A touchscreen makes Xteink’s new X4 Pro a tempting Kindle alternative

Key Points:

• Xteink’s new X4 Pro e-reader features upgraded hardware including a touchscreen and built-in lighting, improving usability compared to previous models but still hindered by software frustrations.
• Priced at $99, the X4 Pro is more expensive than earlier Xteink models and closer in cost to entry-level Kindles, but it remains much smaller and more portable with a 4.26-inch E Ink screen.
• The device uses a magnetic pogo-pin connector instead of a standard USB-C port, requiring an included adapter, which may be inconvenient for some users.
• The touchscreen enhances navigation significantly, though it lacks the responsiveness of Kindle or Kobo screens, and the adjustable front light is a notable improvement for low-light reading.
• The most promising upgrade is the upcoming availability of CrossPoint Reader firmware at launch, offering a vastly improved user interface and reading experience, making the X4 Pro the best tiny e-reader option for portability despite its compromises.