The Xteink X4 is my new favorite pool companion
Summer is coming. Time to hit the swimming pool with my summer reads in hand.
Last week, I published a post about the Xteink X4 ereader, specifically about troubleshooting an issue when loading custom firmware to it. Today, I want to speak more generally to the device’s use. I just took it to the pool for the first time, and I’m happy to say that I did not drop the little guy into the water (something I hyper focused on the entire time).
So how did it go? It went really well, as I suspected. The first successful aspect of taking it really comes down to the technology itself, nothing special with the X4 specifically. The eink screen pairs perfectly with a sunny day, as the screen glare is nearly nil, so readability is fantastic.
The second successful aspect gets more specific to the X4, which I was pleased with. Its size makes for easy single-handed holding. While I can grip a Kindle or Boox ereader with one hand, this feels more substantial, as I can wrap my hand completely around the device. The fact that there is no touchscreen is another plus here, as neither a brush of a thumb or intentional shifting of my grip triggers an unwanted page turn.
The page turns are another reason this worked so well for me in this setting. The X4 specifically has two sets of page turning buttons, one on its face and one on its right side. Having both means that various grips have different options for always being able to turn pages without having to reach up with my other hand. When I’m sitting in the water, I want as few extra interactions with the device as possible.
My next addition to the device will be a MagSafe pop socket so I can hold the device even more freely. With how light it is, I suspect it will feel like I’m basically holding nothing. I’ll report back if I like it or not.
Note: The book I was reading today was Lessons in Birdwatching by Honey Watson.
