A Potential Solution to Our Doomscrolling Problem

Amanda Silberling, a senior writer at TechCrunch, recently discovered a tiny e-reader that could help people quit doomscrolling. The Xteink X3 is a magnetic, MagSafe-compatible e-ink reader that can attach to an iPhone like a Pop Socket wallet.

A Device That's Close to Perfection

Silberling was thrilled to find the X3, which costs $80, because it seemed like the device of her dreams. She had always wanted something that would allow her to read on a small, Kindle-like e-ink screen, rather than constantly being tempted to open social media apps on her phone. The X3 is close to being perfect, but it still has some drawbacks.

For the first several days that I had the X3, I carried it with me on the back of my phone. This made me a bit nervous, though, since I’m used to having a Pop Socket wallet, which means I've gotten in the habit of leaving home without my actual wallet. But I found that I used the X3 just as much when I carried it in my purse or pocket, rather than attaching it to my phone.

• The X3 is easy to use, and the magnetic charging system is convenient.
• The device comes with a compact, cute, magnetic case that perfectly protects the screen and makes it easier to hold.
• The X3 has a 3.7-inch screen that can fit hundreds of books.
• The device doesn't have a USB-C port, but it uses a magnetic charger instead.
• The firmware is a bit clunky, but it's not unusable.

Loading Books onto the X3

Silberling found that loading books onto the X3 was a bit of a challenge. The device doesn't have a USB-C port, and it uses a magnetic charger instead. However, she was able to figure out how to use the device without too much trouble.

When you start loading books and open source firmware onto your X3, you’ll notice another divisive 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 one device, but I don’t care that much.

• The X3 is compatible with public domain ebooks, which means that users can download free books without worrying about copyright restrictions.
• The device has a unique feel that's refreshing in an era of AI-enabled refrigerators.
• Silberling was able to find interesting .epub files to load onto the X3, even if she couldn't access her Kindle library or Libby.

Did the X3 Fix Silberling?

Silberling's experience with the X3 was mixed. While the device was convenient and easy to use, it still had some drawbacks. However, she was able to use it to read more books and reduce her social media use. Overall, the X3 is a potential solution to the problem of doomscrolling, but it's not a magic fix.

Silberling's experience with the X3 was a reminder that quitting doomscrolling is not a simple task. It requires a concerted effort to use the device and make a change in one's habits.