this post was submitted on 14 Jul 2026
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596
A $150 Buttonless, Open Hardware Answer to Kindle is being crowdfunded by Open Book Touch (itsfoss.com)
submitted 1 day ago by FirmDistribution@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world
119 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/49429587

URL for the crowdfunding: https://www.crowdsupply.com/oddly-specific-objects/open-book-touch

Specs:

  • Display: 4.26" e-paper touchscreen, 480 × 800 px, warm + cool frontlight
  • Processor: ESP32-S3 dual-core, Wi-Fi + Bluetooth LE
  • Memory: 16 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM
  • Formats: EPUB and plain text, no DRM
  • Storage: microSD card slot
  • Interface: USB-C with integrated LiPo charging
  • Dimension: 78 × 120 × 10 mm, about 85 g
  • Open source: MIT-licensed firmware, open hardware (to be released at shipping)

It also has a replaceable 800 mAh battery, I found it cool :)

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[–] Allero@lemmy.today 5 points 23 hours ago (4 children)

Because buttons take space, reducing space available for the screen that has, well, the book.

The good sensor is the answer, IMO. I only wonder how should it turn on and off, then.

[–] oats@piefed.zip 8 points 19 hours ago

Having a space with no display where I can actually hold the reader makes it so much better, for me

[–] prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 points 23 hours ago (1 children)

Buttons can go on the side or back...

[–] Allero@lemmy.today 1 points 22 hours ago* (last edited 22 hours ago) (1 children)

Sure. But would that be convenient?

I hold nothing against buttons if people really want them, but many others would just prefer a larger touchscreen, and this seems to be the target audience here.

[–] natecox@programming.dev 6 points 22 hours ago (1 children)

Yes. Buttons on the sides are awesome. The Kobo libre ergonomics are fantastic even for troll-handed people like myself.

[–] Allero@lemmy.today 1 points 20 hours ago

Then yeah, by all means

[–] Bane_Killgrind@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 22 hours ago (1 children)

Hall sensor/ reed switch and it turns off when it's idle or the case closes?

[–] Allero@lemmy.today 2 points 20 hours ago

Maybe

[–] zod000@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 22 hours ago

I think it is definitely a matter of preference. I dislike touchscreens in general for user interfaces. I previous ereader used a touchscreen and swiping to turn pages and I absolutely hated it. I was glad to get back to having buttons to control pages as well as settings.