Build Your Own Handheld Linux PC with Raspberry Pi and this Open Source Project
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Have you every wished that you had a Linux powered laptop that fits in your hand, complete with keyboard? If you said, yes, then you are in luck. A hardware designer has created such a device and open-sourced the design so that anyone can make it at home.
### What is it?
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The Penkēsu Computer (Penkēsu is Japanese for pencil case) was designed by [Penk Chen][2]. If that name sounds familiar, he’s the designer behind the [CutiePi][3].
According to the website, Penk created this project because:
> Ever since the CutiePi tablet has been successfully funded and started shipping, I feel the need to work on a new project, something I don’t need to worry too much about commercial viability, and to remind myself why I started tinkering. A “rebound” project, so to speak.
He also said that he doesn’t have any plans to mass produce the Penkēsu at this time, so he open-sourced the plans. “I’d like to publish all the designs and plans so there’s enough information for anyone interested in making one.”
### The Parts
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Penk designed the Penkēsu around a 7.9 inch touchscreen and a custom keyboard. The internals are powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Li-Po battery. The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W has a 1 GHz ARM quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor and 512MB of RAM. For $15, that should run most Linux distros designed for the Pi.
Interestingly, Penk said that “my 3D printer is not accurate enough to print a fully functional hinge lock”. So, he decided to use replacement hinges from a Game Boy Advance SP.
The most difficult looking part is the keyboard, which involves a custom PCB. Penk does note that “If one wishes to use other 40% keyboard for the build, it can be done by editing the CAD file and adjusting the compartment size in the chassis”.
Here is the full list of required parts:
* Display
* Waveshare 7.9 inch Capacitive Touch Screen
* Adafruit DIY HDMI Cable Parts – Right Angle adapter, Mini HDMI adapter, and 20 cm Ribbon Cable
* Case
* Game Boy Advance SP Replacement Hinges
* 3D printed parts (STL files and STEP file)
* Electronics
* Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
* 3.7V 606090 (or similar size) Li-Po battery
* Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C
* Keyboard
* Kailh Low Profile Choc V1 Switches x 48
* MBK Choc Low Profile Keycaps x 48
* 1N4148 Diode x 48
* Arduino Pro Micro x 1
* PCB x 1 (gerber file and QMK firmware)
See the [website][4] for complete details.
What project have you made with a Raspberry Pi? Share in the comments below.
