tldr:
* I installed console-only Debian on an old laptop (no desktop OS at all)
* I added some packages to make it work better for writing:
* network-manager for connecting to hotspots while I'm away
* kmscon for custom fonts and more than 16 colors in the tty
* tmux for a nice status
Without a decent refresh rate, I don’t see them gaining mainstream appeal. Given that the technology revolves around physically moving particles, I don’t see the refresh rate improving by leaps and bounds anytime soon.