The simple tool that made my reading habit stick

Sometimes the best tools are the quiet ones. I’ve been using the Boox Go Color 7 Gen 2 for a few months now (original post available here)—not as a shiny new object, but as part of my daily routine. In this issue, I’ll share what stood out about its battery life, the stylus setup, and how it fits into my simple reading and note-taking workflow.

Why Simple Still Wins

I’ve tried a lot of gadgets that promise to make reading or note-taking better. Most of them fade fast because they add friction instead of removing it. What I wanted was something that blended into my habits—not a shiny new distraction.

That’s where this device surprised me. It didn’t change how I work; it just made it easier to keep up with the parts that already worked. Reading a bit every morning. Taking quick notes when an idea hits. Backing everything up so I don’t lose it. It’s not flashy, but it’s consistent—and that’s what matters most.

Small Tweaks, Big Payoff

After a few months of steady use, a few practical tweaks made all the difference. I charge it about once a week, even with Wi-Fi on most of the time. Turning Wi-Fi off between syncs would stretch the battery even more.

I stuck with the stock magnetic case because it’s light and easy to remove. It wakes the screen automatically and feels just right for long reading sessions. I also use the MetaPen for notes—it’s reliable and comfortable although having it loose (no holder on the cover) means I frequently find the stylus and device in two different rooms.

For anyone thinking about using a similar tool, here’s what I’d suggest:
• Sync your notes to Google Drive right away.
• Set a simple weekly reminder to charge the device and then export your data (Readwise, etc)
• Skip bulky accessories unless you really need them.

These little habits keep things smooth and prevent those “why didn’t I back this up?” moments.

Quick Update

I’m on the road but found a stylus holder that attaches to the cover via an Etsy store. It’s 3D printed and has slim double-sided sticky tape to attach. So far I’m pretty impressed and it solves my one issue I had - frequently leaving the stylus in a different room or at home when going out. You can find it here, and some pictures of it in action are below:

Extra Extra

Readwise Reader – A powerful reading and highlight management tool that syncs with e-readers and note apps. Helps bridge digital reading with long-term learning.

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