Tiny Tomte
Journal
Notes on building a small, calm screen for the home: how it works, what we're trying and what's next.
A screen without a backlight: how a reflective LCD works
A reflective LCD has no backlight. It uses the light in your room, gets clearer in sunlight and stays dark at night. Here's how it works, in plain words.
Read →A weather display for home that doesn't glow
What to look for in a weather display for your home, readable at a glance, quiet at night and without a subscription. The options, honestly compared.
Read →Check your phone less at home: what to put on a screen instead
Most times I picked up my phone at home, I wanted one small thing: the time, the weather, the list. What helped me check it less, with and without gadgets.
Read →Home dashboards: an honest map of the options
E-ink, pixel LEDs, smart displays, family calendars, tablets, DIY builds and reflective LCD. What each kind of home dashboard does well and where it falls short.
Read →What is a tomte? The quiet house spirit behind the name
A tomte is a small house spirit from Scandinavian folklore who looks after the home and asks for little in return. The story, and why my screen has his name.
Read →Why I didn't build my home screen on e-ink
I wanted a calm home screen that doesn't glow. E-ink was the obvious pick, and I chose a reflective LCD instead. Here's the honest trade-off.
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