M5Stack's Cardputer Kit Puts a Microcontroller-Powered Microcomputer in Your Pocket — for Under $30
Powered by an Espressif ESP32-S3, this compact computer includes a tiny color TFT, sound capabilities, and a working keyboard.
M5Stack has announced the impending launch of a compact "cardputer," complete with keyboard and teeny-tiny display, for those who want to take their making on the go: the M5StampS3-powered Cardputer Kit.
"Cardputer is a card-sized portable computer that is perfect for engineers," M5Stack claims of its latest launch, which comes hot on the heels of the smart rotary M5Dial. "At the heart of Cardputer is the M5StampS3, a mini development board based on the [Espressif] ESP32-S3 chip. Cardputer features a powerful dual-core processor, supports Wi-Fi functionality and integrates various peripherals and sensors, making it ideal for rapid functional verification, industrial control and home automation systems."
As the company says, the driving force behind the Cardputer is the M5StampS3 installed in a modular slot to the upper-right of the chassis — and, presumably, replaceable with more powerful modules in the future. This gives the machine an Espressif ESP32-S3 system-on-chip, offering a 32-bit dual-core Tensilica Xtensa LX7 processor running at up to 240MHz, a RISC-V-based ultra-low-power (ULP) coprocessor, 512kB of static RAM (SRAM), and 384kB of on-chip flash plus 16kB in the real-time clock (RTC) to which M5Stack has added 8MB of off-chip SPI flash.
The module also includes 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radios, plus a selection of expansion capabilities brought out to the rear — and used to hook into the Cardputer carrier itself. This pocket-size add-on includes a 56-key keyboard and compact 1.14" color TFT display plus a speaker, digital MEMS microphone, an infrared transmitter, and 1,400mAh battery — in addition to the 120mAh battery in the M5StampS3 itself. The base has magnets for mounting, LEGO-compatible holes, and a Grove connector for external I2C devices — plus a microSD slot for storage.
The company claims the gadget is ideal for "fast functional verification and prototyping, industrial control and automation, data acquisition and sensor monitoring," and even to serve as a control panel for a smart home system. It's most likely, though, to find a home on the desks of hackers and tinkerers — especially given its tempting price of $29.90 including the M5Stamp3 module.
More information on the new kit is available on the M5Stack website, with backorders available ahead of shipping on October 25th.