My Dream Productivity Device Is Done - And It's Becoming a Kit
The Pocket Mage V3 is the finalized hardware revision of a handheld productivity device, featuring a wider OLED, micro SD storage, and new apps (calendar, journal, dictionary). The creator is preparing a kit release, starting with 100 beta units for developers and testers. ---
Key Concepts
| Concept | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pocket Mage | A small, keyboard-driven handheld productivity computer built around an ESP32, designed for writing, scheduling, and note-taking |
| V3 | The final hardware revision — no further component changes planned beyond minor production-readiness tweaks |
| Kit | A no-solder, no-code assembly kit targeted at hobbyists; assembly involves sticker placement, ribbon cable connection, PCB insertion, and flashing firmware |
| Beta stage | 100 units sent to developers/testers before full production; uses 3D-printed parts and work-in-progress software |
Notes
Hardware Changes in V3
- **Wider OLED display**: Twice as wide as previous version; shows more text per line, enables word-wrap and scroll preview
- **Screen driver integrated on main PCB**: Previously a separate breakout board; consolidation eliminates need for soldering in the kit
- **White PCBs**: Aesthetic choice to reinforce a "paper" look
- **Micro SD card slot**: Stores text files, system files, app data, and dictionary database; current test uses 4 GB card
- **Captive nuts in case**: Replaces direct-into-plastic threading; improves durability across repeated assembly/disassembly
- **More screws**: Significantly more fastening points for rigidity
- **Dome array button stickers**: Simplifies button assembly
- **Small buzzer added**: Auditory feedback ("beeps and boops")
- **Ribbon cable for OLED**: Plug-in connection, no soldering required
- Case is ~0.5 mm thicker due to added PCB components; offset by a thinner battery door
Software Changes in V3
- UI polish, bug fixes, bottom status bar (battery, clock, date)
- **State persistence**: Device resumes last-used app and file on wake using ESP32 `preferences` library
- Settings can be saved across power cycles (previously reset to defaults on every boot)
- Views: month, week, day
- Supports one-time and repeating events (daily, weekly by day, monthly, yearly)
- Event fields: name, start date, start time, duration, note
- Events stored on and loaded from SD card
- GitHub-style daily activity grid (filled squares = days journaled)
- One text file per day; can back-fill missed days
- Open and edit any past journal entry by date
- Plain-text dictionary stored on SD card, split by first letter of word
- Displays multiple definitions; navigate with arrow keys
- Described as a fun capability demonstration
- **Dice roller**: `roll dX` command; supports any die size; shows special messages on min/max rolls
- **USB file transfer**: Device appears as a flash drive when connected via USB-C; allows PC backup
- **Settings app**: Adjust OLED brightness, timeout, max FPS, clock display, power-save mode, boot-to-home toggle
- **Community screen savers**: Art contributed by community members; displayed when device sleeps
Kit Assembly Process
- No soldering, no coding required
Roadmap to Production
- **V3.1 PCB**: Minor revisions based on professional engineering review (efficiency, safety, performance)
- **Beta (100 units)**:
- Distributed to developers, testers, and highly interested community members via Discord
- 3D-printed parts (not injection-molded)
- Software still in development
- Beta sales fund injection mold tooling
- **Full production run**:
- Seeking a manufacturing partner to lower overhead
- Kickstarter or crowdfunding under consideration to offset mold costs and offer early-backer discounts
- **Current work**: Setting up LLC, building website, finalizing beta production board
Actionable Takeaways
- Sign up for the email interest form (pinned in comments) to be notified when the kit releases
- Join the project Discord to access the beta testers/developers channel for first access to beta kits
- If interested in contributing art or code, the community is actively welcoming contributors of all skill levels
- Watch comments for a potential Kickstarter campaign announcement
Quotes Worth Keeping
This version, Pocket Mage V3, is the final hardware version. This means that in terms of the hardware features and components, the device is finalized.
No soldering, no code — it really is that easy to build.
I sincerely thank each and every one of you who is supporting me through ideas left in comments, helping with cleaning up my code, making awesome art that gives the device even more charm, or even just watching the video.