PiPad: A $350 Touchscreen Raspberry Pi Tablet With Plywood Case


PiPadEver since the Raspberry Pi emerged into the tech world, it has been utilized in countless ways. Many makers and ‘DIYers’ have utilized it’s novelty, flexibility, and affordability to create some phenomenal devices. But how many tablets do we know of that are based off the Raspberry Pi? Surely there are quite a few out there, but arrival of the PiPad is making a special mark. In fact, Pi creator Eben Upton autographed it during it’s display at the Maker Faire New York event.

PiPad2Maker and Pi fanatic, Michael Castor, has designed his very own, hand-crafted Raspberry Pi tablet. His innovative building process continues to intrigue crowds all over. The PiPad progression has already hit Makezine.com, and photos have been published on Flickr. He built the device out of wood and carbon fiber; a different style and look as of late. He told Makezine, “When I set out to build my Raspberry Pi tablet I wanted something different...I could have bought an iPad or an Android tablet (for $350 or less), but what's the fun in that?". His objective was to compete with the rest of Pi tablets. So he made it thinner, lighter,faster, and with a unique look. Another contributing factor was his plan to use his PiPad during flights. He didn't want to "freak out" the TSA by typing on something bulky or strange looking. So the smooth Baltic birch plywood choice for its frame, and carbon fiber for the base turned out lovely.

PiPad1The PiPad is Linux-based, has a good six hours of battery life, and packs a 10,000mAh battery that can be charged from a cell phone charger. It is complete with a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen, as well as his very own plywood design as the case. Castor was set on the idea to avoid the overpriced, standard-market tablet. So what better plan than a Pi enthusiast to construct one himself? However, it stands to reason that the PiPad won't match up to Apple or Samsung tablets out there. Additionally, because the 35 dollar, credit card-sized, Raspberry Pi isn't the most powerful computer, the PiPad cannot expect to deliver stellar performance. What it will do is provide the bare essentials, all for $350. The Linux distribution for the Pi is called Raspbmc, which supports full 1080p as well as HMTL 5. It may not be as easy to use as a commercial tablet, but it does everything Castor guaranteed. His wish was for a brand new, unique Raspberry Pi prototype . Therefore, goal accomplished.

Topics: Technology News Inventions & Innovations Raspberry Pi Tablets

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