Tiny E-Reader Solves Backpacking Reading Woes
The X3 e-reader from Chinese company XTEINK is a tiny, lightweight device designed to disappear in a backpacker's pocket.
The X3 e-reader is a teeny tiny device designed to disappear in a backpacker's pocket. It weighs in at 58 grams, comparable to a Snickers bar, and has a 3.7-inch display that is slightly smaller in surface area than a playing card.
A Solution to Backpacking Reading Woes
Backpackers often debate whether or not to bring a book or their Kindle on trips, weighing the added weight against the desire to read. The X3 e-reader may have just solved this dilemma. At only $69, it costs less than a week's worth of freeze-dried meals.
Setup and Performance
Setting up the X3 with XTEINK's companion smartphone app is straightforward. The app itself can be a bit confusing, however, with most pages appearing to be translated into English from Chinese. The X3 itself does not have a touch screen, and navigating with the four main buttons takes a bit of practice. Once connected to Wifi, you can wirelessly transfer files from your phone or computer, or use the included card reader to add e-books.
| Device | Display Size | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| X3 | 3.7 inches | 58 grams |
| Kindle Oasis (10th generation) | 6 inches | 188 grams |
| Kindle (lightest model) | 6 inches | 158 grams |
The X3 has a clear e-ink screen and offers a paper-like experience similar to other e-readers. You can effortlessly turn the page with the press of a button or by shaking the device. The default font size is similar to standard e-readers and most books, though it's a bit trickier to adjust the font on the device itself than on a Kindle.
Performance in the Backcountry
After testing on some weekend trips, the X3's 650 mAh battery has not yet run down. XTEINK says that the battery lasts from 10 to 14 days if you're reading one to three hours each day. The X3 is not waterproof and XTEINK makes no claims about its water resistance, but it fits inside a snack-sized plastic bag and is easy to slip into an internal protected spot in your backpack. The e-ink display does not have a built-in light, so you'll need to read by headlamp at night.
The X3 will certainly be replacing my Kindle on backcountry trips where I want to keep my packweight down. But is it worth carrying in addition to a phone? I think so. An e-ink screen, sans backlight and blue light, invariably offers a different reading experience than a phone-one that feels more akin to reading a paper book.
