A compact open-source e-reader called Open Book Touch has been launched and is currently crowdfunding on the Crowd Supply platform, with shipments expected to begin in April 2027. The device differentiates itself from mainstream closed-system e-readers through its portable form factor, replaceable battery, and fully open-source hardware and software design.

Design and Display

The Open Book Touch measures 12 x 7.8 x 1 cm and weighs only 85 grams, comparable in size to a small smartphone and effortless to carry. It features a 4.26-inch E Ink touchscreen with 800 x 480 resolution and 220 PPI pixel density. The device includes 10 LED front lights with adjustable color temperature, providing comfortable reading in both bright daylight and low-light nighttime conditions.

Hardware Specifications

Positioned as a lightweight reading device, the Open Book Touch is powered by an ESP32-S3 dual-core microcontroller with 8MB RAM and 16MB onboard flash storage. Book files can be stored on a MicroSD card, and the device also supports Wi-Fi file transfer. The firmware natively supports TXT and ePub formats to meet basic reading needs. Unlike conventional e-readers, it features a removable 800mAh battery that users can replace themselves without sending the device in for repair.

Open-Source Design and Pricing

The device's biggest highlight is that both hardware and software are fully open-source, released under open-source license agreements. The enthusiast community can freely modify and customize firmware, allowing users to tailor device functionality to their specific needs — a level of freedom far exceeding closed-system readers like the Kindle.

The standard Open Book Touch is priced at $149 on crowdfunding, slightly below the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite's $159 retail price. International orders require an additional $12 for worldwide shipping, while U.S. domestic shipping is free (import duties and applicable sales taxes apply at delivery). A "Maker Edition" with a custom-designed body is available at $249.