Pimoroni Launches Presto: A Versatile Touchscreen Device for DIY Projects

Pimoroni has introduced the Presto, a multifunctional display device designed to enhance desktop experiences with its touch capabilities, wireless connectivity, RGB lighting, and sensor connectivity for personalized projects.

The Presto features a 4-inch square IPS touchscreen that boasts a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, all housed within a sleek black aluminum stand equipped with integrated RGB ambient lighting, utilizing seven addressable SK6812 LEDs. Additionally, it incorporates a piezo speaker for auditory signals, a microSD card slot for expanded storage options, and a 2-pin JST-PH connector enabling battery operation (3V to 5.5V), although it lacks a built-in charge controller.

At its core, the Presto is powered by the RP2350B chip, featuring dual ARM Cortex-M33 cores capable of running at speeds up to 150 MHz. It is equipped with 520 KB of internal RAM and an additional 8 MB of external RAM, complemented by 16 MB of flash memory for program storage. For wireless functionality, the device integrates a Raspberry Pi RM2 module supporting Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz, IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Presto includes a Qwiic/STEMMA-QT port, allowing users to connect I2C peripherals effortlessly. The "Starter Kit" package comes with a compact game controller and a sensor stick featuring light and motion sensors, designed specifically for this port.

Users can utilize the Presto to create various dashboard applications for their desktops, such as information panels displaying calendars, weather updates, and notifications. Its touch interface facilitates interactive applications, enabling users to implement small smart home controls or information retrieval tasks. The RGB zones can also serve as visual feedback for status indicators or timers.

Programming the Presto can be done using either C/C++ or MicroPython, with the latter already pre-installed alongside example code for ease of use. A comprehensive starter guide featuring project ideas is available on the Pimoroni website, assisting users in maximizing the device's potential.

The Presto is available for purchase on the Pimoroni shop at a price of £69 (approximately EUR81) for the device alone, while the Starter Kit, which includes additional hardware, is priced at £99 (around EUR116). For those interested in constructing an information panel through DIY methods, detailed information can be found on the Pimoroni website.