The TRMNL OG features a 7.5-inch E Ink display with 800-by-480 resolution housed within a minimalist frame designed for desk or wall mounting, powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W running custom firmware. The device connects via WiFi to pull data from over 100 pre-built integrations including calendar systems, task managers, weather services, fitness trackers, smart home platforms, and custom API endpoints. Content refreshes occur at user-defined intervals—typically every 5 to 30 minutes—with the E Ink technology consuming power only during screen updates, enabling continuous operation from a standard USB power supply. The monochrome display prioritizes readability under various lighting conditions without emitting blue light or requiring backlight illumination. Users configure dashboard layouts through a web-based interface, selecting from modular plugin widgets that display information ranging from upcoming meetings and to-do lists to cryptocurrency prices, GitHub contributions, or Spotify listening history.
Designed for knowledge workers seeking persistent awareness of personal metrics without the attention fragmentation caused by checking multiple apps and devices, TRMNL represents a deliberate return to ambient information display principles. The static nature of E Ink eliminates the movement and color stimulation that triggers compulsive checking behaviors associated with smartphone notifications and computer monitors. By consolidating disparate data sources into a single glanceable surface, the device reduces context-switching overhead while maintaining visibility of information users would otherwise need to actively retrieve. The open plugin architecture and API access enable technical users to create custom integrations for proprietary systems or niche data sources, extending functionality beyond consumer services. This combination of passive display technology, extensive integration options, and customizable layouts positions TRMNL as a productivity tool for users who value information accessibility without digital interruption, appealing particularly to those implementing attention management strategies or building focused work environments.
