The anti-doomscroll study device: Pocket e-paper gadgets that can't run TikTok

Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police Published Aug 15, 2026, 8:15 AM EDT Timi is the news and deals reporter for Android Police, who has been reporting on technology since 2008. He has worked in tech retail and also the IT space, providing hardware and software support, which gives him a unique perspective on the tech that he covers. This allows him to effectively break down complex subjects into easy-to-read pieces that even casual readers can enjoy. Before joining Android Police, he was a news writer for XDA, where he eventually transitioned to covering deals. He also worked as an editor and reporter for Neowin, where he covered news and attended major tech events like CES. He also reviewed phones, tablets, PC products, and other devices. In addition, he also created video content for the Neowin YouTube channel. Sign in to your Android Police account Smartphones can be addictive. To be clear, it's specific apps that make this happen, but it's undeniable that many people have a problem putting their phones down. You see it everywhere, whether it's at school, the market, the mall, or people driving their cars. It's been going on for a while now, so we've talked about this before. And we've also offered some suggestions on how to fight smartphone addiction. We've even experimented with an app to help with this and have looked at devices that could help you stay focused. Perfect for the reader We're talking about the pocket e-paper gadgets made by Xteink that have been picking up steam since the end of last year. They're compact, cheap, and most importantly, attach to the back of your phone for easy access. We've spent some time with them and, for the most part, they can pry you away from your phone if you like to read. Since this is a dedicated e-reader device, it's only good for a few things. You can read books and documents, view photos, and it can become a clock when it's not in use. The list of what it can do is short, but that's what makes it so powerful. There's no app store or web browser to help your mind wander. It can help you stay focused It's purpose-built, and that's part of its charm. But more importantly, it can keep you locked in, without relying on extra tricks. It's the perfect study device whether you're at home or on the go. I purchased one and found that it was an okay experience. While I love that it's bare-bones, I would have appreciated it more if it could access e-books I have already purchased, or at least let me borrow from typical sources. With the Xteink, you're stuck with transferring files to the device from your computer or phone. If your books have some type of DRM, you'll need to do some extra work to get this done. But after you get things loaded and you're used to the flow, it's seamless. While the default software experience is decent, there are people working on third-party software to make the experience better. If you pick one up, we highly recommend loading up Crosspoint on your device. If you're not so keen on going with Xteink, you might want to wait for the Boox Picco. It will cost a little more, but the product might end up being better. Xteink X4 Screen 4.3 inch Resolution 220 PPI Battery 650mAh Weight 74g Dimensions 114 × 69 × 5.9 mm