I Bought It for the Books
I bought the Xteink X4 because I wanted a book in my pocket everywhere I went. A compact e-reader that could hold my entire library without weighing down my bag.
But the more I saw people creating cool variations of custom firmware with it—the more I realized this little device would make an excellent writer's deck. A dedicated writing tool that fits in your pocket, gets out of your way, and costs a fraction of what the big brands charge.
So I built it.
The Writer's Deck: Out of the Box
This setup works right out of the box—no assembly required. No 3D printing. No waiting for prints. Just a compact writing device that slips into a jacket pocket and lets you write anywhere.
Here's what makes this the most affordable writer's deck I've found:
Xteink X4 E-Paper Device
A compact e-paper tablet running on ESP32 hardware — roughly pocket-notebook sized with a sharp e-ink display that's easy on the eyes during long writing sessions. Pair it with MicroSlate firmware and it becomes a distraction-free writing machine with no apps, no notifications, just words.
View on Amazon →
Logitech Keys-to-Go 2
A slim Bluetooth keyboard that pairs instantly with the X4. It folds flat, has satisfying key travel for its size, and lasts months on a single charge. Slips into the same pocket as the X4 without adding bulk.
View on Amazon →
Magnetic Fold-Up Stand
A minimal magnetic stand that holds the X4 at a comfortable writing angle. Folds completely flat and weighs almost nothing — you won't notice it in a bag until you need it.
View on Amazon →Why This Works as a Dedicated Writing Tool
- Pocket sized — Actually fits in a pocket
- Distraction free — MicroSlate removes all apps and clutter
- E-ink display — No backlight fatigue, works in sunlight
- No monthly fees — One-time purchase, no subscriptions
- Offline capable — Writes to local MicroSD storage
Get Started
Ready to build your own pocket sized writer's deck? Install MicroSlate firmware on your Xteink X4 and transform it into a dedicated focused writing tool.
