Build Your Own Handheld Linux Computer with Raspberry Pi

Have you ever wished for a handheld Linux laptop with a keyboard? If so, you’re in luck. A hardware designer has created such a device and made the design open source, allowing anyone to build it at home.

What is it?

The Penkēsu computer (Penkēsu means “pencil case” in Japanese) is designed by Penk Chen🔗 github.com. If this name sounds familiar, he is the designer behind CutiePi🔗 itsfoss.com.

According to the website, Penk created this project because:

After the CutiePi tablet successfully raised funds and began shipping, I felt the need to do a new project, one that I didn’t have to worry too much about commercial viability, and to remind myself of the original intention of making things by hand. You could say this is a “rebound” project.

He also mentioned that he currently has no plans for large-scale production of the Penkēsu, so he has made the planning open source. “I want to publish all the designs and plans so that anyone interested in making one has enough information.”

Parts

Penk designed the Penkēsu around a 7.9-inch touchscreen and a custom keyboard. The internal structure is powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a lithium polymer battery. The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W has a 1GHz ARM quad-core Cortex-A53 processor and 512MB of RAM. For $15, this Raspberry Pi should be able to run most Linux distributions designed for it.

Interestingly, Penk noted, “My 3D printer isn’t precise enough to print a fully functional hinge lock.” Therefore, he decided to use replacement hinges from the Nintendo GBA SP.

The most challenging part seems to be the keyboard, which involves a custom PCB. Penk did mention, “If you want to use other 40% keyboards to make it, you can do so by editing the CAD files and adjusting the compartment sizes in the case.”

Here is the complete list of required parts:

For full details, see website🔗 penkesu.computer.

What projects have you done with Raspberry Pi? Please share in the comments below.