Contraption Mini - Handheld RLCD writerDeck
(Edit: Added main writerDeck photo to post body because Reddit still doesn't like when I try to upload images)
Firmware: Draftling
Screen: ESP32-S3-RLCD-4.2 300x400 Development Board
Keyboard: Mini Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad
Power bank: Generic 10000mAh power bank I've had for years (I got it from my mother who got it for free at an event)
USB splitter: TERRIFI Type C Male to 3 USB A Female Cable Adapter (Have also had this for a while)
Keyboard wireless connection: USB Wired Keyboard & Mouse to Wireless Converter
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Yes, this is an RLCD screen and mini keyboard velcroed to a power bank. But that's exactly why it's so fun to use.
Something about the form factor and how comfortable it is to hold and work with makes me feel like I'm typing away on a neat little gadget. It sparks joy in a way that, I'll be honest with you, it really didn't when I first set it up.
That's not anyone or anything's fault – it's just that the moment I found out about Draftling via this sub (before the developer u/clackups even made their first post about it!) I immediately bought the Waveshare screen because it seemed like it would work super well for a writerDeck idea I've wanted to make happen for a long time. However, once I'd flashed Draftling onto it it refused to connect to the Bluetooth keyboard I wanted to use. In fact, it would ONLY connect to my mechanical keyboards (and the Doohoeek from my wallet writerDeck... which doesn't have function keys so can't access the menu). And the only mechanical keyboard that would function with it was my Yunzii C75, aka my everyday laptop keyboard 🙃. Also the later warnings about it being much darker that e-ink turned out to be true. It was difficult to make it work for me, and the disappointment made it even more difficult to want to use it at all.
Then some days ago, I (finally) bought a wired-keyboard-to-Bluetooth (and 2.4gHz) converter. While I was testing it out, I decided to connect the 2.4gHz receiver from the mini keyboard (which doesn't have Bluetooth) to the converter and see whether the converter could transmit its keystrokes to Draftling. Honestly, I'm still surprised that worked.
Like I said, it's pretty fun to use now. Apart from various tests, so far I've used it for notes/brainstorming. Caps Lock doesn't work, and when you create bullet point lists via Markdown the cursor jumps to a different part of the sentence, making attempts to correct mistakes confusing. Also sometimes I get to a specific line of the screen and it just... stops typing? I either have to hit Enter and keep going or backspace away from that line to finish my sentence, upon which what I was trying to type will reveal itself again. Not sure whether that one's just my screen. Either way, I know the dev broke their screen during tests (after it was probably too late to cancel my order 🥲) so these bugs are unlikely to get fixed.
On that note... Yes, I know the screen is fragile. Yes, I know it probably needs protection and/or an enclosure. What am I going to do about it? I have no clue. I don't have access to a 3D printer, or the know-how to model an enclosure for this screen. So far my best idea has been, like... some kind of padded pouch to carry it around in when not in use? 🤷♀️ Hey, if I wasn't lazy willing to work with less I wouldn't have come up with this contraption in the first place.
Right now I keep it in my bedside drawer when I'm not using it. The furthest I've taken it so far is downstairs. And honestly, the fact I haven't broken it already is what I'd call a good sign. So, for now... I guess I'll keep being careful.