The 2026 Retrocomputing Challenge features the Oldputer project, which soothes aging eyes with an e-ink display. The project started with this idea. Inspired by an old e-ink display, Andrzej Górski developed a nostalgic computer project called “Oldputer,” and with the idea of pairing a slow display with the slow computers of the past, he added an ESP32 to the project along with LEDs for indicator lights. The device serves as a desk ornament. Housed in a fun case, the device displays the desired information, while those who want to rebuild the project can check out the GitHub page, and those looking for something older can take a look at the MCM/70 replica.
Why it matters
Competitions like the Retrocomputing Challenge are among the few platforms that give visibility to hobbyist makers who revive the computers of the past, and Oldputer shows that this community produces not only nostalgia but design ideas as well. The project’s notable aspect is that it turns the slow refresh rate of e-ink displays, normally considered a flaw, into a choice that harmonizes with the low tempo of old machines; the same feature also means a relaxing alternative for users suffering from eye strain. Sharing the build information on GitHub lowers the technical barrier for makers who want to build similar devices. On the other hand, the report provides no information about the device’s cost or its standing against the other projects in the competition; this leaves open the question of whether the Oldputer can serve a purpose beyond being a desk ornament.