles like “Aestheticus Extremus: The Politics of Precarious Invention in North American Poetry and Poetics”? It’s not that simple. But if you meet the X3 halfway and make a concerted effort to use it, you might save yourself a little more brain power.
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