If you would like a handheld pc that’ll make you appear like a math nerd from 30 years in the past, you are in luck. Linux DIY pc maker ClockworkPi has launched a brand new handheld equipment known as the PicoCalc.

Concerning the dimension of a giant smartphone, the very first thing you are gonna discover concerning the PicoCalc is its design paying homage to a graphing calculator. Its retro model makes it look like one thing you’d anticipate finding in a university classroom within the Nineteen Nineties. It has a built-in backlit QWERTY keyboard beneath its 4-inch IPS LCD show, and in contrast to some handhelds with keyboards, this one does not fold or slide. It is only a strong 167x97mm slab of ABS plastic containing its Raspberry Pi-powered guts.

Particularly, it runs a Raspberry Pi Pico, a tiny microcontroller board that is low cost and versatile sufficient for use in all types of units. The PicoCalc comprises the Raspberry Pi Pico 1 H core module, which has a RP2040 ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller together with 264KB of SRAM.

If that does not sound like very a lot reminiscence, that is as a result of it is not. This is not a high-powered pc meant to allow you to emulate any sport you need. If you’d like a handheld Pi challenge with extra capabilities, look into the Blackberry Pi we noticed final month. All of the PicoCalc is supposed for is growth on the go and a few low-resource sport emulation, but additionally nearly anything else a Pi Pico could do with a small show and keyboard.

Within the case of the PicoCalc, the Pico sits on ClockworkPi’s customized “v2.0” mainboard. If you happen to do not need to use the included Pico 1 H, you’ll be able to swap it out for a the Pico 1 WH, Pico 2, or Pico 2W fashions. They will get you double the SRAM and/or the addition of Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5.2 wi-fi connectivity. It is as much as you to resolve should you want that.

The keyboard you may discover has arrow keys and different widespread pc keys like operate buttons and a Tab button. The PicoCalc additionally has a pair of built-in audio system so you’ll be able to hear that 8-bit retro music. There is a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB-C port for charging and debugging, and a microSD card slot. For Raspberry Pi devices, the SD card is the place all of your software program lives. Do not go shopping for one for the PicoCalc, although; there is a 32GB SD card included that ClockworkPi says has optimized firmware.

Have in mind this is not a completely assembled and full equipment you can begin utilizing out of the field. It is meant for DIYers, so it’s going to be as much as you to assemble the equipment with its included hex key. You will additionally want batteries. It has slots for 2 rechargeable 18650 batteries, although ClockworkPi says the PicoCalc solely wants one to function. Nonetheless, I would advise erring on the aspect of getting extra power reserves than crucial over not having sufficient.

This is not ClockworkPi’s first handheld pc rodeo. Additionally they launched the uConsole in 2022, designed to be each a conveyable private pc and a “fantasy console.” Additionally they promote the DevTerm meant for handheld growth, and the Gameshell devoted to sport emulation. So if the PicoCalc is not fairly what you are in search of, a type of may scratch you DIY Linux handheld itch.

You possibly can buy the PicoCalc now from ClockworkPi’s web site for $75. If you happen to do purchase it, remember these 18650 batteries, which you will get for about $6 every.

Supply: Liliputing