Hacks Kindle Kintsugi Project - A Mutual Aid E-Reader Distribution Project

[erikhoudini]

Originally posted on my website, this project is designed to save some of our dear Kindle Keyboards from the landfill.

Kindle Kintsugi
Project Overview
v0.5 07/23/23

A Mutual Aid E-Reader Distribution Project
Welcome to the Kindle Kintsugi Project, a unique initiative rooted in principles of tactical urbanism, mutual aid, and sustainability. Just as the Japanese art of Kintsugi repairs broken pottery with gold, transforming it into a thing of beauty, we aim to breathe new life into obsolete technology, transforming it into a tool for change and education.

The Kindle Keyboard, or the Kindle Generation 3, lies at the heart of our project. In our increasingly digital world, these devices have largely been discarded and are nearing their e-waste phase. Yet, with a bit of work, these Kindles can function just as well as modern e-readers, albeit with a bit more bulk and without a backlight. Our aim is to refurbish these devices and utilize them as a means of promoting literacy, free access to knowledge, and fostering eco-friendly practices. The focus is on freely available literature, and we place a special emphasis on circulating works that promote critical thinking and progressive ideas.

Device Acquisition and Preparation
Our choice of the Kindle Keyboard for this project is not arbitrary. The device's rock-bottom price and durability make it an ideal candidate. To illustrate, I've acquired a Kindle Keyboard for a mere $17.31 and a Kindle Generation 2 in mint condition for just $18.02.

But the affordability doesn't stop there. Replacement batteries for these devices are readily available at approximately $16.18 each, with free shipping included. The ease of replacing the battery coupled with its low cost further contributes to the viability of this project. Once the battery is replaced, these devices boast an impressive battery life, a feature that continues to set them apart from smartphones.

The overall cost-effectiveness of acquiring and refurbishing these devices, which comes in at under $40, makes the Kindle Kintsugi Project a viable model for a decentralized program. With the addition of a readymade library and a comprehensive project guide, the gift of reading becomes more accessible than ever.

Across the globe, we're witnessing an alarming trend towards book banning, library shutdowns, and public school defunding. This project is our humble attempt to counteract these developments and continue to foster a culture of learning and critical thinking, despite the odds.

Software Setup
One of the primary tools I'll be utilizing in this endeavor is Calibre software. Widely acknowledged as the go-to eBook management software, Calibre provides a user-friendly and comprehensive suite of features to effectively manage, convert, and transfer eBook files across devices, including our older Kindles.

Calibre's flexibility is further enhanced by the ability to integrate plugins that provide additional functionalities. Specifically, I'll be using a dedicated plugin tailored for Kindle devices. This plugin allows the customization of aspects such as collections, margins, and fonts on the Kindle, making the reading experience much more comfortable and personal.

There is a wealth of resources available online to familiarize yourself with Calibre. From an extensive manual that covers every facet of the software, to a myriad of tutorial videos on platforms like YouTube, you should find it relatively straightforward to get to grips with Calibre. But fret not if you're still feeling a little overwhelmed - I'll be providing a simplified guide focused on the key functions we'll need for this project in a later section of this guide.

Battery Replacement
Given the age of these devices, the batteries are long dead, thankfully replacements are not hard to comeby.

A video guide provides straightforward battery replacement instructions. The process only takes a few minutes to complete. There is no glue involved. Just unclip the back, screw the battery and screw in the new battery. Clip the back panel back in and you've replaced the battery.

Library Creation
For the success of this project, it's important to assemble a diverse and inclusive library of texts. The categories will range from public domain classics and freely available literature to more genre-specific collections. Notably, I aim to cater to different demographics and reading preferences while still maintaining the socialist alignment of the project. Once compiled, I'll provide comprehensive instructions for library installation and usage.

The Kindle Keyboard offers an advantage over its predecessors due to its 4GB of internal storage, in contrast to the Kindle 2's 2GB. With the operating system and other essentials taken into account, we effectively have about 3GB to utilize for content.

Here's a preliminary distribution of content space:

Total Space: 3000 MB
Operating System and Other Essentials: 550 MB
Audio Content: 450 MB - This could be a selection of episodes from the Twilight Zone radio show or other similar programs. Additionally, given the kindle's long battery life, long tracks of ambient noise like rain sounds, waterfalls, and bird songs could provide a peaceful audio environment for those living in noisy areas.
Images and Diagrams: 250 MB - This category includes infographics, basic first aid tips, maps, and other quick-reference information that can be useful in a variety of situations.
Remaining Space for Ebooks: 2300 MB
Click to expand eBook categories
Details on the specific books and resources included in each category will be provided as the library takes shape.

Font Installation
Follow these steps to install custom fonts on your Kindle, like the opendyslexic fonts:

Find some fonts to use. The font must have 4 Truetype or OpenType files - one each for Regular, Bold, Italic, and BoldItalic variants.
Connect your Kindle to your PC and navigate to the Home screen.
Create the directory "fonts" on your Kindle at the top if it isn't there already.
Copy the 4 font files to your Kindle's "fonts" directory. The file names should be in the format "FontName-Variant.ttf" (e.g., DroidSerif-Regular.ttf).
Run the Calibre plugin. Your font should be visible in the drop down menu for fonts. If it is not visible then check that the 4 file names are correct and in the right directory.
Select your font, and click Save.
Eject and Restart your Kindle.
Internet Connectivity and RSS Feeds
Exploring the internet connectivity of these older Kindles has led to some interesting findings. The Kindle 1 and 2 models, along with the Kindle DX models (which are technically Kindle 2s), don't support network connectivity because they relied on 3G networks which have since been phased out. This may seem like a setback, but it could also be seen as a benefit in terms of network security, and it makes these devices safer for children.

On the other hand, the Kindle Keyboard was the first model to support Wi-Fi. This functionality can open up numerous possibilities, such as the use of RSS feeds. RSS feeds allow for automatic content download when connected to the internet, which can later be accessed offline. This feature holds significant potential, especially for individuals without constant internet access.

Use Case:
For instance, homeless individuals often have intermittent access to Wi-Fi. In such cases, these Wi-Fi-enabled Kindles can provide them with crucial updates, including weather forecasts, news, and other pertinent information, all in a compact, portable format. With a custom RSS feed, these individuals can download all necessary content during their short periods of internet access and then read it later at their convenience. This is a far cry from the current norm of using cheap smartphones, which require constant internet access to retrieve information. Moreover, this method allows users to avoid loitering in areas with free Wi-Fi due to stringent laws against homelessness, letting them read and gather information in a safer location. It's important to remember that this is just one possible use case; the RSS feed can be tailored to meet the needs of various communities, locations, and recipients.

Please note, this feature is currently under exploration, and updates will be provided as I learn more.

Email Access
Another interesting capability of these older Kindles is their potential to send and receive emails. While this feature is still being tested, it holds promise for those who have limited access to internet or don't have a permanent home. Being able to access their emails on a device that doesn't need constant internet connectivity could be a boon. It could serve as a vital communication channel, enabling them to stay in touch with family, friends, or support services and to receive important updates. I look forward to sharing my findings on this once the devices arrive and the testing phase is complete.

MP3 Playback and Accessibility Features
Interestingly, the first three Kindle generations (Kindle 1, Kindle 2, and Kindle Keyboard/Kindle 3) all included the feature of MP3 playback. This can be accessed through the 'Experimental' settings of the device. Below is an example of what that setting looks like on the Kindle 3:

MP3 playback setting
In their initial release, Amazon provided support for downloading audiobooks directly to these devices. However, this feature has been discontinued. Despite their modest 2GB of internal storage (which might be a constraint for storing large media files), the devices could still be used to playback smaller, essential audio files.

Particularly, the Kindle 1 model offers an advantage in this regard, as it includes SD card expansion, making the storage limitation less of a concern. That being said, the Kindle 1 is considerably bulkier and less common on the second-hand market, which often makes it more expensive. Furthermore, it's fairly outdated by modern technology standards. Hence, while I acknowledge its potential usefulness, I've decided not to include the Kindle 1 in the testing for this guide. It may, however, hold value for future projects considering its expandable storage capability.

Text to Speech
All these three Kindle models also feature a 'text-to-speech' option and include built-in speakers. These accessibility features are a boon for individuals who may find traditional reading challenging, offering an alternative means to consume the content. Even though these features might not be the primary use of the device, they certainly add to its versatility and enhance its potential to offer essential information access under various circumstances.

Audiobook Feasibility
It's worth noting the constraints posed by the limited 2GB storage on these older Kindle models when considering the potential for audio content. To illustrate, let's consider a standard audiobook version of "Moby Dick" which lasts around 22 hours. Here are some estimated file sizes for different compression levels:

Audio File Size Estimates ▼
Low Compression (Higher Quality):

Bit Rate: 128 kbps (kilobits per second)

• Estimated File Size: Approximately 600-700 MB
• Medium Compression (Balanced Quality):
  
• Bit Rate: 64 kbps
• Estimated File Size: Approximately 300-350 MB
• High Compression (Lower Quality):
  
• Bit Rate: 32 kbps
• Estimated File Size: Approximately 150-175 MB

Given the Kindle's storage limit, it becomes clear that including audiobooks isn't worth the trade-off in space, especially when considering the device's text-to-speech capabilities.

Hidden Features and Keyboard Shortcuts
The older Kindle devices come packed with various hidden features and keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly enhance user experience. It's essential that those receiving these devices are given sufficient instruction on how to operate them. As such, a quick reference card containing some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts could be attached to each device. Here's an example of what that could look like:

• MP3 Playback Control:
• Alt + Space: Pause/Resume
• Alt + F: Skip song
• Screenshot:
• Alt + Shift + G: Capture screenshot
• Image Viewing:
• F: Full-Screen Mode
• Q: Zoom In
• W: Zoom Out
• E: Default Zoom
• C: Actual Image Size
• R: Rotate Image
• 5-way Pad: Pan
• Games:
• Alt + Shift + M: Mine Sweeper
• G (while on Mine Sweeper screen: GoMoku
• Text Manipulation & Accessibility:
• Alt + B: Set/Remove Bookmark
• Shift + Sym: Text-to-Speech
• Spacebar: Pause Text-to-Speech
• Back button: Turn off Text-to-Speech

These shortcuts will aid in navigating and maximizing the Kindle's utility, making the transition to using these devices smoother, particularly for those who are new to them.

Image Viewer
The Kindle Keyboard offers a somewhat unexpected feature: a native image viewer. This capability makes it the last Kindle model to inherently support viewing PNG and JPEG files. While the display is in black and white and lacks a backlight (which isn't a significant setback due to the nature of E Ink technology), this attribute unlocks a range of possibilities.

Imagine being able to access not just traditional e-book content, but also image-based information like maps, diagrams, or first aid guides. This is particularly handy for content that isn't well-suited to e-book formats, or for users who benefit from more visual learning tools.

I strongly recommend including the quick reference guide of commands as an image file to make use of this feature. It will make the guide easily accessible and intuitive to use. This image viewer function adds another layer to the versatility of the Kindle Keyboard, transforming it from a simple e-reader into a more comprehensive informational tool.

Hacks, Homebrew and Other Apps
The Kindle Keyboard has a wide range of homebrew apps and hacks that can significantly increase its functionality. However, it's worth noting that these often sacrifice user-friendliness for additional features. While this might not be the desired trade-off for this project, some of these hacks may enhance the Kindle's utility considerably, provided they are straightforward to use and install.

A homebrew program called KIF enables you to play classic Infocom adventure games like Zork on the Kindle Keyboard. Although it may not provide the most seamless user experience, it's an intriguing showcase of the Kindle's potential.

Board game enthusiasts may be interested in a few chess applications. Firstly, a comprehensive program developed by Russian developer Vlasovsoft, not only features chess, but also games like Sokoban, Checkers, Reversi, and additional utilities such as a calculator and notepad. Regrettably, the legacy Kindle 3 version is no longer available on the Vlasovsoft website, but I've contacted the developer for further information. Another chess alternative, which requires installing "Launchpad," can be found on the MobileRead forums.

In addition to chess, there's a homebrew Chinese checkers app available at MobileRead forums, and an endless Sudoku game that can be found at MobileRead forums.

If taking notes is a priority, KindleNote is an app that facilitates note creation. Given the physical keyboard of the Kindle Keyboard, this might be an essential addition if it's easy to install and navigate.

As my devices arrive, I plan on testing these homebrew apps and hacks for usability and ease of installation. Please note that the installation process of these apps may require advanced knowledge, which could limit their accessibility for novices attempting this project. However, I've highlighted the most potentially useful options for a general audience. As this project continues, I'll explore more options and update this guide accordingly.

Additional Notes
Cases for these older devices can be more expensive than the device itself. However, cases can sometimes be included with the device for a slightly higher price.
Given the 2GB storage limitation of Kindle Keyboards, the number of image-based books will be restricted. However, text-based ebooks are generally small in size, allowing for a large number of ebooks to be stored.
A Raspberry Pi was used in a 2012 project to convert the Kindle Keyboard into an e-ink screen, presenting the possibility of further creative usage of these devices.
Here is a link to a jailbreak for the 3.2.1 firmware, not sure what it does, but wanted to include it.
Many resources, such as Kindlepedia, have become defunct over the years. As I find interesting resources, I'm testing them, searching archive.org and releveant resources will be added here.
This project is a living initiative.

[readthinksurvive]

Unfortunately mine broke .. only had it for 2 years! bought off eBay but was $50 in total (replacement battery + device), idk what was wrong with it, screen froze and later turned grey so no fixing that, returned to amazon for $5 gift card.

and people can make their own cases for kindle using everyday material @ home like knitting a sleeve, also the keyboard was pretty small so for typing there will be a learning curve

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by readthinksurvive

Unfortunately mine broke .. only had it for 2 years! bought off eBay but was $50 in total (replacement battery + device), idk what was wrong with it, screen froze and later turned grey so no fixing that, returned to amazon for $5 gift card.

Didn't you use it in sauna? That's not an environment where ereaders can live long.

[erikhoudini]

So I've gotten the Kindle 2, I forgot how nice these devices feel in the hand. Some notes:
These outdated features can provide benefit to less tech-savvy users.

1. Physical keyboard offers dedicated buttons for easier navigation (e.g., adjusting font size is a dedicated button, tactical buttons are better for kids/elderly?).
2. Bulkier design provides a better grip, suitable for children and older individuals.
3. Standout feature: text-to-speech functionality for seamless reading experience. I can absolutely see someone using this feature. Like an older person using it with a stand and the text to speech, font set to a large print, could be a real useful thing, despite the age of the device.
4. Newer Kindles also offer text-to-speech but less user-friendly (hidden in submenus).
5. Kindle Keyboard requires a simple two-button press for text-to-speech activation.
6. Includes built-in speakers, no need for expensive Bluetooth headphones.

They can't connect to any type of network, which means as far as I can tell there's no way to update the clock time, which from what I can tell breaks the old jailbreaks, but I'm gonna test further, I might have done something wrong.

Libraries will come from sources like standard ebooks and be preloaded, I've found a lot of grey area stuff on archive.org (complete Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys for example) but I'd probably have that be a separate download for legal reasons, just recompile it to be easy to download from the archive.

[erikhoudini]

Spoiler:

Comparison between a Kindle Gen 2 (under 15 dollars on ebay) and a Kobo Forma (I paid $250(?) in 2020 for it)

[Quoth]

But a gen 3 is minimum as it does azw3 (if updated). The K1, K2, DX and DXG are ghastly as they only do old mobi and only a few Latin-Roman fonts. They also need new batteries (really cells).

The $15 (plus shipping and also duty/Tax if outside USA) is a waste of money. A second hand Sony from 2010 or later is better even than the Kindle K3, the only non-touch Kindle worth getting, or any of the Kindles before Paperwhite 2.

[erikhoudini]

Originally Posted by Quoth

But a gen 3 is minimum as it does azw3 (if updated). The K1, K2, DX and DXG are ghastly as they only do old mobi and only a few Latin-Roman fonts. They also need new batteries (really cells).

The $15 (plus shipping and also duty/Tax if outside USA) is a waste of money. A second hand Sony from 2010 or later is better even than the Kindle K3, the only non-touch Kindle worth getting, or any of the Kindles before Paperwhite 2.

Got the Kindle Keyboard, size and hand feel is vastly superior to the gen 2, which is much bigger, and heftier due to the aluminum. I'd have to agree that the kindle Keyboard is the preferred, really the minimum device. I bought the Kindle 2 for myself for a display project anyway.

Kindle Keyboard is really nice in the hand I will say, was able to connect to the web and search via frogfind.net no problem, which is nice. Outdated browsers fail because of SSL keys, and I doubt there's updated keys for this browser.

Ended up reading half a Goosebumps book while testing, had one of these gen 3 devices for nearly a decade, and tbh if you can get over the lack of backlight this is like, buy it for life quality imo.