I finally dipped my toe into the waters of creating a writerdeck. I tried out two devices, a cheapo e-ink 7" reTerminal E1001 and my X4 Pro (pictured), plus a few small keyboard, including the Logitech Keys 2 Go 2 (pictured is a generic Amazon purchase).

For the firmware I used Draftling, which lets you quickly create a fully functional writerdeck. Best of all, it connects in seconds to Draftbox, which the developer also created to let you write your stories online (web editor) as well as on your device (and it stores and syncs also).

Once you have everything set up, you can sync back and forth in seconds--no different than saving a file. In fact, I wrote this review that way. Specifically, I typed this about 50/50 on the device and on the online web editor, going back and forth with syncing and revisions.

I had zero problems with the firmware or the web editor. I also tested some larger files -- a big chunk of my manuscript that is about 62k words.

I liked the fact that it's easy and intuitive. You can pretty much start writing right away and if you want more, there are a gazillion features that I didn't explore (split screens and other stuff). Read about them here. I don't need them, I was just happy I could write on it.

That said, there's no getting around the fact that e-ink is laggy (the X4 Pro however was less so than the E1001). But for the ease of use and portability, I'll take it.

I got banned from writerdeck after posting I was using Draftling, which is whatever. I'm assuming since Claude is used to write it is teh reason why...they won't give me an answer.

Yet their top post today has their blog linked in comments and they admit to using Claude to code it. So i'm not sure why Draftlings was singled out, as I saw other posts involving Draftlings were also removed.

So, what are you all using Draftling for? I myself have a Sony FX30 and I want to get into short film making, so I'm using it's Fountain feature for screenwriting. The notes panel is clutch for this to keep track of various bits.

I might end up getting that 5.7" Crowpanel to use instead of the 3.97" e-paper from Waveshare i'm using now. Would help a bit in those regards I think.

Sticky is a nice and compact device, perfectly usable as a writerdeck that you can carry around. Works well with any magsafe phone holder. Also, significantly cheaper than Xteink X4 Pro or Classic.

A short demo video

Project home

I was looking for options to build a Git hosting service that is friendly to non-technical users. Couldn't find anything suitable, so I built my own software. The service is not yet open for self-registration, but you can DM me for an invite link:

https://draftbox.art/

And the new release of Draftling has a quick way to link your device to a draftbox repository: you create an access token and a 8-digit one-time password, connect the device to WiFi, enter the password et voilà, it's ready to sync the files.

Also, two new DIY boards are added to the list of supported hardware: https://github.com/clackups/draftling

EDIT: a human friendly website is ready: https://draftling.art/

Found this on substack and wanted to share with the writing device community. Thanks Clackups for mentioning it.

https://lemarfarhad.substack.com/p/my-search-for-the-right-writing-device?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

The new release is out: https://github.com/clackups/draftling

Markdown editor now shows bold, italics, button lists and quote blocks properly. Also, plaintext and Fountain screenplay formats are supported.

Also, experimental image for Seeed reTerminal Sticky, but I don't have the hardware at hand yet. Your tests will be appreciated.

The new release allows you to copy your files via USB without taking out the MicroSD card. Also, ipv6 is fully supported (motivated by the fact that wifi on the upcoming FOSDEM will be ipv6 only).

https://github.com/clackups/draftling

This is my favorite device by now.

Video

More details

The wonderful BYOK

The first official release is available for flashing onto a variety of esp32-s3 devices. See also a new demo video.

https://github.com/clackups/draftling

EDIT: it appears that Draftling makes it difficult to restore the original firmware on Xteink X4 Pro. Wait for the next release.

EDIT2: release 1.0.2 is published. It fixes this problem on X4 Pro and adds a couple of new features (such as portrait mode)

I updated the 3D printed enclosure: now with round corners, better fitting for the display, and easier access to the SD card and USB port.

Also, I found it useful to use inverted screen in certain lighting conditions. The text becomes more contrast and easier to read. Also, the firmware has a new feature: append-only editing, so that you don't erase the text by accident. You can push it to your Git repository for further editing. Also, the Git client is improved and is now compatible with other providers apart from GitHub.

The firmware and 3d models are available in Draftling repository.

Open to feedback and suggestions!

Any alpha or Beta testers interested?

Draftling is my writerdeck project, supporting a variety of hardware.

I reworked the documentation, added smoother fonts for high-resolution displays, added a couple of new boards, and reorganized the documentation for easier reading:

https://github.com/clackups/draftling

It is fully featured and I'm using it for my own note taking. The firmware is free and open source, so anyone can buy the hardware and load the firmware on it.

I’m building my own writer device and I keep going back and forth on the display type that I want. So, I created this simulator website that lets the user feel the differences of e-ink vs RLCD and LCD. It gets pretty cheeky.

I hope this is allowed for this sub-reddit I’m sure the WriterDeck ppl would ban me if I posted it there. Open to feedback and PRs (github link is on the site).

https://appendjeff.github.io/feel-the-refresh/

MNT Reform just listed a new item in their shop:

https://shop.mntre.com/products/mnt-pocket-reform-standalone-keyboard

I got to touch one as a part of their laptop, and it's really really nice on the touch.

The new Xteink device is about to be shipped, and they claim it as hackable from the start

https://www.cnx-software.com/2026/07/23/99-xteink-x4-pro-4-3-inch-touchscreen-ereader-to-support-crosspoint-reader-open-source-firmware/

So, while being a nice reader, it could potentially be converted into a writerdeck.