E-Ink Laptop Modos Based on Framework 13

Maker cittadhammo unveiled a custom-built laptop based on the modular Framework 13 platform, featuring a 13-inch Modos Paper Monitor E-Ink display. The device's chassis is fully 3D-printed, while its internal components include an AMD Ryzen 7040 motherboard, a keyboard with a touchpad, a battery, and connectivity modules.

The project's key feature is the Modos screen, which operates on a dedicated FPGA controller. The display supports a resolution of 1600×1200 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 75 Hz, which is impressive for E-Ink technology. It connects to the system via USB-C or HDMI interfaces.

The device runs on Omarchy, an operating system based on Arch Linux. The author developed a specialized plugin offering six screen rendering modes: for reading, typing, web browsing, and video playback. The interface also includes a full-screen redraw function to eliminate image artifacts.

All project source materials are publicly available. Chassis models, CAD files, and a list of components have been published under the CC0 license, allowing anyone to freely use them to build their own device. The controller's source code is also hosted on GitHub.

The project's implementation cost is not low due to component prices. A basic Modos kit for a 13-inch display costs approximately $699 USD, plus the cost of the motherboard and other Framework platform modules.