This $30 DIY E Ink Reader Is a Pocket-Sized Library
Build this $30 pocket-sized E Ink reader to turn every spare minute into a distraction-free reading session.
For the past few decades, portable consoles like the Game Boy, Arduboy, and Playdate have made short, casual gaming sessions common occurrences. It is a way that people can reclaim those lost few minutes that may otherwise be wasted while waiting for a bus, standing in line at the store, or in a dozen other ways during a typical day.
Paul Lagier loves the idea of reclaiming lost time, but wanted to fill that time with something more meaningful than gaming. For this reason, he designed and built a tiny e-reader that can comfortably be carried around in a pocket. It has a completely distraction-free interface, and its always-on E Ink screen is ready to go whenever you are. Best of all, you can build your own for about $30.
The build is centered around an E Ink display module that integrates a microcontroller and charging circuitry directly onto the board. By selecting this all-in-one component, he dramatically reduced the device’s footprint and simplified wiring. Thanks to aggressive deep-sleep modes and the inherently low power consumption of E Ink displays, the reader can last approximately two weeks on a single charge of its 1,500 mAh battery.
The mechanical design of the e-reader presented a few challenges. The chosen display module has its buttons mounted on the back, which would normally make for an awkward user experience. Rather than redesign the electronics, Lagier engineered a clever internal lever system. A button on the top of the case mechanically transfers pressure to the rear-mounted switch, preserving a slim enclosure without relocating components.
The enclosure itself is 3D-printed with a clean aesthetic—no visible screws and a single USB-C port for charging. Internally, the components snap and screw into place in a straightforward assembly process.
On the software side, the firmware includes a simple library view and a reading mode with automatic progress saving. Books are displayed as standard text files, which can be converted from DRM-free EPUBs using Calibre. To avoid cables, Lagier implemented a Wi-Fi upload mode. When activated, the device becomes a hotspot, allowing users to connect via phone or PC, open a browser, and transfer files directly.
Lagier has made the 3D design files and firmware available through his Ko-fi page for about $5, inviting others to build their own pocket-sized reading companion.