mutantC_V2 Is a New and Improved Raspberry Pi Handheld/UMPC
The portable, 3D-printed computing platform is reminiscent of T-Mobile’s Sidekick with a slide-out keyboard.
While Raspberry Pi single-board computers can function as low-power desktops, or be hidden away as embedded systems, what if you want to use one as a mobile computing device? If the idea of a Pi-based UMPC (ultra-mobile PC) sounds intriguing, then be sure to check out the latest version of the mutantC handheld by rahmanshaber.
Similar to its predecessor, mutantC_V2 is reminiscent of T-Mobile's Sidekick phone from a few years ago, with a screen that slides up to reveal a physical QWERTY keyboard underneath. This PCB keyboard is controlled by a SparkFun Pro Micro and allows the user to more easily type, while using the touchscreen as a secondary input method.
The mutantC_V2 is incredibly versatile and can be powered by various flavors of Raspberry Pi, or even other Pi form factor boards like the Asus Tinker Board S. It also features expansion pads for Adafruit STEMMA and SparkFun QWIIC I2C devices. One notable improvement from the original is the inclusion of a rechargeable 18650 cell, making it truly mobile with a battery life of around two hours. These electronics are all housed inside a 3D-printed case.
Beyond the standard design, the MutantC_V2 is entirely open source hardware, so you can make changes as you like, and rahmanshaber hopes that a community will develop around it. Much more info on the build is available via the project website and build files are available on GitLab.
Engineer, maker of random contraptions, love learning about tech. Write for various publications, including Hackster!