This $48 e-paper display can be whatever you want it to be

A screen that shows what you choose

The writer bought a $48 DIY display kit from Seeed Studio. It was made with TRMNL. The kit lets you show any content you want, using the software you prefer. The screen uses e-paper, a type of display that looks like paper and uses very little power. It cycles through useful information, such as calendars, weather, news, and ideas shared by the TRMNL community.

Key facts

• The DIY kit costs $48.
• The writer's earlier project used a Lenovo ThinkSmart View, which sold for about $30 on eBay during a liquidation.
• Apple's HomeView, a home hub, costs $299.
• TRMNL was founded in 2023 by Ryan Kulp.
• TRMNL's first e-paper device launched through crowdfunding in 2024.

Why the writer switched

The writer first tried a Lenovo ThinkSmart View running a version of LineageOS, a free system for phones and devices. That device was made for business video calls. Its small memory made it slow. The TRMNL kit felt like a better fit because the screen updates by itself, so the writer never has to wait on a slow menu.

Why it matters

This kit shows a different kind of smart home gadget. Apple's HomeView is built to get the whole family interacting with it. The TRMNL kit is built to be passive, meaning it just shows information without needing touches or commands. For people who want a simple, no-subscription information board, it offers an option that costs much less.

What to watch

• Whether TRMNL's community keeps adding new screens and ideas.
• How well the kit works for people who are not experienced with DIY electronics.
• Whether Seeed Studio and TRMNL keep the kit free of subscription fees.