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# Build Your Own Handheld Linux PC with Raspberry Pi and this Open Source Project
- URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/penkesu-handheld-linux-pc/
- Published: 2022-03-20T22:41:42.000Z
- Updated: 2022-03-20T22:41:43.000Z
- Author: John Paul Wohlscheid
- Tags: Gadgets 🎛️, Linux, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15

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?

![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/03/penkesu.computer-31.jpg)

The Penkēsu Computer (Penkēsu is Japanese for pencil case) was designed by [Penk Chen](https://github.com/penk?ref=itsfoss.com). If that name sounds familiar, he’s the designer behind the [CutiePi](https://itsfoss.com/cutiepi-open-source-tab/).

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

![Penkēsu computer parts](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/03/penkesu.computer-parts.jpg)

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](http://penkesu.computer/?ref=itsfoss.com) for complete details.

What project have you made with a Raspberry Pi? Share in the comments below.