Vestaboard’s Note is a smaller, cheaper version of its hypnotic split-flap display

The Vestaboard Note uses 45 split-flap modules compared to the larger mentation that has 132. | Image: Vestaboard

The original Vestaboard revived and modernized the split-flap mechanical displays that were erstwhile a mainstay of airports and bid stations astir the world, but astatine $3,499 it put a steep terms connected nostalgia. Its creators are backmost with a caller mentation called the Vestaboard Note that’s overmuch smaller and much affordable. It’s available for preorder now, starting astatine $899 – discounted from $1,299 – with deliveries expected to statesman successful December 2025.

The institution had spent implicit a twelvemonth processing a caller mentation of the Vestaboard called the Smart Bits that was “a wholly caller mode to acquisition Vestaboard’s patented quality units” that besides “pushed the limits of design, engineering, and manufacturing,” according to the company’s laminitis and CEO, Dorrian Porter. But, erstwhile faced with economical uncertainty arsenic a effect of President Trump’s tariffs connected Chinese-made goods, the institution pivoted and alternatively created the Note.

Functionally, the Note is astir identical to the archetypal Vestaboard. But alternatively of utilizing 132 split-flap mechanisms, which the institution calls Bits, the Note lone features 45. Each tin show 64 alphanumeric characters positive different symbols similar punctuation, coagulated colors, and a recently added reddish heart. The show measures 24.5 inches wide, oregon 28.4 inches with an optional bezel framework that adds $169 to the afloat retail pricing.

Messages, patterns, and images tin beryllium created utilizing a web interface oregon a escaped accompanying mobile app for iOS and Android. They’re sent to the Note implicit Wi-Fi oregon an Ethernet cable. In summation to a room of existing designs and inspirational quotes, the app allows messages to beryllium scheduled, sent to different Vestaboard users you’re friends with, oregon adjacent silenced during definite hours of the day. As hypnotic arsenic the dependable of implicit 2,800 spinning flaps whitethorn be, you astir apt don’t privation the Vestaboard Note waking you up successful the mediate of the night.