Amazon's trending mini e-readers offer distraction-free reading for $69
These pocket-sized e-readers can make you more productive.
Overview
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I've been looking for the perfect e-reader for months now. Every time I think I've narrowed down my pick, I come across another option that leaves me weighing my options yet again. First, I debated getting a Kindle, then I was considering a Kobo. The latest e-readers that have entered the chat are from Xteink, and their ultra-small size, simple design, and affordable price are enough to bump them to the top of my e-reader wishlist.
The new Xteink X3 E-Book Reader and its still-popular predecessor, the Xteink X4 E-Book Reader, have been all over social media. The pocket-sized e-readers have gone viral, with many dubbing them "purse Kindles." At Amazon, the Xteink X3 is currently on sale for $69, and the X4 is available at its regular price, which is also only $69.
Xteink X3 E-Reader
Xteink X4 E-Reader
Mini e-readers for productivity on the go
Mini e-readers, like the Xteink X3 and X4, are super compact. The X3 is just 3.7 inches long and 2 ounces, and the X4 is 4.3 inches long and 2.72 ounces, both of which are significantly smaller and lighter than other e-readers, like Kindles, that are around 6 inches to 7 inches in size. This makes them portable and easy to carry, with the ability to put them in a mini shoulder bag. I've also seen people put them in their journal systems or wallets.
The compact e-readers are even smaller than most smartphones. In fact, they're actually magnetic and MagSafe compatible, so you can easily attach them to the back of your phone. You might be wondering: Why add another device to my smartphone, when I can download the Kindle or Libby app to read on my phone? And while you certainly can do that, we'll dive more into mini e-reader benefits below.
A small size isn't the only thing a mini e-reader has to offer. Their distraction-free design and E Ink display are also major advantages. Since Xteink devices are made for reading and reading only, you aren't bombarded with notifications and potential distractions that you might get from a smartphone or tablet. Additionally, the E Ink display is also easier on the eyes than OLED or LCD screens, allowing for less eye strain and longer reading sessions.
Details
With a pocket-friendly size, zero distractions, and an eye-strain-free screen, one Amazon shopper said they "have read more and faster than I ever have in my adult life" when using the Xteink X3 e-reader.
What to consider before getting a mini e-reader
There's a lot to love about these mini e-readers, but they don't come without some downsides. The first potential downside is that they don't have touchscreens. Many other e-readers, like Kindle and Kobo, have touchscreens, which makes them feel more like a tablet. The Xteink X3 and X4 e-readers have buttons on the side and below the screen. While some might like this feature, others might find it more tedious to navigate.
The mini e-readers also don't have backlights, which can make them more difficult to read in low lighting. You'll have to purchase a reading light attachment or read with the lights on. Additionally, the small screens can be a benefit for portability, but some people might find it uncomfortable to read on a small screen for long periods of time.
The process of getting books onto the e-readers also isn't as simple or straightforward as more well-known e-reader brands. The Xteink e-readers are compatible with books as EPUB files that don't have Digital Rights Management (DRM). DRM-free books that aren't restricted to being copied or shared between devices can be sideloaded onto the e-reader, either via WiFi or with a microSD card.
Are the Xteink e-readers worth it?
If you want a small e-reader that is extremely small, portable, and budget-friendly, the Xteink e-readers are great options. Their small size makes them easy to carry around, so you can always have your e-reader on hand. However, they come with a learning curve and aren't as straightforward as other popular e-readers. If you'd prefer something ready to use out of the box with more established ecosystems, then a Kindle or Kobo e-reader might be a better choice.
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Originally published at www.thestreet.com.
