Rediscovering the Classic EInk PDA: A Modern Review
Reviving the Era of Personal Digital Assistants: A Modern Take
In the era preceding the ubiquity of iOS and Android smartphones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) held sway as handheld computers, designed to complement traditional computers and perform tasks such as managing calendars, emails, notes, and more. However, with the advent of smartphones, the demand for PDAs waned, leaving behind a fondness for the simplicity they offered. Catering to this nostalgia, [Ashtf] has resurrected the concept in a modern avatar.
This nostalgic revival is, in essence, a mini-laptop modeled after the classic PDAs. Powered by an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, it consists of two printed circuit boards (PCBs) and boasts a unique clamshell design. The primary display is an eInk display, intended for slower, more energy-efficient interactions, while a smaller i2c AMOLED display caters to tasks demanding faster refresh rates. The device also features a capacitive slider and a QWERTY keyboard, complete with back resin-printed keycaps, white air-dry clay embossments, and a nail polish finish to mimic professional double-shot keycaps. The switches rest on the main PCB, and the device's clear resin shell allows glimpses of its internal workings, including a quick-change battery cover.
The device's software ecosystem is its standout feature, where the magic truly unfolds. It sports several applications such as a tasks app, file wizard, and a text app, with a focus on the text app for on-the-go note-taking. When connected via USB-C, the device enters a docked mode, displaying tasks and the time. Future plans include the addition of a calendar, desktop sync, and even Bluetooth keyboard compatibility. For those keen to delve deeper into the device's development, its previous iteration is available on GitHub, with plans to expand its functionality and accessibility in the future.
In our ongoing coverage of [Ashtf's] PDA journey, we are delighted to witness the progress being made. The ESP32-S3, with its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, promises a promising future for modern PDAs, offering a focus unachievable on smartphones. As the project evolves, we eagerly await updates and further developments that this innovative device might bring.
The mini-laptop modeled after the classic PDAs, launched by Ashtf, blends technology with gadgets, such as the printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic displays, to create a smart-home-device reminiscent of the past. This device's software ecosystem, featuring applications like a tasks app and text app, aims to enhance productivity by catering to both traditional PDA tasks and modern smart-home-device usage.
