You can now crowdfund this cool open source e-paper word processor

Key findings

  • Zerowriter Ink is a portable e-paper writing device for typing without distractions or fancy features.
  • The device has a basic design that offers neither spell checker nor image support, allowing you to concentrate on writing.
  • Zerowriter Ink features a high-resolution display, hot-swappable keyboard, open-source software, and 100-hour battery life.



There's something special about writing on a dedicated word processor. No apps, no distractions, not even a spell checker – just you, the keyboard, and the words you type. If you're a big fan of portable writing devices with minimal features (for the better), Zerowriter has a crowdfunding campaign you should check out.

The Zerowriter Ink is an e-paper writer for enthusiasts


Discovered by Tom's Hardwarethe Zerowriter Ink is a portable pen that lets you type your thoughts anywhere. The Zerowriter Ink is simple, with no image support or spell check. When you're done writing, you can connect it to a PC via a USB cable and send your TXT files for editing.

So why would someone get a device that is basically a smaller laptop with fewer features? As someone who has used a similar device called the Alphasmart Neo, I can say that these devices are a great way to focus on writing. All the editing and spell checking can be done away with, giving you the freedom to just jot down words. In fact, one of the few features on the Zerowriter Ink is a word counter, which is great for keeping track of how much you've written.


The hardware looks and sounds great. It features a 5.2-inch e-paper display with a widescreen resolution of 1280 x 720 and minimal latency. It has a 60% mechanical keyboard and is hot-swappable. Plus, the system is completely open source, meaning you can customize it to your liking. And to top it off, it has an impressive battery that lasts for 100 hours.

If you're interested, head over to the Crowd Supply page for the project and back it for $199.99. Zerowriter states that all purchases will ship starting February 28, 2025, which is a pretty quick turnaround time. And as always, only fund a project if you have faith in the creator.

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