The collective crowdfunding platform Kirckstarter is raising funds for the release of the LapPi 2.0 builder. It is aimed at electronics enthusiasts who prefer to assemble mobile devices themselves. LapPi 2.0 is a kit for building a laptop on the Raspberry Pi platform.
Somewhere we’ve seen this before…..
Raspberry Pi Kit-Constructors – History
This idea is not new for electronics enthusiasts. In 2019, Microsoft presented the Kano PC. This is official. Before that, dozens of unofficial variations of PCs and laptops that could be assembled from parts bought on AliExpress were proposed on forums like Habr and Reddit. The cost of such solutions ranged from $100 to $200.
The Kano PC builder can be considered the best in terms of technical features and ease of assembly. The kit was designed for children aged 12 and up. Using the Raspberry Pi platform, Microsoft’s engineers offered to assemble an 11-inch laptop (or tablet) with minimal technical specifications running Windows 10S.
The Kano builder cost around $300. However, demand was low. As a result, the price dropped to $230, and after selling off remaining stock, the project was discontinued.
LapPi 2.0 Builder for Assembling a Laptop Based on Raspberry Pi
In 2023, this technologically advanced project was revived. There is still demand. Many general education schools with an IT focus show interest. The only barrier for buyers is the cost of parts from online marketplaces. On average, a reasonably capable laptop can be assembled for about $300.
The LapPi 2.0 kit will cost from $160. But this does not include the chipset. The builder then chooses the platform independently. And here is a very interesting choice:
- Raspberry Pi.
- Banana Pi.
- Rock Pi.
- ASUS Tinker.
These are officially declared chips. There are also a dozen unofficial ones that are inexpensive and guarantee compatibility. Definitely interesting. Not only for beginners or children but also for adults. In various fields such as smart home automation, CNC programming, control panels for system administrators, automotive electronics, musicians, and more.
It’s hard to call the LapPi 2.0 builder technologically advanced. The same 7-inch display with a resolution of 1024×600 is outdated. But it is touch-enabled. The kit includes a camera module, speakers, keyboard, modules for wired and wireless connections, cables, and a case for the assembled device. Essentially, all of this can be bought on AliExpress but at a higher price. The $160 price here plays a leading role for the buyer.
