The ’90s have made a comeback with a contemporary twist on the personal digital assistant (PDA), as one enthusiast demonstrates through a creative DIY project. This project not only honors the nostalgic design but enhances it with modern tech features.

Reimagining the PDA

These devices, originally popular for note-taking, digital calendars, and rudimentary email management, have become almost obsolete in the smartphone age. Nevertheless, Ashf, featured by Hackaday, is reviving this bygone tech for today’s users.

Unique Features

The updated PDAs are crafted using E Ink screens, offering better battery longevity than typical displays. While the refresh rate is slower, it’s sufficient for many tasks, making these devices remarkably energy-efficient.

Design and Functionality

The latest creation resembles a mini-laptop, housing a flexible E Ink screen alongside an AMOLED panel for speedy interactions. It’s controlled via a capacitive touch sensor and a miniature QWERTY keyboard.

DIY PDA

Additionally, it features a user-friendly design with transparent casing, allowing glimpses of its internal components— a nod to ’90s aesthetics.

Future Developments

Upcoming capabilities include a calendar, desktop syncing, and Bluetooth options for seamless keyboard use. Further upgrades hint at potential internet connectivity for messaging or emailing. Ashf continues to innovate and enhance the functionality of this retro gadget.

For more on this nostalgic device, be sure to check out the full build video linked above.