This $185 pocket computer with a keyboard is a brilliant idea, and we’re hoping it ships

• PocketMage is a crowdfunded pocket computer designed to help users write, code, and take notes without smartphone distractions.
• It features a physical QWERTY keyboard, dual displays, an ESP32-S3 chip, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, USB-C, MicroSD support, and up to seven days of battery life.
• Starting at $185, PocketMage is an exciting idea, but as a crowdfunding project, it may still face delays or never reach buyers.

It’s funny how the gadgets that promise to boost our productivity are often the very ones that distract us the most. You unlock your phone to jot down an idea, and five minutes later you’re watching YouTube Shorts or replying to messages you never meant to open. The PocketMage wants to be the antidote to that problem. At least, that’s the idea.

Talisman Design has launched a crowdfunding campaign for what it describes as a pocket-sized computer built for people who want to write, code, or take notes without all the usual smartphone distractions. Whether it ever reaches backers is another question. Crowdfunded hardware doesn’t always make it to the finish line, but it’s certainly one of the more interesting concepts to come along in a while.