The Evertop DIY PC offers hundreds of hours of DOS fun on a single charge
The Evertop DIY PC provides endless retro gaming with minimal power use.
Evertop DIY PC, conceived by Eric Jenott, is crafted for retro computing enthusiasts who aim to relive classic software experiences. It distills the charm of the 1980s by emulating IBM XT-class machines with an 80186 processor, through an Espressif ESP32 microcontroller. Jenott focuses on achieving maximum accessibility and portability, preferring these attributes over period-accurate hardware. The Evertop delivers nostalgic moments for those who appreciate DOS-era systems and its applications.
Utilizing innovative energy solutions, Evertop is designed to operate extensively on minimal energy. With dual 10,000mAh batteries, a solar panel, and a USB port leveraging extreme power-saving techniques, this device can last for hundreds of hours on a single charge. Eric Jenott specifies that Evertop runs classic operating systems like DOS and Minix. This use of low-power components ensures an eco-friendly and persistent operation for long-lasting retro fun.
A 5.83-inch grayscale e-ink display, capable of handling 648x480 resolution, serves as the visual interface of the Evertop. The machine accommodates video modes such as CGA, Hercules, and MCGA, with partial EGA/VGA support. For audio, it includes PC speaker, Adlib, Covox, and Disney Sound Source functionalities, though it misses the Sound Blaster integration typical of some vintage setups, which makes specific audio experiences unavailable.
The Evertop is robust in terms of peripheral support, despite Eric Jenott not activating Bluetooth features yet. It includes PS/2 ports, serial connections, an SD card slot, and USB, enabling efficient file transfers. For networking, it supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and LoRa radio, providing versatility in how users connect and interact with their retro computing system.
Jenott plans to offer a "Mini" version of Evertop, which retains the essential features of the original but without an integrated keyboard. This presents a more compact option for enthusiasts. There currently is no purchasing or pre-assembly kit available, requiring users to assemble these units themselves based on provided documentation.
Sources: TechSpot, Notebookcheck, Boing Boing.