The Return of Single-Purpose Tools
Moving away from smartphone apps in favor of dedicated devices.
Jan 20, 2026
Welcome to Easlo Guide No. 1, where we find stuff that are not only useful but also clean and aesthetically pleasing.
This week, I want to highlight the rise of single-purpose tools, or rather, their revival.
You may have noticed people proudly returning to their Kindles or iPods.
This shift isn’t surprising. As smartphones take on nearly every task, they often overwhelm us with dopamine and information. In response, some of us are seeking a calmer environment, one that lets us focus on just a single thing.
Because of this, we’re seeing a new generation of tech focused on being single-purpose tools. Check them out.
Clicks Communicator: A phone with a BlackBerry-style physical keyboard, specifically designed for communication. Bring only apps like Slack, WhatsApp, and Gmail.
Xteink X4 eReader: A tiny e-reader perfect for reading on the go. Plus, it features a magnetic back that allows you to attach it to the back of your iPhone with MagSafe.
BYOK: A distraction-free writing tool without apps or notifications. Its phone-like size makes it easy to carry, creating a portable writing setup, as long as you have a keyboard to pair with it.