How E Ink’s Touchpad Could Change the Way You Use Your Next Laptop

It’s not every day that the humble laptop touchpad gets a complete makeover, but E Ink has managed to do just that, and it’s making me rethink what’s possible with portable computers. Instead of tucking another display off to the side or squeezing it beside the keyboard, E Ink decided to put its ultra-efficient screen right under your fingertips, literally. This time, the touchpad itself has become a blank, customizable slate that’s always within reach.

The idea might sound a bit out there at first, but the more I imagine it, the more it seems like one of those small changes that could inspire a wave of creative laptop designs. After all, E Ink is no stranger to innovative displays, and this latest pivot feels like a natural next step. It’s not just about adding a new screen somewhere on a laptop, but about rethinking how we interact with the tools we use every day.

Designer: E Ink

If you’ve ever used an e-reader, you’ll know E Ink’s trademark look and feel. Until now, most people probably imagined it was destined for digital books and not much else. That’s starting to change, though, as E Ink slowly finds its way into everything from signage that barely sips power to distraction-free mobile phones and even smart home gadgets. Now, the familiar grayscale display has landed on the part of the laptop we touch the most.

The collaboration with Intel’s Smart Base is what really brings this E Ink touchpad to life. Instead of forcing laptop makers to find awkward nooks for a second screen, everything happens right at the touchpad. It’s a smart move because it saves space, keeps the design clean, and means you’re always looking at the display, whether you realize it or not. It feels like a clever twist that could easily catch on.

What really makes this stand out is how the touchpad is not just about tracking your finger anymore. Thanks to E Ink’s technology, it can show everything from quick shortcuts and system notifications to AI-powered content and summaries. You could check the weather, scribble a note, or even see meeting transcripts without ever opening a new window. Some features even stick around when the laptop is asleep, which is both practical and a little bit magical.

Of course, E Ink has experimented with laptops before. Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus put a screen on the lid a while back, and ASUS recently teased Project Dali that used color E Ink for custom laptop covers. But even with those experiments, this feels different. By making the touchpad itself the centerpiece, there’s potential for designers to reimagine the entire lower half of the laptop, not just decorate it.

Naturally, there are still a few things left up in the air. Anyone who spends a lot of time on a laptop knows how important the feel and responsiveness of the touchpad can be. E Ink’s displays are not always the quickest, and the texture will matter to a lot of users. But if those details get worked out, this could be one of those features that quietly changes how we use laptops, especially for people who love a personalized touch.

It’s always a little thrilling to see a familiar technology land in a new spot, especially when it’s something you use every day. The E Ink touchpad may not be in every laptop tomorrow, but it’s the kind of idea that sticks with you, making you wonder what other overlooked details are about to get a fresh coat of creativity.

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