A Real Linux Computer You Can Carry in Your Pocket

In the nearly two decades since smartphones first surged into the mainstream, handheld computing has transitioned from novel to normal. However, despite carrying immense processing power in our pockets, these devices remain poor substitutes for general-purpose computers. Their utility is often hamstrung by walled garden ecosystems, where a handful of corporate gatekeepers dictate which software users are permitted to install. This lack of digital freedom is compounded by physical limitations: beyond standard USB or wireless connections, smartphones offer almost no hardware extensibility for those who need more versatile interfacing.

The Mecha Comet, developed by Mecha Systems, is a new type of handheld computer that is seeking to change all of this. It is a modular, open source Linux handheld designed to restore flexibility, hackability, and long-term ownership to portable computing. A user-friendly design and a variety of user interface options make it practical for doing far more than reading email and scrolling social media.

The device is offered with a choice of two NXP Arm-based system-on-chips. The i.MX 8M Plus variant targets efficiency and affordability, while the newer i.MX 95 option delivers higher performance, a modern Mali GPU, 4K video support, and updated AI acceleration. Both configurations support up to 8GB of RAM, onboard eMMC storage, microSD expansion, and optional NVMe SSDs, placing the device firmly in the realm of real Linux computers rather than locked-down consumer gadgets.

A 3.92-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a 1080 × 1240 resolution anchors the front, while a dense array of ports — including multiple USB-C connectors, mini HDMI 2.1, audio jack, and expansion interfaces — line the edges. A 40-pin magnetic expansion connector enables snap-on modules such as a gamepad, QWERTY keyboard, GPIO breakout, and future accessories. Combined with an M.2 slot for cellular connectivity or other PCIe devices, the Comet can shift roles easily — from gaming console to embedded controller, development terminal, or portable measurement tool.

On the software side, the device runs Mechanix OS, a Fedora-based Linux distribution paired with a custom launcher optimized for the Comet’s unusual screen aspect ratio. All major components — including the GUI shell, build system, and downstream Linux and U-Boot forks— are fully open source. Mecha Systems has committed to at least seven years of official software support, with silicon availability extending well into the next decade.

The Mecha Comet is now available on Kickstarter and has quickly blown far past its funding goal. You can get in on the action yourself, with rewards starting at $159.