Forget dumbphones, this tiny writing device is like a dumb tablet

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People are realising they’re spending too much time glued to their smartphone, and want to cut down. That’s where dumbphones come in – offer a refreshing break from endless notifications and distractions. But there’s a new kid on the block: a dumb tablet. And I think this tiny writing device from BYOK is the perfect example.

Read more: Best dumbphones in 2024 for a simple, tech-detox

BYOK has decided to take a leaf out of the dumbphone handbook, delivering a device so basic that it makes a Kindle look like it’s trying too hard. It’s a sort of dumb tablet, designed purely for writing without the usual parade of distractions.

This tiny writing device wants you to bring your own keyboard (hence the name). You can hook up whatever keyboard you fancy, as long as it’s USB-C, Bluetooth, or even a bog-standard USB keyboard with an adapter, and just type. The built-in magnet lets you plonk it on a stand at just the right height

BYOK has no fancy apps and no colour screens to melt your retinas like a regular tablet. There’s just a fast-refresh monochrome LCD. The interface is a throwback, with three tactile push-buttons that wouldn’t be out of place on a retro game console. And the screen? It gives you up to six lines of text at a time.

Depending on how much you’re blasting that backlight (which can be adjusted in three levels), you’ll get up to 20 hours on a charge. While 16MB of space doesn’t sound like much, you can store over a million words. For those who can’t go fully analogue, BYOK throws you a bone with Wi-Fi syncing to Google Drive. Or, if you’re a bit old school, a USB-C port for the data transfer purists.

I’m not sure if the BYOK will become everyone’s writing tool. But it is a delightfully dumb device in the best way possible, especially from someone that writes for a living. The dumb tablet is currently running a Kickstarter campaign, where you can pick it up for $190/£150.

Related: What is a dumbphone and do I need one? Here’s what you should know

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around seven years now, with writing across the web and in print too. Connor has experience on most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he’s a fan of gadgets of all sorts! Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup scene. This exciting involvement puts him at the front of new and exciting tech, always on the lookout for innovating products.