Want a fun project to build this summer? Check out EclairM0, a pocket-sized notepad device, roughly the size of a Tic Tac container, designed by Mateusz Nowak. It’s powered by a SAMD21 microcontroller, which gives it enough brains to handle tasks like acting as a keyboard, mouse, or other USB peripherals. This device is super light at just 15 grams, so it’s an easy addition to what you carry daily.
The device has a 14-button keypad with a clicky feel, like the multi-tap keyboards on old phones, great for jotting quick notes or using its features. It also has a small SSD1306 OLED screen for a clear, fast interface. The firmware is written in TinyGo, optimized for the microcontroller’s limited storage, and it’s a step up from an earlier CircuitPython project, with improved screen response times. The battery is a svelte 3mm thick, with protection circuitry moved to the main PCB to keep the profile slim.
- LARGE TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY – 4.8-inch color touchscreen with stylus makes it easy to interact with graphs, equations, and data for intuitive...
- POWERFUL CAS FUNCTIONALITY – Built-in Computer Algebra System (CAS) solves algebraic expressions symbolically, ideal for high-level math and...
- DRAG-AND-DROP FEATURES – Seamlessly move data between graphs, tables, and equations for efficient problem-solving and visual connections.
There’s been some chatter about its USB capabilities. One user initially mentioned “USB host functionality,” but others pointed out that the SAMD21 likely supports USB device functionality (like keyboards or mice), not host (which would be the computer it plugs into). The author acknowledged the mix-up and promised to clarify, so it’s likely the EclairM0 acts as a USB device, which still makes it versatile for interfacing with other gear.
Simply put, the EclairM0 boasts a distraction-free design and retro handheld vibes, complete with a compact form factor as well as tactile buttons. It’s being celebrated as a brilliant little project for tinkerers and nostalgists alike. Ready to make your own? Check out the build instructions here.
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