– DIY handheld PC kit based on Raspberry Pi CM5, available under GPL 3.0 license
– Features a BBQ20 keyboard with trackpad and a 3.92-inch AMOLED touch display (1080 x 1240)
– Includes 5,000mAh battery, stereo speakers, microphone, headphone jack, and SSD/microSD support
– Offers GPIO connectivity for sensors/actuators, plus a rotary control and five buttons
– Estimated parts cost around $172, depending on the specific Raspberry Pi CM5 model
The piBrick Pocket-CM5 is a new DIY handheld PC based on the Raspberry Pi CM5 that users can build themselves and that is available under the GPL 3.0 license. In addition to the Raspberry Pi CM5, suitably adapted PCBs are also required which is provided as templates and can then be manufactured by a suitable supplier.
Keyboard and Display Specifications
A BBQ20 keyboard is used that is intended to allow relatively fast text input, this keyboard also includes a trackpad. A 3.92-inch AMOLED display is installed which can process up to five touch inputs at the same time and is connected via MIPI-DSI, the resolution is relatively high at 1080 x 1240 pixels that could have a positive effect on interface usability.
Physical Controls and Battery
Even so, the 560-nit display is still significantly smaller than that of a smartphone. There is also a rotary control on the side, along with five buttons. A 5,000mAh battery is used, meaning the system can also be used on the go.
Audio, Storage and IO
Stereo speakers and a microphone are included, and there is also a headphone jack. An SSD can be installed, while a microSD card can also be used depending on the Raspberry Pi CM5 model version. Sensors and actuators can be connected via GPIO, the parts are listed at around $172 although this is likely to depend heavily on the specific Raspberry Pi version used.