this post was submitted on 12 Feb 2025
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I’m thinking of buying one of the two models, not to read but because I have a disability that basically makes it impossible for me to use normal phones due to visual overload. I have a couple questions:

  1. How dim does the backlight go? Can it get so dim that you barely realise it is on — kind of like minimum phone brightness?
  2. What is the experience like when typing? Could you use the phone to send messages?
  3. What does the hardware feel like? It seems the CPU is pretty weak, do you feel that at all when using? What do you think the longevity would be like?
  4. Do you think a usecase like leaving the display on as a button pad with a bunch of shortcuts would be a workable usecase?
  5. Can the customisable sidebutton be programmed to do literally anything? Like could I link it to a Tasker shortcut or something?
  6. I’ve noticed that people say the settings are rather limited compared to normal android? Has that limited you in any way, are things like DNS and VPN still usable?
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[–] smallfry 2 points 1 week ago

How dim does the backlight go? Can it get so dim that you barely realise it is on — kind of like minimum phone brightness?

I can go dim enough that it won't be seen in the dark.

What is the experience like when typing? Could you use the phone to send messages?

I haven't sent messages as I am not using as a phone. It doesn't have sim capacity or phone/sms. Typing is as expected from other e-ink devices but you can boost certain apps.

What does the hardware feel like? It seems the CPU is pretty weak, do you feel that at all when using? What do you think the longevity would be like?

Hardware is decent. I have a Pixel 8 Pro and that definitely runs smoother, but again I'm not using it as a phone more of an outlet for reading books and comics.

Do you think a usecase like leaving the display on as a button pad with a bunch of shortcuts would be a workable usecase?

Not sure what the usecase is here but I have mine shut off after 4 hours of nonuse. My display turns off after 5.

Can the customisable sidebutton be programmed to do literally anything? Like could I link it to a Tasker shortcut or something?

I recall someone attempting this but it's been finicky. The screen unlock is fine in my use case.

I’ve noticed that people say the settings are rather limited compared to normal android? Has that limited you in any way, are things like DNS and VPN still usable?

I've been able to customize my DNS and VPN without much hassle.

Hope that helps.