Sometimes specs don’t capture a device is just kinda fun
I hope this look at the reTerminal Sticky by Seeed Studio is helpful, especially if you’re looking for a relatively affordable pocket e-ink reader (or whatever) built around the idea of being open.
Info from Seeed (as of September 2026):
► On glossy/matte screens: the next batch, which will have matte screens, expected to ship in late October
► On shipping/warehouses: the next batch will also be stocked in warehouses in the EU (Germany) and the US for better shipping options in those regions
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 summary
00:16 what is the reTerminal Sticky
00:54 a different approach
01:53 tinkering for non-techies
02:27 true story
03:28 demos – CrossPoint, CrossInk, Crossplay, Toybox, Sticky Bunny
05:39 quick look at hardware
Correction:
06:05 the ppi (pixel density) is actually better at 235, not 219 as it says on screen; the audio is correct that the resolution is the same as similar devices at 800 x 480
IN THIS VIDEO
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reTerminal Sticky affiliate link ($2.50 off): *
code if the link doesn’t work: A6CS9STE
non-affiliate link:
Xteink X4 Classic: *
Xteink X3: * (Amazon) / * (Xteink website)
Xteink X4 Pro: * (Amazon) / * (Xteink website)
M5Stack e-paper items:
LilyGO e-paper items:
USEFUL LINKS
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reTerminal Sticky Playground:
reTerminal Sticky landing page:
reTerminal Sticky Facebook group:
people post their setups and projects, and there’s the occasional giveaway
CrossPoint website:
aside from flashing and more information on things like syncing, ways to support the devs
E-ink accessories I recommend:
Micro SD cards: *
SD card reader: *
Cables: USB-C to C * and USB-C to A *
My phone case (in Walnut): *
STUFF I USE
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or
(but this needs updating)
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♪ “Slick Satin” – StreamBeats by Harris Heller
Spotify:
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The Sticky in the video was sent by Seeed Studio, with no conditions attached. Their only other involvement was answering my questions about how they work with devs (directly quoted and attributed in the video). I made this entire video myself; no one else helped me produce, provided direction for, previewed or approved any part of this video before it was uploaded.
This video description contains affiliate links*, which means I may earn a small commission for purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you.
source
📗how I made the hardbound book ereader case in the video: https://youtu.be/rm7dn8q5ZKc
🌿 extra info cut from/not in the video:
– realized after editing that the flashcard example on the CrossPlay site is also Mandarin; that deck does not come with the firmware, I just happen to be reviewing the Refold Mandarin 1k Anki deck rn
– did a reading battery test (at 10s autoflip, large epub with images, got 12+ hours on Crosspoint) but cut the info in the end; battery life is going to vary so much depending on firmware it might be misleading
– things I tried with stock firmware included using the note function to hold a recipe on the fridge while cooking, and putting a dashboard that pulled up dad jokes on my husband's desk
Add front light and I will preorder 😉
Out of stock and on pre order.
$50? it costs at least twice over here. perks of living in a weak ass country
Do they sell in india?
Just got notification about your video… wanted to order… No stock 😢😢😢
Ordered mine a month ago and still waiting. Cant wait! Also super excited for the boox picco. That one really hits the sweet spot
its too small forreading
I wait for the day when we finally get a real market of fully functional E-ink phones. All these are cool but that's what I'm holding out for.
I have one of these in addition to the Xteink. The seeed sticky scratches very easily. I can toss the XTEink in my bag on my phone and no scratches but the sticky screen definitely get scratched up fast.
bought xteink x4 when crosspoint was in its infancy and it has been really nice seeing the developments in the software and hardware. im still happy with my choice, because i got to read books i wouldnt have otherwise made time for
Such a shame it doesn't have a microphone array.
If it had a light, it would be an INSTANT get for me.
just add a front light and I'm sold!
Isn't this just a poor-man's PDA?
Ah man, no front light! I have the first xteink x4 and love it other than no front light. When I upgrade from it the device will need a light! I'm surprised with how many eink devices this size don't have front lights. . .
I do like the open ecosystem of this device. I might hold off just a little to see if all these companies upgrade with front lights though. I've been thinking about the boox tile but I'm sure it will be locked down pretty tight. I just have to wait, in 6 months I bet there will be many more options!
Uh, this seems very interesting! I wonder if they ship to my country
Can I use it for studying? To transfer my notes to it, and rewiew and study from it?
Or is there something a little bigger device that is simular to this one?
My wife just started dialysis, and really needs an eraser. She can see really well so no backlite shouldn't matter. Is this a good place to start? She is a Murikami addict. Thanks
0:09 is that Anki? I am sold
This is exactly want I want in a small eink device 👍🏼
I would love to use this as a smart home device and be able to control everything in my house such as lights, AC, etc. Maybe a Home Assistant dash made for e-Ink would be a good idea for it.
That's a nice price! I got my original X4 for $50 when they were unlocked on aliexpress and I actually prefer button interface on such a slow device but it's nice to have an open alternative to xteink closing their software.
Is there an ereader just a tiny bit bigger than this? 5” screen, open for something like crosspoint support, usb-c and frontlight?
This would be my dream
But can I use it as a typewriter with a bluettoth keyboard?
Any info on a version with a glowlight?
Thank you for this video! Like you, I initially saw their focus on AI integration and more or less dismissed it entirely. This video definitely shows that it's worth a second look — I was really waiting on a frontlight-equipped device, but for half the price of anything with a frontlight… might be worth a try.
A front light and matte screen would make this my dream ereader.
These aren’t apps but are firmware, right? Switching between them requires flashing the device each time using another device, right?
Instant buy, after being underwhelmed by the Xteink X4. Thank you for the sensible review!
AWWW Love your review!! And I googled them, finding 3 sticky giveaway on FB. Hope I can get one.