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

Beau M. Davidson wrote:

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

Have you used a pinenote, Jeremy?

I have not.

As a software engineer, i suggest a less portable solition: a regular pc with an e-ink monitor.  They make separate monitors you can plug into a regular pc, touchscreen if you want it.

Given that durability and repairability are (or should be!) Key concerns for any technology you buy...theres just no way a tablet will fit that.

Tablets and phones become e waste at a much faster rate  and volume than desktop PCs do.

Its also important to mention that unlike tablets and phones, PCs do not run out of viable security updates in a handful of years of use.

A standard pc with replaceable components connected to a monitor that does what you want is the way to go.

If you need portability and low power consumption, a Raspberry Pi or similar running Linux with e-ink display might do what you want and be very DIY friendly.

Daniel Andy wrote:As a software engineer, i suggest a less portable solition: a regular pc with an e-ink monitor.  They make separate monitors you can plug into a regular pc, touchscreen if you want it.

Given that durability and repairability are (or should be!) Key concerns for any technology you buy...theres just no way a tablet will fit that.

Tablets and phones become e waste at a much faster rate  and volume than desktop PCs do.

Its also important to mention that unlike tablets and phones, PCs do not run out of viable security updates in a handful of years of use.

A standard pc with replacemeable components connected to a monitor that does what you want is the way to go.

This is a great idea.  I will dabble with it a bit.

For certain applications, I do need a bit of portability.  For instance, taking work into the sunshine where a normal monitor is difficult to see, and record-keeping, instruction, and planning in the field.  

But your pc with e-ink display scores very high by most permie tech standards.  

Thanks.

Phil Stevens wrote:If you need portability and low power consumption, a Raspberry Pi or similar running Linux with e-ink display might do what you want and be very DIY friendly.

I will consider this - thanks.

Phil's suggestion has great technical merit. I did some googling and found several sites saying the software isnt there yet, but there's no reason it couldnt be finished and made into a good platform:

> "Significant software development and optimization are needed for Linux to become a viable option for ARM-based touchscreen platforms, as demonstrated by the disparity between the Raspberry Pi 5 and x64-based alternatives." - as of 6 months ago

https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/raspberry-pi-5-tablet-2025/

Here's a list of open source projects making tablet-like machines, each of which could reasonably have be built with a different screen.

https://itsfoss.com/raspberry-pi-laptop-kits/