M5Stack Cardputer: ESP32-S3 Pocket Computer

[@ExplainingComputers]

Please note that the flash storage on this device is 8MB, not 8GB as I said for some reason in the video. My bad. I My error-trapping gets worse and worse as I age. :(

[@Praxibetel-Ix]

@@ExplainingComputers _[hugs]_ It happens to the best of us.

[@TeeEllohwhydee]

8GB in such a form factor is not out of place these days, so a fair mistake to make. Don't book yourself into the old folks home just yet!

[@angeleocorrodead]

@@ExplainingComputers you can use sd 8gb. No problem.

[@Antti_Nannimus]

It needs an upgrade to 64MB. The it will be perfect. Nobody will ever need more than 64MB. And it should also run CP/M.

[@mimetype]

640K is enough for anybody.

[@M5Stack]

It's our honour to be named. Thanks, Chris! You are always the best on explaining computing and SBCs. Feel free to reach us out if you are interested in any other M5Stack products.😃

[@tomholroyd7519]

I like your labeling decisions

[@Meow-hw5wi]

I like the idea of being open, put the exact part number instead of erasing the marks and trying to hide unecessary details from people.

[@neelsb7889]

This device of yours looks really interesting. I wonder if it (or a future version) could have compatibility with the BBC micro:bit, in order to use their dev tools and run their applications...

[@sorphin]

I wish you hadn't gotten rid of the "faces" ecosystem.. I actually made a couple things with them and if I had known it was going away i would have grabbed other modules for it.

[@M5Stack]

@@neelsb7889 We actually had one M5 & micro:bit converter board looong time ago.😂While we have EOL it as we are more engaged in M5 ecosystem.

[@tomholroyd7519]

I love how clearly everything is labeled! AND LEGO COMPATIBLE

[@MichelMorinMontreal]

This little gadget is the perfect toy for wasting time in a fun and instructive way! I've inserted an SD card and now have access to the entire applications library, thanks to the M5 menu. I've also bought a few (very affordable) peripherals to analyse ambient air quality, read NFC cards, test a GPS... In short, hours of fun! By the way, your presentation is one of the best on the subject: congratulations!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this. It seems that you are enjoying your Cardputer. :)

[@MichelMorinMontreal]

@@ExplainingComputers Indeed!

[@iViewVaranasi]

What tools you bought along with the cardputer?

[@MichelMorinMontreal]

@@iViewVaranasi ENV IV Unit with Temperature Humidity Air Pressure Sensor (SHT40+BMP280) and a GPS module (not offered anymore)

[@MichelMorinMontreal]

@@iViewVaranasi None. I bought the wiring suggested by the seller. A friend of mine finalised/adjusted the connections according to the applications.

[@CCoburn3]

It's good to see a microcontroller featured on the channel. SBCs get almost all the love here. But there are plenty of cases where microcontrollers will do the job. Maybe this device will lead to people considering microcontrollers in their next project.

[@ElectricityTaster]

I saw this months ago and the whole concept felt too cryptic to me. Thank you for the introductory guide. Very helpful.

[@tedoyle61]

I think this thing has so many possibilities... And I'm sure there will be more updates/upgrades just over time. This is really an exciting new product. Chris, thanks for the video. You've got me thinking here..

[@ExplainingComputers]

This is indeed a piece of hardware to promote thinking! :)

[@llpBR]

Interesting concept. Looks like a Casio electronic organizer! I am always amazed how they can squish such a good hardware into something so small

[@alanthornton3530]

I’m amazed by the ‘Cardputer’ & what it can do, running it as a remote control was clever, overall an interesting piece of kit. it’s good to see that it’s got good community support for running lots of different projects using Arduino IDE programming. It was nice to see ‘Stanley’ & ‘Allen the key’ making an appearance & helping out. I could see this being used as a remote control for a model railway (railroad) project, the cost of which is quite reasonable. Excellent Sunday afternoon viewing, thanks Chris :)

[@Praxibetel-Ix]

Hi, Alan! :3

[@alanthornton3530]

@@Praxibetel-Ix Hi Ford hope that you're keeping OK 👍 An interesting video about the Cardputer, it looks like an interesting bit of hardware to experiment with, they even supplied 'Allen the key' so Chris could show us the internals ;)

[@Praxibetel-Ix]

@@alanthornton3530 Hi! Alas, I had a panic attack last night that I'm still trying to get over but that didn't stop me from catching the Cardputer's moment in front of Chris' camera this morning.

[@alanthornton3530]

@@Praxibetel-Ix Sorry to hear that you've suffered a panic attack, at least you're getting help with these :)

[@VaultHunterRyRy]

Kari's post on Twitter had me intrigued. Glad she linked your account so I could easily find your KZbin channel and watch this video. I don't know if I'll ever pick one of these up but I'm still glad I watched this as I found it informative and entertaining. Keep up the good work, Chris. (Edit) After following the link in the description to the M5 website I was pleasantly surprised to see the cardputer is only $30 + shipping. At that price I'm quite tempted to pick one up and have some fun tinkering with it. Nice to know there are still companies out there trying to give people quality items at an affordable price. Good job, M5!

[@RoboNuggie]

A great little device, and the first use that sprung to mind was a secret recorder, especially with the magnetic back... thank you Chris!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Yes, this must be a possibility -- especially with the included SD card storage. Thanks for your support.

[@speeksasfada]

Yeah but it was attractive so they may be a little attract curiosity

[@PC4USE1]

"Yes,but can it play Crysis?" Great video,Chris.

[@BalancedSpirit79]

I wonder how long it'll take before someone puts Bad Apple on this.

[@AJB2K3]

No but it does play DOOM!

[@privacyvalued4134]

LOL. Obviously it can't. Crysis requires a DirectX-capable GPU and Microsoft Windows. This device only has 512KB RAM. That's not a typo! Forget running even Windows 95 (4MB RAM is the bare minimum) let alone any OS that could actually run Crysis. Windows XP required a minimum of 64MB RAM and was the target OS for Crysis. I know you were joking but what you suggested is not even remotely possible. And it's running Xtensa, not x86/x64, ARM, or RISC-V ISAs! So someone would first have to emulate x86 on the Xtensa ISA, get Windows XP or later installed, and then get Crysis installed. None of that is going to happen in 512KB RAM!

[@AJB2K3]

@@privacyvalued4134 Would you believe I get people asking if it can run this or that program that runs on windows!

[@TedB-f7c]

@@privacyvalued4134 That's a lot more RAM than my Sinclair ZX81 plus 16 k RAM pack had.

[@johnroberts3824]

That's pretty hilarious that you managed to track down Michael the Storm Trooper and plug his little noggin into the Cardputer. ha ha I sure hope Michael survived the ordeal.

[@marcdraco2189]

Does my head look big in this?

[@Grandwigg]

That's a brilliant little device. I can't believe I'd not heard of it before this. I love the style of the introduction and overviews on this channel. I can already imagine a great list of possibilities with it. And now that's it for my comment. . .

[@Jeff_Seely]

Thanks for the comprehnsive overview of this device. I am intrigued and impressed by all of the features that are included and there are many self-contained systems to utilize. All for under $30 US! I will be getting one of these, to be sure!

[@DLiberator78]

This is a very neat pocket pc. I don't know if I would have a use case for the Cardputer personally, however I do like the concept. This does look very retro, I particularly love the keyboard, it reminds me of the Jupiter Ace that was launched here in the UK in 1983.

[@PS_Tube]

Greetings. It's a cool toy with nice little display and keyboard that can be used as a remote, play doom, and an emergency credentials storage device. Neat. 😎

[@simpletongeek]

Now that's an idea! As long as it's user programmable, you can use it as password manager or bitcoin wallet. In addition to playing Doom, of course. 😁

[@paulmilligan3007]

I always read some of the comments before watching the video so was awaiting the appearance of Michael the Stormtrooper 😂 Another great video, you do a great job of covering so much in a sub 20 minute video. A device 5hat can be a remote, a USB / bluetooth keyboard and so much more deserves a place in "Very Useful Small Computing Things".

[@wizardling4709]

Cheers for another excellent video to keep me company as I eat my dinner :-)

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for your support. :)

[@Kw1161]

Thanks Chris for another excellent video on M5’s “Cardputer”, and for reminding me to use mine…😂! I put mine aside when I received my OLED Steam Deck and Pine Tab tablet (Arm). I mainly used my cardputer as the universal remote, although can now see more possibilities, thanks to your video. I need to buy more of their sensors modules and connecting cables for a remote weather station to take while camping, or traveling. Good to see “Stanley the Knife” working. I thought he had been made redundant by “Mr. Scissors “ in the world economic downturn…😂! Have a great week!

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Very interesting Chris. Also, nice to meet Allen and Michael of course 😊

[@GYTCommnts]

I freaking love it! Sadly, I haven't ANY use case for it besides the universal remote control, but I love it anyway.

[@ewasteredux]

Considering I work for an MSP, I would use this to write an application to store customer credentials on when travelling to remote sites. I would load the Sd card with credentials needed for the remote customer and use a menu to choose the credential and USB connection to have the firmware emulate a USB keyboard to type chosen credentials into the specific customer computer being worked on. Anyone knows that strong passwords are a must especially for customers and this way I would not have to try to remember them.

[@marcdraco2189]

I did that a few years back with the Xiao (the original one) for my ex. wife. She forgot how to use it. I give up.

[@Supermath101]

A YubiKey can do that with the static password feature (but only for two passwords).

[@tin2001]

Strong passwords? Do you mean username "jo", password "jo" isn't secure? Yes, actual customer username and password. No longer used, thank goodness.

[@jhill4874]

Though technically far advanced, I find this reminiscent of the handheld computers of the 80s/90s.

[@mattkojetin8198]

I could have used one of those back in my network support days working with Cisco switches in a data closet. Thank you!

[@itenthusiast5988]

Never knew these things existed before until my notification brought me here. Don't know what I can do with this but love to have one. Thank you very much enjoyed the whole video right from the beginning 🎉

[@dieselbaby]

The Cardputer is awesome, as are the rest of the M5Stack catalog of products, they make some seriously amazing stuff...as soon as it comes back into stock I am going to be attempting to build out their M5Stamp Fly which is a quadcopter drone based off of their M5Stamp S3.just like the Cardputer is Also considering their M5Stack Dial which is an ESP32 based smart rotary knob/dial with a 1.3" touch screen, for use in a custom mechanical keyboard project. Thanks for another awesome video, Chris! Glad to see that STANLEY THE KNIFE is still kicking about!

[@ricardo-pinto-pt]

Hi Chis! Thank you for another excellent video. Liked the yellow background during the review. It gives a very positive contrast! Cheers!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this. I now have a range of surfaces available when a white backing would not work well -- as with this very light grey device! :)

[@SB-qm5wg]

I've been fascinated with ESP32 lately. This video dropped at a perfect time.

[@whatamalike]

Absolutely love my cardputer! Got it a few weeks ago and cant stop messing with it. And it runs doom!

[@interestingspagetti]

Whoa! Hold the front page! I've never seen "Allen the Key" before. Will smash the like button fo you 🙂

[@VeryUsMumblings]

It's really cool, but I'm already imagining the need to take an aspirin for the eye-strain of looking at a one-inch screen for too long. 😄 Looks like a fun product, though. 👍 I definitely like that it's driven by the Arduino IDE.

[@jeremiahbullfrog9288]

Would love to see an add-on bigger screen for this... could always build web interfaces to any wireless browser..

[@8BitNaptime]

Put a magnifier in front of it à la Brazil😊

[@chriholt]

What a cool and geeky little computer - I love it. Looks like lots of fun to play with!

[@danielboals9602]

nice to see you getting good content out again.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks -- I think! :)

[@wanyman]

I love little gadgets like this. I collect all sorts of weird little tech gadgets spanning the years. My wife thinks I'm a bit of a nutter. Lovely video!

[@Kim-e4g4w]

If it have a GSM and GPS module I could see some very interesting applications for it. Even better if it also have satellite communication. *The Ultimate Remote Control* to use almost anywhere. 😊

[@davidknight247]

A ZX81 emulator would be a welcome addition.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Yes, that would be cool! :)

[@Jdvc-yd5tx]

This would make a perfect Christmas gift for a school teacher. 😂❤

[@johncundiff7075]

Very different device Sir! Thanks for always being there!! See you next week Mr. Barnatt!

[@dang48]

WOW! That is a very impressive machine and I can see many applications for it.

[@czarekcz1097]

Can you name few of those applications?

[@dang48]

@@czarekcz1097 To name a couple one would be an electronic clipboard when doing inventory, and another would be in keeping notes for a report whenever doing an investigation or inspection in the field.

[@czarekcz1097]

@@dang48 Thank you for response. It's probably cheaper then small tablet but what you described is a simple applications on telephone or tablet. Besides some sort of training device for beginners I dont see any real life purpose of this device.

[@RobertBoerner]

Yet another excellent video which prompted me to place an order 😅 I would very much like to see what other projects Chris can come up with for this, maybe something weather related?

[@ExplainingComputers]

There have to be weather-related opportunities with a sensor or few! :)

[@RobertBoerner]

@@ExplainingComputers yay!

[@jj74qformerlyjailbreak3]

I've been waiting on you do this video. I requested it around las Christmas. Thanks.

[@ExplainingComputers]

:)

[@raz0229]

Cheers, Chris! Looks like I've found just what I needed. I'll definitely use it to whip up a handheld AI chatbot (something like my own Rabbit R1) to help out with daily tasks.

[@MikeBob2023]

Thank you for the look-see, Mr. Barnatt. 🙏🏼👍🏼 I have _NO_ idea what I'd use the *M5Stack Cardputer* for, but that probably won't prevent me from purchasing one. 😋 (AFTER I've completed my *Prime Day* shopping! 🛒)

[@marcdraco2189]

Funnily enough...

[@doobybrother21]

since it can be used as a BT keyboard it would make for a nice little macropad. Lots of programmable buttons there.

[@RichardNobel]

@@MikeBob2023 You could build a countdown timer, for next year's Prime Days 😉

[@jeremiahbullfrog9288]

just one?

[@ElmerFuddGun]

I never find things I am interested in on Amazon Prime Day. Seems they just push the regular stuff and none of the electronics and computer stuff is on sale (more than their regular "sale" prices). I'm in Canada so maybe it is different where you are?

[@Undeabducks]

Little thing reeks of science fiction. I love the concept!

[@AJB2K3]

Public Apologies ! I have been a bit busy with Real Life and so its my fault documentation is lacking but the Cardputer Discord community is amazing.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Both the device and the community are indeed amazing. :)

[@AJB2K3]

@@ExplainingComputers Yeh they do things even I didn't consider, I just wish I had time to officially document the boot loader as that is proving amazing handy.

[@fotografm]

Meshtastic terminal would be a great use for it !

[@dieterbuschbaum6904]

It plays Doom!!!! it can be used as a little brother to the Flipper Zero.. Totally fantastic videos love this channel... its Ace!!

[@avejst]

Impressive board Great FIND Thanks for sharing your experiences with all of us :-)

[@electechyt]

I am going to get one to hopefully control hotel Aircon when they hide it. Amongst other things. Another great video, thanks Chris.

[@bcollinsks1]

Very nice! Going get mine now. Looks like a lot of fun to play with. Thanks Chris!

[@voneschenbachmusic]

What a fun package! Seems like many hours of fun to be had!

[@ejmakela7525]

It would be fun to replace the guts of an old TRS-80 Model 100 with the card-puter, and essentially make a large version of the tiny device. This might make the card-puter easier to work with - especially when you need to do a lot of typing - and it would make the Model 100 much more functional. Adding magnets and LEGO compatible holes on the bottom would be a nice touch too. Maybe call it the “Super Card-puter 100.” (Thanks @clangerbasher for sparking the idea.)

[@AnirudhTammireddy]

It's so cute yet so useful my mind is blown. I feel how I did when I saw video on raspberry pi for the first time!

[@alexhudspeth1213]

OH this has my attention! Thanks so much for the great review.

[@WildkatPhoto]

I seriously thought this was unboxing a retro Casio computer from the 80s.

[@yomboprime]

I think the EspNOW chat is already the most useful application, given I heard it can reach 500 m range.

[@John.0z]

I quite like the idea of such an open source remote control. Of late commercial "universal" remote controls are getting ever less desirable, or even configurable. This one seems to add a QWERTY keyboard, so it would be even better for controlling a Raspberry Pi + LibreELEC media player... which is likely to be why I would buy one!

[@nathanrussell2158]

Not sure what I’d use it for yet but I like it.

[@jpmyers6950]

Amazing design. Didn't know it existed.

[@Matt_The_Hugenot]

I quite like the idea of using one of these to monitor all my houseplants.

[@michaelrichards7770]

I love the name of your LEGO guy.

[@siddiousuk]

This is why I love your channel! Never knew these existed before I saw the video and now I need one! Interesting to see if it can be used for ethical hacking 🤔

[@arxaaron]

I'm hard pressed to think of practical uses for this device. Music player for my car car came to mind, but the M5Stack has now audio out jack and my older vehicle sound system only has AUX 2.5mm TRS input. May find music player uses utilizing bluetooth though. And I still want to get one just because it's inexpensive, easily programmed, and sooooooo darn cute!.

[@doktabob328]

It would make an excellent pocket music device. MIDI over Bluetooth, even a synth app with audio over Bluetooth. The Grove connector opens up possibilities with I2C port expanders - maybe a Universal Eurorack module ?

[@schoi604]

Thank you for this elaborate review of this cool little card computer!!

[@SuperHaunts]

Thank you for this video. Looks like more hardware that I just have to add to my collection!

[@KomradeMikhail]

Once a few extra stack layers are released... Useful ones...

[@fatrambo73]

i been a sub for ages i never knew you had another channel now i am subbed

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings! :)

[@fatrambo73]

@@ExplainingComputers thanks for the no nonsense explanations

[@rbus]

Picked up one of these a while back along with a 64-voice midi synthesizer module that attaches via cable to the Grove port.

[@bill88t96]

You might wanna try Beryllium OS on it for a unix-like experience. Disclaimer: I made it.

[@GordonjSmith1]

Impressive, but I simply can't see it making any 'traction' in the market. However it was another well delivered video!

[@subynut]

That's a neat little mini computer!

[@graemezimmer604]

I love it! Will be keen to see what Ham Radio Apps are available..

[@pangit9999]

The keyboard is way better than the ZX81 "dead skin" membrane keyboard that I wrote a lot of programs on back in the day!

[@Luke-fk3us]

I know it's not the point of the video, and perhaps not useful criticism and I should just jog on... ...but your pronunciation of card-POOTER and not card-PEWTER has me with my head in my hands 🤣 No hate, keep doing what you're doing, your videos are both educational and entertaining!

[@World_of_OSes]

When I started watching this video I thought this device was some retro computer from the 1990s, then you said USB-C

A bit under powered device to be useful. But fun little gadget nevertheless. My 12 year old self would have gone crazy for something like this. :) But if I had one right now I would probably turn it into a Home Assistant remote of some sort, controlling selected entities and devices. I just hope it can go to deep sleep until you press a button on it, otherwise the constant WiFi connection would deplet the battery quickly. Another option would be to use it as a web radio player, as the ESP can send out audio via Bluetooth to a speaker or headphone.

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Fascinating , I've never seen this before, not sure what I'd use it for. Thx 👋

[@Robbie-mw5uu]

the lego compatibility is the perfect cherry on top for this little bundle of autism ♥

[@miglespigles2025]

The killing feature on an m5stack device IMHO is the labels, you can get around only using them and don't require to remember where something is connected to what interface

[@Colin_Ames]

An interesting little device, although I’m not sure what I’d use one for.

[@krusty23]

@ExplainingComputers Hey Chris, have you ever thought about covering devices such as the Flipper Zero?

[@marcdraco2189]

Damn Chris - I was right in the middle of another video (Pilot Debrief) and this popped up... I mean how to decide. You had me at ESP32-S3. Also 8Gb of RAM? H ere take my ... Bugger!

[@ExplainingComputers]

My error there -- it has 8MB of onboard storage. I am an idiot. No idea why I said/wrote "GB". Sorry :(

[@marcdraco2189]

​@@ExplainingComputers I'm pullin' your leg Chris (fellow Brit.) can you here them bells-a-jingling. I studied these errors a while back and they are surprisingly common in people of any age when they are used to a specific sequence. It's how our brains reduce the amount of resources dedicated to the executive and higher functions like vision. If you want to know more, "Thinking Fast, and Slow" is an amazing read with some real insights. It's a (cognitive) case of familiarity breeding contempt. In more serious cases it causes crashes like the one that cost Harry Dunn his life. It's why we're more likely to make a mistake like this when we're tired. Older age (and I can give you a decade or two) is part of that but it's more about how our brains allocate resources.

[@wisteela]

Fantastic. It would be great to get a version of BASIC running on it.

[@kueifengtung]

Thats a really cool looking computer, just having trouble picturing when id use it over my desktop with 3 monitors plugged in

[@horusfalcon]

Interesting bit of kit! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@sbc_tinkerer]

Way Cool Tool! 1 inch screen, speaker, user replaceable batteries, and the list goes on. Remarkable!

[@ElmerFuddGun]

The screen is noticeably not centered (too far right) and crooked (higher on the right). - 15:17 Perhaps it got moved when Chris reassembled it? Or maybe it comes that way from the factory. It is easy to notice with such a small screen where there are so few pixels and little room between the edge pixels and the frame.

[@thebasset]

Thank`s Chris great video

[@srtcsb]

A big thanks for this one Chris. I've yet to learn about all the interface possibilities, but this device seems to have many of them. Indeed, it's been compared to the Flipper Zero. So if you know the interfaces available, you can (literally) write your own ticket/functionality. More learning, I think. Thanks for another great video. 🤓🤯🫤😎👍 Edit: Shout out to Electromaker for great sales and support here in the U.S.A. 🙂👍

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks Steve. For others, here's the Electromaker listing -- plenty in stock! www.electromaker.io/shop/product/m5stack-cardputer-kit-w-m5stamp-s3

[@roberthunter6927]

Use the card as computer power for the crewed Mars mission! :-)

[@43PR50]

wow! ESP 32 review, your 50% of the way to a meshtastic video. i hope you can do one on meshtastic sometime👍👍👍

[@Antti_Nannimus]

EXCELLENT suggestion! I've never before heard of meshtastic, but it seems like it might be another open-source breakthrough technology.

[@Satscape]

Don't know what I'm gonna do with it yet, but yes, buying one of these tomorrow!

[@renobodyrenobody]

Excellent, thanks a lot, very informative.

[@QixIceni]

Every time I see small devices like this, I'm always reminded how some smart folks out there are on a quest to run Doom on everything. Even seen someone run doom on a printer with a color display using the printer buttons for controls. Eventually someone in that community will try and run it on that device. Anyways, that's a really nice system. I might consider getting one since I'm a computer junkie at heart.

[@tin2001]

Doom on the ESP32 is already a thing. Porting to this specific device would probably be fairly straightforward although it may or may not need psram added - not clear if the S3 needs that.

[@Darkstar2342]

I would connect a slightly bigger screen and a MAX232 and use that as makeshift serial console tool in the server room

[@BrunoJuelPedersen]

Exactly my first idea - I am sure much more useful applications will spear. I will certainly follow this nice piece.

[@Aruneh]

Has someone ported Doom to it yet?

[@ExplainingComputers]

They have -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHbNeJSwf72AfM0

[@Da_GrandiMan]

Great Vid - just a few chat Q's ? 1) How long do the batteries last ? 2) Can the batteries be recharge via the USB cable ? 3) What is that largest micro USB storage card can it handle ? Anyone Thx !

[@ritmo1130]

Very interesting stuff. Thanks 👍!!!