Using an e-reader as a second monitor might sound odd — slow refresh rates, no color, and a screen about the size of a paperback. Yet, those very limitations can make it surprisingly effective for specific tasks.
The Case for the Worst Second Monitor You’ll Ever Love
When people look for a second monitor, they usually want something bigger, brighter, and faster than their main display. An e-reader doesn’t fit that bill. E-ink screens, which are found in Kindles and Kobo readers, refresh much slower than traditional LCD or OLED panels. You’ll notice a flicker every time the screen updates, unlike the smooth 60 frames per second you get from regular monitors.
However, for reading documentation, referencing notes, or keeping a to-do list handy while you work, that slowness isn’t an issue. You’re not scrolling through social media or watching videos. You’re simply glancing at static text. For this purpose, e-ink can actually be more comfortable than a bright LCD screen in several important ways.
What E-Ink Does That LCD Can’t
The biggest perk is reduced eye strain. E-ink screens reflect light like paper does, instead of blasting light directly into your eyes like backlit LCDs. Think about reading a book outside versus staring at a lamp. After spending a whole day in front of bright monitors, having one screen that feels more like paper can really help lessen fatigue.
Then there’s the focus factor. An e-ink screen can’t play videos, show notifications seamlessly, or do much other than display text and static images. This limitation means you’ll use it strictly as a reference display. You won’t get sidetracked by a YouTube autoplay or a blinking chat notification. It creates a calm corner in your workspace.
Battery life is another big plus. Many e-readers can last for weeks on a single charge since e-ink only draws power when the screen changes. Once your notes or document is on display, the screen holds that image without using any additional electricity.
The Setup: How It Actually Works
To get an e-reader working as a second monitor isn’t as simple as plugging it in. Most setups require either sideloading an app (installing software outside the official app store) on an Android-based e-reader, or using a tool like third-party display software that mirrors or extends your desktop to the device via Wi-Fi or USB. Devices that run Android, such as the Onyx Boox e-readers, are especially versatile because they can run standard Android apps.
The experience isn’t perfect. You’ll need to accept the slow refresh rate and consider what you display on that screen. Static content like a PDF manual, recipe, or Markdown notes works best. Anything that scrolls quickly or updates frequently will end up looking like a blurry mess.
What This Means for Everyday Users
If you own an e-reader that’s gathering dust, this is a cost-effective way to add a second screen to your desk. You won’t be replacing your main monitor. Instead, you’re creating a dedicated reading area that doesn’t add more glare to your workspace.
This setup appeals to anyone working with reference material — developers reading documentation, writers fact-checking sources, students reviewing notes. It’s a refreshing change from staring at another backlit screen all day.
However, if you don’t already have an e-reader, buying one solely for use as a second monitor is tough to justify. There are dedicated e-ink monitor products available (companies like Dasung sell them), but they cost several hundred dollars and cater mainly to power users.
| Factor | E-Ink Screen | Standard LCD Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh Rate | ~1-2 times per second | 60-165+ times per second |
| Eye Strain (extended use) | Lower (reflective, paper-like) | Higher (emits direct light) |
| Color | Grayscale (most models) | Full color |
| Battery / Power | Weeks on a charge | Plugged in continuously |
| Best Use Case | Static text, docs, notes | Everything else |
| Entry Cost (repurposed device) | $0 if you already own one | $100-$300+ for a new monitor |
Community Reactions
“I’ve been doing this with my Boox Note for two years. It sits to the right of my main monitor showing my Obsidian notes. Game changer for writing long-form content.”
“The ghosting [faint image left over from a previous screen state] drove me insane at first but once I stopped trying to use it for anything dynamic I actually love it. It’s like having a whiteboard that updates.”
What To Watch
- Color e-ink displays are advancing rapidly. Devices like the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 now offer basic color e-ink, and as this tech develops, the case for e-ink secondary monitors will only strengthen.
- Dasung and Modos Paper are both creating dedicated e-ink monitor products. Modos Paper’s open-source e-ink monitor is in development and worth following for anyone seeking a proper plug-and-play solution.
- If you want to try this now, look for Android-based e-readers like the Onyx Boox Palma or Tab Mini, which offer the most flexibility for sideloading display apps.
Sources: XDA Developers
Maya Torres
Maya Torres is the Consumer Tech Editor at Explosion.com with 7 years covering product launches for major technology publications. She has reviewed over 300 devices across smartphones, laptops, wearables, and smart home products. Maya specializes in translating spec sheets into real-world buying advice and attends CES, MWC, and Apple keynotes as press. Her reviews focus on helping readers decide what to buy, not just what specs look good on paper.
