You Don’t Need This Mini CRT MS-DOS Prompt

The late '80s and early '90s were, one could argue, a magical time in computing history. Sure, there was no internet as we know it today, but you could always dial into your local BBS, AOL, or any number of other services to get your fill of information (and/or misinformation). You could also download software (warez) if you were willing to wait. Windows was around, but to really get into the heart of your system the C:\_ prompt was the key to your system.

For better or worse, the Windows terminal is arguably less necessary than it once was, and rebooting into DOS to conserve resources is largely a thing of the past. To relive these glory days, you could get a full-fledged 486 retro setup, but who has the room for that? As a tiny alternative, Michael Yim at Questwise Ventures is offering the coin-sized RetroPrompt device for sale on Tindie.

Plug the RetroPrompt into power via its micro USB cable and it displays the C:\_ prompt, complete with a blinking underscore. No, you can’t start typing in commands, but its 0.42-inch OLED screen means it is literally on par with a US quarter size-wise. Being an OLED screen, “CRT” isn’t technically correct. However, the RetroPrompt features a resin casted lens and a hand-painted, retro-beige case that could evoke feelings of nostalgia, distaste at society’s rather drab color choice at the time, or very possibly both at the same time.

One might say it’s a silly project and/or that no one really needs it. At the same time, if you cut your teeth on such machines, it’s hard to not be a little tempted to get one for your desktop anyway. Questwise Ventures also sells the 0.42-inch screens by themselves, so perhaps this little “CRT” will inspire other tiny retro projects!