In this conversation, Ben Chelf, co-founder and CEO of Sol, shares insights on the Sol Reader, an innovative device designed to enhance focused reading by reducing digital distractions. He discusses the shift towards single-purpose technology, emphasizing its role in improving our pre-sleep routines. Ben recounts his own journey from distraction to deep reading, revealing how mindfulness can transform our relationship with literature. Plus, he reflects on the importance of design and packaging in today’s digital age.
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insights INSIGHT
Power of Single-Purpose Hardware
Single-purpose hardware devices can reclaim focus better than software solutions.
The Sol Reader targets focused reading by eliminating distractions from multi-function devices.
insights INSIGHT
Freedom in Constraints
Constraints in device functionality create freedom and ease for users.
The Sol Reader optimizes for bedtime reading by focusing solely on that purpose.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Ben's Reading Revival
Ben Chelf rekindled his childhood love of reading through using the Sol Reader.
He now reads longer and tackles challenging books like Infinite Jest and War and Peace.
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In this book, Paul Barolsky examines the role of wit and humor in Italian Renaissance art, providing insights into the artistic and cultural context of the period. The work delves into how artists of the Renaissance used humor and wit in their creations, reflecting the broader cultural and social attitudes of the time.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys. The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis. It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth. The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements[3][4][5].
In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Ben Chelf—co-founder and CEO of Sol, the company behind the innovative Sol Reader. This single-purpose device is designed to help people reclaim focused, meaningful reading time by stripping away digital distractions.
We explore the relationship between attention, technology, and time—and how the Sol Reader aims to improve our pre-sleep routines by reducing screen fatigue and supporting deeper, more intentional reading. Ben’s journey from software pioneer to mindful hardware innovator is a fascinating one, and his perspective on presence, attention, and boundaries is deeply aligned with the work I do.
Six Discussion Points
Why the Sol Reader isn’t just another piece of wearable tech—it’s a shift in mindset.
The value of single-purpose devices in a multi-tasking world.
How constraints create freedom, especially in pre-bedtime routines.
Ben’s personal journey from dopamine-driven distraction to deep reading.
Why packaging and physical product design still matter in a digital age.
How reading Infinite Jest (yes, really) rekindled Ben’s attention span—and how Sol aims to help others do the same.
Whenever I can find a way to share this in a relevant way, I will
Ben’s work speaks directly to something I talk about often: reclaiming agency over our attention. Whether you're trying to read more, sleep better, or simply stop doomscrolling before bed, this conversation offers some meaningful insights—and perhaps a new tool to help you get there.
A Productive Conversation 
