Introducing the Inkplate 5, a compact E Ink display designed specifically for do-it-yourself projects. As Liliputing stated, the versatile device is equipped with a printed circuit board that enables standalone applications or integration with other devices, offering endless possibilities for customization.
As the latest addition to the Inkplate product line, the Inkplate 5 will soon be available for pre-order through a crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply. Featuring a 5.2-inch greyscale electronic paper display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels, the display delivers visuals that are crisp and sharp. The ESP32 microcontroller provides Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, while the USB-C port and microSD card reader offer convenient data transfer options.
Developed by Soldered Electronics, formerly known as e-radionica, InkPlate products are known for their open-source approach. The company provides hardware design files and software source code on GitHub, ensuring flexibility and customization. The board is Arduino-compatible and supports Adafruit’s GFX library, making it accessible for programming with MicroPython.
Although the Inkplate 5 doesn’t have an integrated battery, its E Ink display is capable of retaining static images indefinitely. This means you can easily update the on-screen content by connecting it to a computer and then placing it on a shelf for use as digital signage. Alternatively, you can power it with a battery or USB source to create a low-power wireless display. With an impressive sleep state consuming only 18 µA, the Inkplate 5 can run for days, weeks, or even months on a single charge.
While pricing details have yet to be announced, other Inkplate products are available at varying price points, typically ranging from $40 to $200, depending on screen size and features.
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. The motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot, and I'll likely make a film sometime in the future.
