Nuked Hello, my fellow tech enthusiasts! Today we’re talking about a new product that’s sure to pique the interest of Blackberry lovers and hackers alike. It’s called the Beepberry, and it’s designed by Eric Migicovsky, the founder of the Pebble smartwatch and Beeper: an all-in-one messaging app that combines various services into one platform.
So, what exactly is the Beepberry? Essentially, it’s a custom board that’s designed to fit a Raspberry Pi Zero W, with the keyboard of a Blackberry Classic grafted onto it. The device also comes with a 400 X 240 “Memory LCD” screen that looks like something out of an old graphing calculator, but is actually quite sophisticated. The screen is made by Sharp and has a one-bit memory circuit embedded in each pixel for e-ink-like image retention.
For $79, you get the Beepberry, mounting screws, and a 2,000mAh battery. However, you’ll need to find a way to hold the battery in place (some demos show the creators using rubber bands). The device also comes with a USB-C port, RGB LED, side button, power switch, and General Purpose Input / Output (GPIO) breakouts.
One of the interesting things about the Beepberry is that it’s designed to run Beeper without any other online distractions, but Migicovsky also describes it as a portable “e-paper” computer for hackers. You can build yourself a fun handheld device that’s purposefully limiting but also kind of limitless in terms of what you can do with a Raspberry Pi. The website provides a few examples to get your mind oriented, including a simple weather checker, playing Ascii Star Wars, browsing the cyberdeck subreddit, and running a gomuks Matrix client.
It’s worth noting that the Beepberry lacks any hardware for cellular data connectivity, so it’s not quite a self-contained beeper in the traditional sense. You’ll need to use Raspberry Pi’s built-in Wi-Fi or hotspot it to a smartphone when you’re out and about, unless you’re willing to devise a cellular add-on that plugs into its headers.
If you’re interested in a Beepberry, act fast: there are only 50 initially available to ship. You’ll need to put in your order and fill out the Early Access Program form on the bottom of the page to let them know you want it now. The site does not mention how many of the initial 50, if any, remain available for purchase.
Software and firmware for the Beepberry is available to download online, and there are even 3D-printable enclosures to get started with. However, it’s important to note that the software/firmware is still actively being developed and nothing is final, so don’t expect many out-of-box features if you get your hands on one.
In conclusion, the Beepberry is an intriguing device that combines the beloved keyboard of a Blackberry with the versatility of a Raspberry Pi. It’s perfect for hackers and tech enthusiasts who want to build their own handheld devices or run Beeper without any distractions. If you’re interested in getting one, act fast before they sell out!
