Instructables member SilverJimmy has taken a $35 Raspberry Pi mini Computer and transformed it into a LapPi enclosed inside an aluminum briefcase, with plenty of added extras.
The project used a 7″ LCD panel & logic board, with HDMI, VGA, Composite & 2 AV inputs; however, the LapPi only uses the HDMI connection. The logic board is also fitted with a menu board with buttons to select inputs and enable users to configure the LCD panel, which sports a resolution of 800 x 480 and is equipped with LED backlights.
Components and Assembly
The basic idea is simple. Put a Raspberry Pi inside an aluminum case, wire it up to a screen, keyboard, mouse & batteries. Then plug in a USB hub, connect WiFi, Bluetooth, and the receiver for a wireless keyboard. We will also need to extend the Network port, add a headphone socket & speakers, fit in a battery pack, and then wire it all together! Simples.
To achieve this, SilverJimmy used a variety of components. The Raspberry Pi serves as the brain of the operation, while the 7″ LCD panel provides the display. The HDMI connection ensures a high-quality video signal, and the logic board’s menu buttons allow for easy configuration of the display settings. The inclusion of LED backlights ensures that the screen is bright and clear, even in low-light conditions.
The aluminum briefcase not only provides a sturdy and portable enclosure but also adds a touch of style to the project. Inside the briefcase, SilverJimmy installed a USB hub to expand the number of available USB ports, allowing for the connection of multiple peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, and WiFi adapter. The addition of Bluetooth enables wireless connectivity for devices like headphones and speakers.
Power and Connectivity
One of the critical aspects of the LapPi project is its power supply. SilverJimmy included a battery pack to make the LapPi truly portable. This battery pack is capable of powering the Raspberry Pi and the LCD screen for several hours, making it ideal for use on the go. The battery pack is rechargeable, ensuring that the LapPi can be used repeatedly without the need for constant battery replacements.
To enhance the LapPi’s connectivity options, SilverJimmy extended the Network port, allowing for a wired Ethernet connection if needed. This is particularly useful in situations where WiFi is not available or reliable. Additionally, a headphone socket and speakers were added to provide audio output, making the LapPi suitable for multimedia applications such as watching videos or listening to music.
The project also involved some custom wiring to connect all the components together. This included wiring the battery pack to the Raspberry Pi and the LCD screen, as well as connecting the USB hub, WiFi adapter, Bluetooth module, and other peripherals. The result is a fully functional, portable laptop that can be used for a variety of tasks.
For more details and a full rundown on how the LapPi Raspberry Pi laptop was created, jump over to the Instructables website for full details.
Source: Liliputing
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