NEWS – If you’re tired of picking up your phone to check the weather or your to-do list, only to get sucked into a sea of notifications, then TRMNL might be your new favorite desk gadget. This e-ink display is designed to show you just the information you want, right when you need it, and nothing more. I just ordered one for myself to see if it deserves a permanent spot on my desk.
What makes TRMNL special?
TRMNL uses a 7.5-inch e-ink screen, which means it’s easy on the eyes, looks great in any lighting, and only sips power when the display changes. You can use all sorts of plugins to tailor the display to only show information important to you. There are over 80 plugins so far, like calendars, weather, news, stocks, to do lists, and much more. It connects over WiFi, so you can place it anywhere: on your desk, the kitchen counter, or even mount it on a wall.
Who will love TRMNL?
TRMNL is perfect for anyone who wants quick access to useful info without the distractions of a phone, tablet, or going to individual websites on your laptop. If you’re a productivity fan, you can keep your tasks and calendar front and center. Families can use it for shared reminders or schedules. If you’re a tech tinkerer, you’ll love the open-source plugins and the ability to create your own custom layouts.
Why did I order one?
I immediately grabbed my credit card when I saw they had a Tempest weather plugin. I have been using an older OnePlus Android smartphone as a dedicated display for my WeatherFlow Tempest weather station, but I think replacing it with the TRMNL could be awesome (I hope).
Standout features
One of the best things about TRMNL is its battery life. Thanks to e-ink technology, it can run for months on a single charge, depending on how often you update the display. The default version of TRMNL runs for 1-3 months, but a $10 upgrade adds a larger battery that can double that time. There are no cords to clutter your space and no bright screen lighting up your room at night. The display is always on, but never distracting, quietly showing only what matters to you.
My first impression is coming soon
You can order a TRMNL for $139 at usetrmnl.com. I’m excited to try TRMNL myself and see if it becomes my new favorite desk companion. With its promise of less screen time and more focus, it just might be the gadget I didn’t know I needed. Keep an eye on the site, or better yet, consider subscribing to the site’s newsletter so you’ll be sure not to miss my hands-on thoughts.
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It’s important to be aware that this company does not include a USB charging cable for free, as perhaps every other company that charges $139 for a USB-chargeable product does. Heck, I’ve even bought $15 products that includes the USB charging cable for free. I’m not talking about a power adapter. I’m only complaining about not including a USB cable for free. We all know that extremely wealthy Apple no longer includes a power adapter with iPhones, but Apple does include the USB charging cable with every iPhone sold.
This company wants $5 extra if you need the USB-C to USB-A charging cable.
Also, please know that a lot of the available plugins for this tablet require that you pay an extra one-time charge of $20 in order to have access to them.
So, if someone wants the extra battery power, the USB cable, and any of the plugins not offered for free, expect to pay more for this 7.5″ screen.
Apple stopped including the power supply with iPhones because it was environmentally irresponsible. There is fuel savings of not having to transport them as well as not having to manufacture them for each and every iPhone shipped. And I agree. I have a drawer full of adapters. Cables I run through like crazy, but the chargers are nearly indestructible. I probably have the original one with my 2007 iPhone 1, but it’s in the same pile with the one from the 3G, the 4, the 4s, the 5s, the 6s, the 8, and the 11, each of which came with a cable, charger, and earbuds! I still have some of those earbuds in the original shrink wrap, because I’m using the ones from the earlier models!
Cables last about 18 months of constant use, and I’m very careful with mine. Yet, due to the other devices I have, there is no shortage of cables in drawers, countertops, and random bag pockets. I really think chiding a company for not including either in 2025 is very ecologically irresponsible. Is this your only USB-C chargeable product? You’re going to charge it for 30 minutes to an hour every three weeks. Does it really require it’s own dedicated charging cable? The increase in eWaste is real. We gadgeteers should be protecting our planet from needless junk while using the great products that are available. Asking for another cable that will be used 6 times a year, when you have the exact same one for your phone, tablet, headphones, and laptop is a bit much.
This is my opinion, not official policy of the Gadgeteer. But more of us need to pay attention to the environmental cost our obsession is doing to the planet and cut back where we can. And a $5 cable is the perfect place to start. IMHO.
I agree that virtually everyone has a USB charger, so I understand why so many companies no longer include them. However, I know a lot of people who do not have specific USB-C to USB-A cords, which is the cord that works with the TRMNL. These days, countless people have USB-C to USB-C cables and Lightning to USB-A cables, and older types of USB-A cables that do not have USB-C on the other end.
By the way, I like the TRMNL e-ink display a lot, and the fact that the TRMNL company is very responsive if questions arise.