This is the tiniest e-reader in the world, and you can build one yourself
Source: Android Authority
YouTube / Paul Lagier
TL;DR
- A YouTuber built a tiny e‑reader with a 3D‑printed shell and DIY electronics.
- The device, only slightly bigger than an adult thumb, can hold roughly six to ten books.
- The estimated cost of building it is around $30.
Why a Tiny E‑Reader?
Despite being around for nearly two decades, e‑readers have remained niche, appealing mainly to users who want a distraction‑free reading experience. While smartphones dominate, many people still crave a device that eliminates notifications and lets them read between activities.
Paul Lagier’s project addresses this by creating a pocket‑friendly e‑reader that’s almost invisible in your hand, encouraging spontaneous reading without the bulk of traditional e‑readers.
Building the Device
- Design & 3D Printing – Lagier designed the outer shell and made it printable on a wide range of 3D printers.
- Core Components – An ESP32 microcontroller drives a Heltec Wireless Paper display, powered by a small battery.
- Assembly – The logic board, battery, and display are mounted inside the printed shell, with a tactile side button for navigation.
The full build process, including CAD files and step‑by‑step instructions, is available on the creator’s Ko‑Fi page (unlockable for €4.90 ≈ $5.80).
Firmware Improvements
The newer firmware version brings several enhancements:
- Better Visibility – Optimized contrast for the tiny E‑Ink screen.
- Enhanced Web Interface – Simplified ebook syncing, bookmark storage, and the ability to create folders for organizing books by genre, length, difficulty, etc.
- Custom Screensavers – Users can upload their own screensaver images.
- Power Efficiency & Stability – Reduced power consumption, added language support, and overall system stability improvements.
- Storage Optimization – With the ESP32’s 8 MB onboard storage, system files are trimmed to free space for books, allowing 6–10 plain‑text (TXT) books of roughly 300 pages each.
- Lists Feature – Save reading titles and personal to‑do lists directly on the device.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | ESP32 |
| Display | Heltec Wireless Paper (E‑Ink) |
| Storage | 8 MB onboard (optimized for TXT files) |
| Battery | Small Li‑Po module (included in the $30 estimate) |
| Dimensions | Slightly larger than a thumb / comparable to a car key fob |
| Supported Formats | Plain‑text (TXT) only |
| Price Estimate | ~ $30 for filament, display, battery, and misc. parts |
| File Access | All design files, firmware, and future updates via Ko‑Fi (one‑time payment) |
Getting Started
- Download the Files – Purchase and download the design and firmware package from the Ko‑Fi page.
- Print the Shell – Use a standard FDM 3D printer; the design is compatible with most printers.
- Assemble the Electronics – Follow the included wiring diagram to connect the ESP32, display, and battery.
- Flash the Firmware – Use the provided instructions to upload the latest firmware to the ESP32.
- Load Books – Transfer plain‑text books via the web interface, organize them into folders, and start reading.
All links and references are retained from the original article.