The PocketMage resurrects the PDA with an e-paper screen

Key Points:

• Talisman Design is crowdfunding the PocketMage, a clamshell PDA featuring a tactile keyboard and dual displays—an e-paper main screen and a smaller OLED secondary screen—aimed at simple productivity tasks.
• The device offers two preorder options: a fully assembled version for $235 and a DIY kit for $185 that requires only screwdriver assembly, with shipments expected no earlier than March 2027.
• Powered by an ESP32-S3 microcontroller with limited RAM and storage (expandable via microSD), the open-source PocketMage includes preloaded apps like calendar, journal, dictionary, and Markdown text editor, with additional apps such as a calculator and web browser available.
• The main 3.1-inch e-paper display lacks touchscreen functionality but features a capacitive touch bar for scrolling, complemented by a 1.8-inch OLED screen for faster-refreshing menus, alongside Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, and a powered expansion port for custom hardware.
• The PocketMage targets enthusiasts and developers interested in a nostalgic PDA experience combined with modern connectivity and customization options.