The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →ELLO LC1 is a creator-built, DIY 8-bit computer designed to put a screen, touch keyboard and rechargeable coin-cell power on a very thin board. CNX Software reported a thickness of about 2 mm, but that is a published project specification—not an independently documented measurement. It is a programming-focused embedded computer, not a credit-card-sized replacement for a laptop or a verified retail product.
What is the ELLO LC1?
ELLO LC1 is a compact computer project built around a Microchip PIC18 microcontroller. Its creator describes the goal as a standalone computer thin enough to fit in a wallet. The project page includes a description, schematic, firmware and manufacturing files, making it a DIY design rather than an established off-the-shelf computer. The available sources do not confirm that a finished unit or complete kit is currently sold. See the ELLO LC1 project page on Hackaday.io.
The creator, identified on the project page as Kn/vD, explains the motivation: “I find annoying to see systems claiming "credit card computer" while at the same time being as thick as 50-60 actual credit cards.” The project description does not provide a fuller public role or real name in the material available.
How thin is it, and what does the computer include?
CNX Software reported the board at about 2 mm thick in its 2022 overview. Treat that as a reported project dimension: the sources do not document an independent measurement. The computer integrates its principal parts onto a thin board rather than using a conventional case, keyboard and monitor setup. CNX Software’s 2022 ELLO LC1 overview describes the hardware in more detail.
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| Part | What is specified |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | Microchip PIC18F47Q83-I/PT, an 8-bit microcontroller, listed by the project page and CNX Software. |
| Display | EA DOGM204-N / Display Visions EADOGM204N, a 20-column by 4-row character LCD. |
| Keyboard | 48 touch panels formed on the PCB, as reported by CNX Software; the creator describes it as a PCB touch keyboard. |
| Memory | 13KB RAM and 128KB flash; CNX Software says 64KB is reserved for user file storage. |
| Expansion | An unpopulated 12-pin header for debugging and GPIO expansion, according to CNX Software. |
| Power | A rechargeable 3.6V LIR2016 or LIR2025 coin cell is named on the project page. |
The thickness figure is the only physical dimension in the cited coverage; board length and width are not stated here. No battery-runtime figure is established, so the battery type alone should not be taken as an indication of how long the computer runs between charges.
What can you do with the ELLO LC1?
The project is aimed at simple embedded programming, not modern desktop work. Its creator describes Bitling BASIC, a built-in text editor and a file system. The character LCD and constrained memory suit short programs and text-based interaction; they are not comparable to a full desktop interface, high-resolution display or general-purpose computer workload.
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That trade-off is the point of the design: it packages a small programmable system with its own input and display, while accepting the limits of an 8-bit microcontroller, 13KB of RAM and a 20×4 character screen. The available material does not provide independently measured speed or benchmark results.
Can you buy one or build it yourself?
The project page lists key components and provides links to a schematic, production firmware and manufacturing files. Those materials may help a technically equipped reader investigate making a board, but they do not establish that the complete computer is sold as a kit or assembled product. Project files and component availability can change.
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- Everything You Need to Get Started – (TIPS: Batteries are NOT Included)This kit includes the ESP32 development board, expansion board, wooden house parts, all sensors and modules (DHT11, PIR motion, gas sensor, RFID, SK6812 RGB, servo motors, fan, LCD1602, etc.), and connection cables. NOTE: 6x AA batteries are required (NOT Included). The kit is unassembled – you'll build it yourself following our online tutorials, making the learning experience truly hands-on.
Before sourcing parts, confirm the precise component variants, board dimensions and electrical requirements against the current project files. In particular, the project names a 3.6V LIR2016 or LIR2025 battery; verify physical fit and electrical compatibility rather than substituting an arbitrary coin cell. Neither the cited coverage nor project description establishes runtime, current prices or supplier stock.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What makes ELLO LC1 different from a typical “credit card computer”?
ELLO LC1’s notable design choice is integration: a touch keyboard, character display and microcontroller share a very thin PCB. Its 2 mm thickness is reported rather than independently measured, and its small display and memory reflect its embedded-computing purpose. It is best understood as an experimental, DIY BASIC computer—not as a miniature laptop or a retail computer with established availability.
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For another editorial overview, Liliputing’s ELLO LC1 coverage also frames it as a computer project with an integrated touch keyboard.
Quick Recap
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