This pocketable typewriter is an E Ink throwback you’ll be able to construct your self

The retro gadget revival exhibits no indicators of slowing down, however the newest throwback may be one in every of my most tempting but. Called the PocketMage, it is a tiny clamshell pc that blends the very best bits of old-school PDAs with a distraction-free writing machine. Plus, there’s even a DIY equipment for those who fancy constructing your individual.

Designed by Talisman Design and presently searching for crowdfunding, the PocketMage seems like a miniature laptop computer. Open it up and you will find a 3.1-inch E Ink show paired with a tactile QWERTY keyboard that is clearly aimed toward writers, note-takers and anybody nostalgic for the times earlier than smartphones turned infinite notification machines.

So whereas it may be a bit small to make it onto our best mechanical keyboards list, this definitely serves its purpose well.

Interestingly, there’s also a second display. A slim OLED panel sits above the keyboard to handle menus and other fast-moving interface elements, leaving the E Ink screen free to deliver its eye-friendly reading experience without feeling sluggish.

Under the hood, it is deliberately modest. An ESP32-S3 chip, 2MB of RAM and 16MB of storage (expandable through microSD) are sufficient to run a Markdown editor, calendar, journal, dictionary and different light-weight productiveness apps. There’s additionally WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C and even an growth port for {hardware} tinkerers who need to customise the machine additional.

The better part? If you are the form of one who enjoys assembling devices as a lot as utilizing them, the PocketMage is out there as a DIY equipment that solely requires a screwdriver – no soldering needed.

There’s additionally a totally assembled model for those who’d moderately get typing immediately. Prices begin at round $185 (roughly £135) for the equipment or $235 (round £170) assembled, with transport presently anticipated in March 2027.