If you have an old Kindle lying around, you might be surprised by the creative ways you can repurpose it. From loading it with kids’ stories to exchanging it for a more advanced version, the possibilities are diverse. Here are five innovative projects I’ve successfully undertaken with my modified fourth-generation Kindle.
Create a Self-Contained Wikipedia
Transform Your Kindle into an Offline Knowledge Hub
Wikipedia is an incredible resource, but it typically requires an internet connection, which can be problematic during outdoor adventures. A great solution is to convert your old Kindle into a portable Wikipedia library that functions offline. By utilizing Kiwix, a free, open-source software, you can save compressed ZIM files onto your Kindle. This allows you to access a customized Wikipedia library anywhere, anytime, without the need for Wi-Fi.
Make It a Package Tracker
Stay Updated on Your Deliveries
When awaiting an online order, it’s easy to become anxious and continually check for updates. I turned my old Kindle into a package tracker to simplify this process. The device pulls information from Amazon notifications and uses a Raspberry Pi to continuously update the Kindle’s display. Now, I can easily monitor my package status at a glance without repeated phone checks.
Convert It into a Basic Security Camera
Utilize Slow-Refresh Capabilities
While designed for reading, the Kindle can also function as a low-tech security camera. By setting up an automation through Home Assistant, I can capture images from a video doorbell and relay them to my Kindle. Although the E-Ink display won’t showcase fast-moving visuals, it refreshes often enough to indicate who’s at the door without making unnecessary trips.
Use It as an E-Ink Picture Frame
Display Photos with a Vintage Touch
Though most projects mentioned here require jailbreaking, using your Kindle as a photo frame works on standard models. The E-Ink display offers an aesthetic way to showcase black-and-white images, staying powered for weeks while displaying a static picture. If you jailbreak your Kindle, you can even create a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos, mimicking a digital picture frame.
Develop a Distraction-Free Writing Machine
Pair It with a Raspberry Pi
Even though the Kindle is not designed for typing, it can still serve as a minimalist writing terminal. Pair it with a Raspberry Pi, and connect a keyboard to type. The E-Ink screen is less prone to glare than traditional laptop screens, making it an excellent choice for writing outdoors. This setup allows for a focused writing experience without the distractions often found with regular devices.
Old Kindles Have Surprising Value
If you’ve upgraded to a new eReader, don’t discard your old Kindle just yet. Its hardware can still offer practical benefits. Even simple modifications like jailbreaking it to install KOReader can breathe new life into the device.
