Barbara
# Are You a Hacker Who Misses Their Blackberry? Check Out Beepberry!
If you’re a hacker who laments the loss of their Blackberry, we have some exciting news for you. Eric Migicovsky, the founder of the Pebble smartwatch and co-founder of Beeper, has created a new product called the Beepberry. This innovative device grafts the keyboard of a Blackberry Classic onto a custom board specifically designed to fit a Raspberry Pi Zero W. The device also features a 400 x 240 “Memory LCD” screen that has e-ink-like image retention.
# Introducing Beepberry by Eric Migicovsky
Eric Migicovsky is a name that needs no introduction in the world of wearable tech. He and his team have now created the Beepberry, a device that’s both a portable “e-paper” computer for hackers and a way to run Beeper without any other online distractions. The Beepberry is shaped like a pocketable custom board and attaches the keyboard of a Blackberry Classic onto it. A product of Eric Migicovsky’s creative genius, the Beepberry aims to combine the tactile experience of typing on a physical keyboard with the functionality of a cutting-edge computer.
# The Beepberry Has Unique Features
The Beepberry has several unique features that make it stand out from other portable computers on the market. For $79, you’ll get the Beepberry, mounting screws, and a 2,000mAh battery. However, you’ll need to find a way to hold the battery in place, even to the point of using a rubber band. Additional features include a 2.7-inch screen, a Blackberry Classic Q20 backlit keyboard, a USB-C port, an RGB LED, a side button, a power switch, and General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) breakouts.
# Beepberry Is a Developer’s Dream
If you’re a hacker or a developer, the Beepberry is an exciting option. With its “e-paper” screen and Blackberry Classic Q20 keyboard, this device is designed to provide a smooth and seamless experience for developers and hackers alike. The Beepberry is also ideal if you’re looking for a way to simplify your online life without sacrificing the convenience of a cutting-edge computer.
# Beepberry Does Not Have Cellular Data Connectivity
One notable feature of the Beepberry is that it lacks any hardware for cellular data connectivity. That means it’s not entirely a self-contained beeper, like the pagers of old. Raspberry Pi’s built-in Wi-Fi is the only way to connect to the internet unless you’re willing to devise a cellular add-on that plugs into its headers. However, for developers, the Beepberry’s restrictions may be a feature rather than a bug.
# Limited Availability of Beepberry
If you’re interested in buying a Beepberry, you should act fast. There are only 50 devices currently available, and the site does not mention how many of them remain available for purchase. To get your hands on one, put in your order and fill out the Early Access Program form on the bottom of the page. Keep in mind that the software and firmware are still being developed, so there aren’t many out-of-the-box features yet.
# Conclusion
The Beepberry is an exciting product designed for developers and hackers who are looking for a unique and innovative way to enjoy the tactile experience of a physical keyboard while still having access to cutting-edge technology. With its distinctive design, Beepberry combines the best of both worlds. Migicovsky’s team is actively developing the software, so expect more features as the product evolves. The Beepberry costs $79 and is currently available in limited quantities, so act fast if you want to buy one.
