Retro Reboot: Crafting a BlackBerry Pi Handheld


A Modern Twist on Old-School Tech

Alright, get this: someone's turned the nostalgic BlackBerry into a chunky, functional handheld computer called the BlackBerry Pi. This isn't your run-of-the-mill project where you just slap a tiny screen on a microcontroller. No, this is full-on tech wizardry that screams Cyberpunk vibes, courtesy of a creative genius named Taylor Hay.

What's the BlackBerry Pi?

Imagine taking a robust BlackBerry Q10 keyboard, which, let's be honest, has some of the most satisfying clicks you can get, and combining it with a Raspberry Pi. Not just any Raspberry Pi, though—the Raspberry Pi 4, known for its decent processing power capable of handling real tasks. The BlackBerry Pi wraps all this tech in a 3D printed case that's got room for a crisp HyperPixel 4.0 touchscreen display and a beastly 10,000 mAh battery that keeps the lights on for what seems like forever.

Building the Beast

Taylor didn't hold back on the details when they shared this build on HackADay. They got into the nitty-gritty of choosing components, designing the case, and the trial and error of fitting everything together in a not-so-slim profile. Unlike the sleek gadgets we're used to carrying, this DIY marvel embraces its bulkiness which actually adds to its charm.

And get this: the BlackBerry Pi isn't just about throwing hardware together. Taylor went the extra mile by designing a case with enough room for all the parts without turning it into a brick. Well, not too much of a brick, anyway. They even soldered some of the cables in place for a clean setup—after, of course, they tested the rig with a hilarious octopus of USB cables sprawling out from every port.

DIY Spirit

Now, if you're itching to build your own, there's a bit of a hiccup—Taylor hasn't released the STL files for the 3D printed case just yet. But that hasn't stopped the flood of requests popping up in the comments on their project page. Fingers crossed, they'll share soon, and we'll all be walking around with these chunky symbols of tech nostalgia.

Why Even Bother?

Why go through all this trouble, you ask? Well, it's not just about reliving the glory days of the BlackBerry. It's about customization, recycling tech, and the pure joy of building something with your hands that's both cool and functional. It's a celebration of where tech has been and where it can still go, even in the form of a DIY project.

Diving In

If you're feeling inspired to start your own tech project, why not dive into the world of Raspberry Pi? It's a playground for tech enthusiasts. Who knows, maybe your project will be the next big thing we're all chatting about. Just remember, the joy is in the creation.

So, who's ready to roll up their sleeves and make their own BlackBerry Pi? Let's bring back the BlackBerry, one Raspberry Pi at a time!


Keywords: BlackBerry Pi, Raspberry Pi, DIY project

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