9 Ways to Turn a Raspberry Pi into a Laptop
Raspberry Pi is small and low power, so wouldn’t it be great if you could also carry it around? Well, you can! I found nine ways you can turn your Raspberry Pi into a home laptop.
The CrowView Note is an amazing all-in-one laptop with the latest Raspberry Pi models. There are many reasons to upgrade to a Raspberry Pi 5, but taking full advantage of CrowView Note is high on my list.
This laptop is the latest from the creators of the CrowPi and CrowPi2, and is their thinnest and lightest to date. In many ways, the CrowView Note rivals the experience of using a full-fledged laptop – except that you can instantly dock and undock your Pi.
The screen is a full 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1080p and a large 5000mAh battery allows you to stay on the go for longer. This laptop even features USB-C and USB-A ports on the side so you can connect your smartphone or other peripherals.
Supported models: Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4B, Pi Zero 2W
(As with all the options on this list, you should check which Raspberry Pi model you have to make sure everything is compatible.)
A portable Raspberry Pi kit that focuses on electronics and programming, the Piper comes with a self-build wooden case. There is a touch screen, a speaker and a compartment for a Raspberry Pi and a breadboard. All the wires, LEDs and switches you might need are also included. The set also includes a rechargeable power source, making it truly portable.
While the addition of a compact keyboard lets you use the Piper for standard Raspberry Pi-based productivity tasks, it’s the dedicated Minecraft-Pi version that sets this kit apart.
Piper is not a standard Raspberry Pi laptop, but it is a useful educational tool that can go anywhere.
Supported models: Raspberry Pi 4B, Pi 3B+
With a full-sized keyboard, a DIY trackpad and a 7-inch display, this DIY build results in your very own Raspberry Pi laptop. This project uses a Raspberry Pi 3, but you can easily swap it out for a Raspberry Pi Model 3B+.
A detailed video (above) accompanies this build. Learn how to assemble the battery, connect the charger and boost converter, and even extend the USB port for improved accessibility.
Meanwhile, the Arduino component displays the battery charge status and provides connectivity for the sensor modules. It’s a useful all-in-one approach!
This Raspberry Pi 7-inch tablet case keyboard laptop is made of reinforced cardboard.
Supported models: Raspberry Pi 3
A massive laptop chassis with room for a Raspberry Pi 4 (a 4GB model is included), the CrowPi 2 is a great piece of kit. Coming with a power supply, two game controllers, an integrated electronics workshop board, and a bunch of components for STEM development, the CrowPi 2 is a bit of a hobbyist’s dream.
An integrated e-shop board alone is enough to keep you going, while the ‘loose’ components – many of which can be washed in the shop – can help you take your learning further.
Overall, this is a great Raspberry Pi laptop kit with a big focus on learning, and we thought it was great in our CrowPi 2 hands-on review.
Related: Raspberry Pi Workshop CrowPi 2 Review
Supported models: Raspberry Pi 4B
5. DIY Raspberry Pi Pocket Notebook
With a keyboard, IPS display, portable battery charger and Raspberry Pi 3, this laptop looks simpler than it is. A switch is attached to the battery for easy on/off.
Probably the most interesting thing about this build, however, is the plastic chassis. Although there is no room for the selected Bluetooth keyboard (others may be more suitable), it surprisingly fits perfectly.
What’s particularly interesting about this project is that it’s pretty barebones. Only the very basics are included, allowing you to customize the rest by adding your own twist.
There is no link to this Raspberry Pi notebook project – everything you need is in the video.
Supported models: Raspberry Pi 3
LapPi 2.0, a DIY acrylic laptop for Raspberry Pi, comes with a 7-inch capacitive touch screen. In addition, you can buy a kit unassembled or pre-assembled, although you will have to supply the Raspberry Pi yourself.
Fortunately, the LapPi is compatible with any consumer Raspberry Pi model you can think of. There is a keyboard, camera, rechargeable Li-Ion power bank and speakers. There are five colors available: red, blue, yellow, black and clear.
Because the kit is particularly small, the LapPi is not your typical productivity laptop. However, it is designed to help you turn your Raspberry Pi into a great mini laptop.
Supported models: Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4B, Pi 3, Pi 2, Pi 1, Pi Zero 2W, Pi Zero
What could be more DIY than a 3D printed laptop powered by a Raspberry Pi?
With a Raspberry Pi 2 and a 3.5-inch TFT display, this assembly uses a miniature Bluetooth keyboard. There is also a Li-Ion battery and a Wi-Fi dongle, but this would not be necessary on newer Raspberry Pi models. Everything about this build is small, resulting in a pocket-sized Raspberry Pi laptop.
Although it’s closer in size to a smartphone than a netbook, the choice of keyboard makes this setup easy to use. The 3D printed frame houses the keyboard, screen and Raspberry Pi, while 3D printed hinges hold the two halves together.
Need your Raspberry Pi to be portable? If you want to 3D print your solution, this is the way to go. See the project’s Instructables page for full instructions.
Supported models: Raspberry Pi 2B
Looking for a DIY Raspberry Pi laptop that fits in your pocket? This mini computer combines a Raspberry Pi 2, display, keyboard, Adafruit Powerboost 1000, battery and 3D printing to achieve the smallest Raspberry Pi system yet.
Once assembled, the Pi 2 lives under the keyboard, and the entire unit folds down just like a full-sized keyboard. Although the 4-inch LCD is compact, if you need the Pi in your pocket for easy access, it’s ideal.
It’s a great idea for your own project to use an old Raspberry Pi. You can find all the details and 3D printing templates you need on the Thingiverse Nano Pi2 project page.
Supported models: Raspberry Pi 2
Finally, a Raspberry Pi laptop project that anyone can build – provided you have plenty of plastic Lego bricks.
Developed by Peter Howkins, the Lego Raspberry PiBook has access to a USB port and a microSD card replacement door. It consists of standard Technic bricks and pieces and is built on two 16×24 Lego bases.
Go to Peter’s website to learn more and start building your own.
Supported models: Raspberry Pi 1B
With a Raspberry Pi powered laptop, not only do you have a portable computer that you can use for productivity, but you can also use it for coding projects. Just imagine the possibilities.