Redditor el_cuadillo has created a fully 3D-printed, portable laptop powered by the Raspberry Pi 5, combining off-the-shelf components with custom design. This compact device delivers two to three hours of battery life, making it a practical solution for on-the-go computing.
A Custom Design for Portability
The laptop’s 3D-printed clamshell-style case was designed using OnShape and printed on a Bambu A1 3D printer. The body was crafted with Sunlu PLA+ filament, while Giantarm dual-color PLA Silk adds accent details, giving the laptop a polished and modern aesthetic.
The device features a 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen display and ample storage space for accessories like a wireless keyboard, gamepad, and mouse, all cleverly integrated into the bottom half of the case.
Hardware Built for Performance
At the heart of this portable laptop is a Raspberry Pi 5 single-board computer equipped with the official Active Cooler heatsink and fan. The system is powered by a Geekworm UPS shield and four 18650 lithium-ion cells, offering seamless power management and up to three hours of runtime.
The Geekworm UPS not only powers the device but also enables safe power toggling without accessing the Raspberry Pi’s internal switch. Python scripts bundled with the UPS allow for real-time monitoring of battery life and charging status, simplifying user experience.
Versatility and Usability
In addition to the Raspberry Pi 5, the build includes:
- • A four-port USB hub.
- • A Nintendo SNES-style gamepad for gaming on the go.
- • A robust push-button switch to safely shut down the system with the included Python scripts.
While Raspberry Pi OS provides a seamless software experience, el_cuadillo opted for Ubuntu Linux, citing its modern interface. The touchscreen, while occasionally finicky, is functional for navigating the operating system and running various applications.
Sharing the Blueprint
El_cuadillo has shared the project details on Reddit and expressed willingness to make the STL files available for others to replicate the build.
Source: hackster.io