Key takeaways:
- Ingenious hack allows adding MagSafe wireless charging to an old Kindle 3 e-reader
- Repurposes spare parts and MagSafe accessories to modernize the dated device
- Simple 15-minute project makes the Kindle more convenient to charge
In a clever display of DIY ingenuity, an electronics enthusiast has successfully modified an aging Kindle 3 e-reader to support wireless charging using Apple’s MagSafe technology. Despite the Kindle’s dated hardware, this hack breathes new life into the device by leveraging the widespread availability of MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers.
The project, detailed on the popular DIY site Instructables, involves disassembling the Kindle and identifying the charging port’s positive 5V pins using a multimeter. A small wireless charging receiver module is then wired to these pins, allowing it to receive power inductively from a MagSafe puck or similar wireless charging accessory.
“Wireless induction charging has had a new life since the widespread of the ‘MagSafe’ compliant accessories, even though said tech is somewhat ancient,” the author explains, referring to Apple’s magnetic wireless charging standard first introduced in 2020.
While requiring some soldering and disassembly, the project is relatively straightforward, taking around 15 minutes to complete according to its creator. By reusing an old but functional Kindle and tapping into the modern MagSafe ecosystem, this hack exemplifies the spirit of sustainable tech upgrades and creative repurposing.
As convenient wireless charging becomes increasingly ubiquitous, such inventive hacks allow older devices to keep pace with the latest charging standards, extending their usability. The project could potentially inspire others to apply similar upgrades to various electronics, giving new life to devices that might otherwise be discarded or relegated to wired charging.
This article was made using the help of AI. See the Citations section for resources.
Citations:
[1] https://www.instructables.com/Modernize-a-Kindle-and-Lots-of-Other-Devices-to-Us/
