When was the last time you saw a computer actually outlast your weekend trip – and then some? Enter the Evertop, a portable IBM XT emulator powered by an ESP32 that doesn’t just flirt with low power; it basically lives off the grid. Designed by [ericjenott], hacker with a love for old-school computing and survivalist flair, this machine emulates 1980s PCs, runs DOS, Windows 3.0, and even MINIX, and stays powered for hundreds of hours. It has a built-in solar panel and 20,000mAh of battery, basically making it an old-school dream in a new-school shell.
What makes this build truly outstanding – besides the specs – is how it survives with no access to external power. It sports a 5.83-inch e-ink display that consumes zilch when static, hardware switches to cut off unused peripherals (because why waste power on a serial port you’re not using?), and a solar panel that pulls 700mA in full sun. And you guessed it – yes, it can hibernate to disk and resume where you left off. The Evertop is a tribute to 1980s computing, and a serious tool to gain some traction at remote hacker camps.
For the full breakdown, the original post has everything from firmware details to hibernation circuitry. Whether you’re a retro purist or an off-grid prepper, the Evertop deserves a place on your bench. Check out [ericjenott]’s project on Github here.
Interesting. The e-Ink Panel used costs just 32 USD. But by “fast update” hey mean 1.5 seconds…
Okay I need that keyboard. Does anyone know what it is? I am trying to read the git repo but it is quite large :D
This entire project is a thing of beauty. I used actual DOS laptops with similar peripheral mixes when they were state of the art and the mix of functionality with ultra low power is a dream I never really thought I’d see anybody accomplish. Yes, I’ve seen bits and pieces of it realized but here the whole thing is wound together with a bow to stern vision that is breathtaking. I would gladly lay down cash for a built system.
Great job! Has “industrial controller that runs forever” written all over it.