Ever since the tiny $35 Raspberry Pi PC began shipping earlier this year, there’s been virtually no limit to the fresh uses and extensions that have been envisioned for it.
We’ve seen the credit card-sized device used in a DSLR battery grip, a Minecraft server, and a gaming console. Since its release it’s been enhanced with an optimized OS, an overclocking tool, more RAM, and an app store.
The latest innovation? None other than a way to turn a Raspberry Pi into a tiny Linux laptop.
A 10-hour battery
“I just wanted to see if it was possible to make an ultraportable, mobile Raspberry Pi that you can take to go,” explained Nathan Morgan, founder and CEO of Dell laptop specialist Parts-People.com, in a blog post on Thursday.
“My mobile Raspberry Pi computer is now complete, and because this is an open source project I wanted to show you everything, including how to build one yourself,” Morgan added.
Parts-People.comThe resulting device includes a 3.5-inch LCD screen and keyboard as well as a 64GB solid state drive, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an integral touchpad, and a 10-hour battery. Raspbian Linux downloaded from Raspberrypi.org is the operating system used by Morgan, who tapped Google SketchUp and a 3D printer to create a case for what he calls the mobile “Pi-to-Go.”
‘Really slick’
Full schematics and instructions for building the device are included in Morgan’s post, as are STL files for the 3D printing and links to where the parts can be purchased.
“This project is a really slick, professional-looking piece of work, and we’re very grateful to [Morgan] for making all the information necessary to make your own available to the community,” reads the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s own post on the topic.
The total cost for the resulting device amounts to almost $400, but if you find a Raspberry Pi in your stocking this year, this could be just the project you’re looking for.