A Productive Conversation

Ben Chelf Talks About Reimagining Reading and the Power of Presence

Jul 2, 2025
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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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.
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.
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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