Like pen and paper, or typewriter, but does more.

I'm still on that kick of trying not to use glowing screens when the sun's not shining, but my work at present demands certain things must be done after sunset or before sunrise.

My wife has a ReMarkable, which she likes a lot, but it's basically a digital replacement for paper books, notepads, and pencils.  I borrow it sometimes for notes or reading.  It's cool, and it does things I like, but mostly I like paper and pencil.  When I need things a computer does, the ReMarkable will not do them.

There are a few foreign brands of e-ink phones out there that seem like they might do okay, but they're still just a phone, and the reviews are mixed.  For writing at lengh, I need a keyboard and larger screen (even though I'm usually looking over the top of it), and I want something I can use in the sun and doesn't glow at night.

I'm thinking of trying Daylight's DC-1.  Any permies using that?

There are things I like about it:
- e-ink, optional dimmable warm backlight
- supposedly fast refresh
- seems like it will support most of my worky-correspondence, homestead management field work, copywriting, and late study needs, though I'll have to keep doing video editing and web development and testing on desktop.

There are things I wish it was that it isn't:
- I don't love android and wish it was a Linux-compatible machine with an e-ink display

There are things I don't know about it:
- How long will it last?  
- Will it survive occasional, mild abuse?
- Will it support all the stupid apps I have to occasionally use?

80% of the common respondents are going to poopoo this question, or try to divert it into more primitive solutions, because said device has a circuit board and stuff, and costs dollars instead of sunchoke tubers.  

I know, I know, "just use paper and pencil," or "you can make your own paper with nettle fiber" etc etc etc.

But this is an internet forum that exists upon a digital foundation, and a big chunk of the world out there is interested in relevant, modern tech that addresses some permie concerns.  

A couple years ago, at Uncle Mud's request, Paul talked about a pathway for the quasi-connected permie to get a thinkpad, load up some version of linux, and render this long-lived computer a servant to the agrarian, rather than vice versa.  I see this inquiry as adjacent to that.  

So I beseech thee - have you used a digital device with a non-glowing display that meets your needs in the field and in the biologically appropriate home of the permie in the year of our lord, 2026?  If so, please respond.  I call upon your assistance.  

I haven't tried it. But the PineNote runs Linux.

Jeremy VanGelder wrote:I haven't tried it. But the PineNote runs Linux.

Have you used a pinenote, Jeremy?

AlphaSmart Neo 2? Non-backlit LCD screen, full sized keyboard, holds a novel's worth of text, runs 700 hours on three AA batteries. Originally designed for kids in school, so pretty tough. I still have a couple of them.

Not an internet/wifi machine at all.

There's a long-running forum for Alphies and other simple, portable keyboard-based writing tools. (I was an admin there long long ago. I see that some of the original admins are still actively involved. They also have a "be nice" community vibe.)

https://www.flickr.com/groups/alphasmart/discuss