Cheap solution for bright screen fatigue with general purpose computing?

[JawadLeLogeur]

I want to be able to do real work on Linux (browsing webpages, using office-like apps, CLI use etc.) on a screen that doesn't tire me out. This is of course very subjective, but if you are on this forum you probably understand what I mean when I say that e-ink feels a lot better to use than LCD or whatever else.

E-ink monitors would be the best solution, but even the recent Modos flow is expensive and not even funded or shipping until the end of the year

There was a story about a $200 eink monitor on alibaba but it was identified as a fire hazard

I have an Eyemoo S1 but it made me realize that RLCD screens are pretty mediocre as-is and require investment in lighting. In any case, RLCD monitors are as expensive as e-ink ones

Lenovo has an eink laptop, but again it's very expensive

Perhaps a Boox would be the solution but Android is quite dismal as an OS compared to Linux and they are still expensive, especially the ones that can double as an actual monitor. In that case the Modos flow would make more sense.

There is the Linux pinenote but its specs seem a bit woeful and it seems like a bad investment

I've heard of ChLCD but I don't know where to see them in person to evaluate

Is there anything else I could try in terms of getting at least 13 inch for a linux desktop or portable experience for max 400 CAD/300 EUR or USD? I really am willing to search for even a partial improvement on the LCD/OLED/VA/TN etc. experience that gives a subjective feeling similar to eink. Heck I have a 3D printer and could even try advanced projects even though I am a normie. Modos does have an eink dev kit that is a bit cheaper but price-wise it makes no sense to invest in it instead of the flow.

I have the TCL nxtpaper 60 XE and it's honestly a marked improvement on my previous phone's screen but the screen still feels like a screen. I do use it as a mobile typewriter/browser with a keyboard but it's still android

I guess the answer would be 'stfu already and starting saving/sacrificing' but any cheaper suggestion would be welcome

[nana77]

For what it concerns CLI, and office-like apps, if it's fine to use a dark theme on background, to me it comes to mind an used Plasma TV (Panasonic Viera), which are 36",42" or 50". The blacks are the most close to "off", as like on OLED. The TV would be cheap; I don't know for the smaller models, but the 50" would consume (on paper, I don't know on real world usage) 450 watt. 1080p max, but very nices.
Ps: I see some "portable OLED monitors" as 13", on Amazon (from unknew brands, btw) that seem not too expensive.
https://www.amazon.com/InnoView-Port...dp/B0DGPF1GM6/
Without shipping/import charges is @EUR234.98.

Due to different output power of different devices, if the monitor flickers/black screen, please power the external monitor separately

[JawadLeLogeur]

Interesting, thanks. Do you think the effect on a monitor of this size would be similar to an OLED screen with non-matte glass cover on a phone? That was what I had for my previous phone and it didn't have that subjective 'not really like other screen' comfort of eink, though of course the dark mode and a dark launcher was real nice compared to a standard device

[DJUNGELSKOG]

I know it’s none of my business and it’s very subjective, but did you try using lubricating eye drops? I have a similar problem (bright screens and bright light in general hurt my eyes) and these eye drops make a lot of difference. They should be available in any pharmacy without a prescription and they are cheaper than buying a new device!

[JawadLeLogeur]

I genuinely appreciate 'holistic' advice like this, I will try this haha

I already use FL41 lens clips once in a while though I don't have the associated conditions like migraine or photobia, purely for subjective comfort.

[Aleron Ives]

Monitors like the Boox Mira and Dasung Paperlike are what you're looking for, but this is a niche technology, so you can't get it cheaply. You can use a 13" Boox device as a monitor, but since it runs on a battery, it's not a great solution for daily use.