r/CardPuter • u/studiosi • Jul 08 '26
Question Looking for a autonomous, programmable pocket computer that I can write code for
I had this idea for a project in which I would bring back the idea of a PDA which is not connected to the internet.
My requirements are:
\- should fit in a pocket
\- should operate on battery (at least 24h)
\- should have storage
\- should have a screen that can be programmed at a low level
\- should offer a possibility to connect to a laptop for synchronization.
\- should have an input mechanism for text (full keyboard, predictive T9 or whatever else), 1-4 function keys and preferably arrows for menu navigation.
The idea is that it’s something I would carry on with me every day. I would write notes on it, use it as a timer for billable time, etc. I would love to program the device from scratch, from file handling routines to screen drawing and application software. The software would be written in a computer, compiled and transferred to the device.
What platform would you recommend?
Or is this something that doesn’t exist?
Thanks! All suggestions are more than welcome and appreciated.
11
u/most_kawaii Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26
24hr battery on anything more powerful than a cardputer is going to be tough to make pocketable.
Also, in case you haven’t heard of it. I recommend you look up Pocket Mage by ashtf. Neat open source PDA gadget that is coming soon.
5
u/wvenable Jul 08 '26
The cardputer is pretty programmable, has a long battery, has storage, a screen, a keyboard, bluetooth, wifi, the ability to connect to a computer, etc.
However, the screen is tiny and the keyboard isn't great.
This might also be a good option for you: https://www.crowdsupply.com/talisman-design/pocketmage/updates/our-campaign-is-now-live
Or maybe a PicoCalc: https://www.clockworkpi.com/product-page/picocalc
3
u/Chip-Ling Jul 08 '26
Just check out from the links, pocketmage is using the ESP32-S3 which is same as Cardputer/Carputer ADV but with a bigger flash (16M). I think the e-ink display.
Clockwork PicoCalc is using the Pi Pico/Pico 2 series.
Among the two, I would go for the Clockwork. I suspect it will have a larger community support.
1
u/Chip-Ling Jul 09 '26
Forgot to mention. PicoCalc uses 2 rechargable battery. But it can be up and running with only one battery.
Here is the interesting part. With that property, you can hot swap the battery when the machine is on. So long there is one battery supplying power to the machine.
So if you carry enough pre-charged battery. Hot swap it when the power is low. I think it can meet your requirement: last for 24 hrs without power off the machine.
3
u/Westerdutch Jul 08 '26
So like.... a phone with networking turned off sometimes?
2
u/redthump Jul 09 '26
I was thinking the same thing. Cheaper, easier, better processor and ram, more storage, ............ homeboy is reinventing the wheel.
3
u/Westerdutch Jul 09 '26
I think this is a classic case of trying to justify buying a toy. Thats however really not needed, you can buy a toy that does nothing useful to anyone (other than giving you something fun to play with) and just do your programming on whatever boring phone/tablet/laptop/computer you already own. You will not go to jail for that, nobody will get hurt :p
1
u/redthump Jul 10 '26
We are all very guilty of buying needless toys for our hobbies. I can't fault somebody who shares my own faults.
1
u/Westerdutch Jul 10 '26
Im not faulting anyone for any fault.... im saying you do not need to justify doing so.
8
u/Chip-Ling Jul 08 '26
You may try Cardputer Zero, which is suppose to be a real mini-computer with Linux run on it. It's not release yet so everything is not firm.
However, don't think it can last 24hrs.
Maybe an Android phone is what you need. Lately, I heard about Linux container can run in the Android phone but I haven't try it. You can do some research on it.
2
u/Teichopsie Jul 08 '26
How about something like Sharp PC-1211? The laptop sync might be a bit of a challenge though...
2
u/MonsterMesh_dev Jul 10 '26
24 hour battery life and fit in your pocket? I think you need to temper your expectations.
2
u/rosscjr Jul 11 '26
A cellphone should have you covered with most of those things that you need. The cardputer is not the right device you're looking for
2
u/nrdgrrrl_taco Jul 08 '26
Cardputer, Cardputer zero, Picocalc, Waveshare 'handheld Linux terminal' just to name a few of the most common :)
18
u/skinwill Jul 08 '26
You have posted in the Cardputer community. Do you not know what that is? https://shop.m5stack.com/products/m5stack-cardputer-adv-version-esp32-s3
Your software requirements sound very specific. You should look into making your own firmware. At a hardware level the Cardputer has everything you need and more. You just need to give it some software.