The Raspberry Pi is an extremely popular invention that enabled tinkerers to make interesting projects out of it.
You name it, and there must be a way for tinkerers to make it happen using the Raspberry Pi board. The possibilities are endless. Don't believe me? You can explore our list of Raspberry Pi project ideas to see what kind of projects exist.
That being said, the Raspberry Pi can also be used in arrangement to make a laptop you can use, or maybe a tablet. You can purchase some ready-made Raspberry Pi-based kits or choose to build it yourself following some project ideas out there.
Here, I have compiled all such options for you to take a look at.
1. RasPad
RasPad is one of the most popular Linux tablets out there. While it is extremely difficult to find it in stock on the official website, you can find several retailers/resellers making it available.
It is built to be used along with a Raspberry Pi device, which you have to purchase separately. Sure, it may not be a slim tablet, like the Android ones, but it is a fun portable gadget to put together and use.
You can install RasPad OS or any other Raspberry Pi operating system.
2. CrowPi Raspberry Pi Educational Kit
A portable Raspberry Pi-based kit that looks like a laptop, CrowPi by Elecrow is a decent option available to purchase.
It is compatible with Raspberry Pi 5. So, you can make use of the latest tech available to get yourself a portable Raspberry Pi device with a big 9-inch IPS touch screen.
You can connect a keyboard to it, install any operating system of your choice, and you have a portable laptop to mimic, even if it may not look the prettiest.
3. Piper Computer Kit
A Raspberry Pi-based kit tailored to provide a computer building experience where you end up with a device which you can use to learn and build stuff.
The kit is designed like there are puzzle pieces that you need to put together to learn as you build. It already includes a Raspberry Pi in the kit. So, you do not need to purchase it separately.
4. CrowPi L
CrowPi L looks relatively close to a laptop, and you have it as an assembled device without the Raspberry Pi.
It is compatible with Raspberry Pi 4B. So, all you have to do is get the board, and install it on its back side just like you would install a removable battery, yes, that easy!
You get an integrated camera + microphone, an 11.6-inch IPS screen, and a 5000 mAh battery to power the device.
You can choose to use it as a real laptop replacement or utilize it to build other projects.
5. Handeld Nano Pi 2
Unlike the above-mentioned options, this handheld Raspberry Pi device is a project idea that you can refer and build it yourself.
The project runs a Raspberry Pi 2 version board with an incredibly small phone-sized keyboard and screen. You can 3D print the chassis of the keyboard, screen, and the box using the files available. And, customize it for a newer Raspberry Pi board.
For instructions, you will have to check out its Thingiverse page.
6. CrowView Note
CrowView Note is a portable monitor with a keyboard and all the essentials, like microphone, camera, to turn any SBC like Raspberry Pi into a laptop.
Sure, you can use Raspberry Pi alternatives. But, I have seen people build Raspberry Pi laptops out of it on YouTube, just like this one:
When writing this, it was available as a Kickstarter product. So, it should be available when it's back in stock or at a later date again on its official manufacturer's website, Elecrow.
7. Raspberry Pi 500 Desktop Kit
Credits: Jeff Gerling
If you are not satisfied with any of the options available in the market, you can go for the Raspberry Pi 500 or its predecessor, Raspberry Pi 400, built on top of the Raspberry Pi 5 and 4 respectively.
It is not a laptop nor a tablet, but if you aren't concerned about the form factor, this can be a portable solution. All you need is a screen to connect to, as the keyboard is the entire computer.
With the kit, you get a mouse, a preloaded SD card with Raspberry Pi OS, and essential cables to connect to a monitor. You will find limited online resellers having it in stock.
Any Other Options To Consider?
You can build countless form factors when using a Raspberry Pi board to create a device. The ready-made options are always limited.
If you just want a lightweight hackable laptop to run Linux for your projects (not based on Raspberry Pi), you can take a look at PineBook that uses its custom SBC.
Not a tinkerer? And, looking for a mini PC? We have a list of Linux-based mini PCs as well:
Abhishek Prakash
💬Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments down below!
