How small a computer do you think you could make? What if you could make something that features a processor, a small e-ink display, and an NFC chip, all fitting on something literally the size of a credit card? And if you could, what would you use it for?

Well, one person wanted to find out. So, they got to work on making a credit-card-sized ESP32 computer, complete with an e-ink display and an NFC chip. And now that it's all made... they're still wondering what it might be good for, and need your help coming up with ideas.

This little computer fits in your wallet, if you really want it to

Not sure what it'll do in there, though

Over on the ESP32 subreddit, tinkerer Krauseler is showing off their prototype. It's a teeny-tiny computer that features a processor, a screen, and an NFC chip, and a huge part of the project is that it literally fits on a credit card.

What would motivate someone to try this? Well, as per Krauseler's GitHub page:

​​​​​​​I’ve always been interested in extreme space constraints — but this one pushed it to another level. Products like AirTag-style card trackers and similar devices that claim to be "credit-card sized" are usually still far away from actually feeling like one.

The idea of a smartcard with display isn't new, there have been multiple concepts and prototypes, but I wanted to build a smartcard that is actually the size of a real credit card - including the actual thickness.

Krauseler goes into detail as to how they made this cool little project, down to the schematics. However, now that it's made, they're struggling to think of ways to actually use it. They have some cool ideas, such as a smart home dashboard, a 2FA authenticator, and even a digital wallet you can put tickets and NFC passes in and then slip into your wallet. But they're open to ideas, too. Please let them know if anything comes to mind.