The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →HackberryPi is a custom handheld computer from ZitaoTech that pairs Raspberry Pi hardware with a BlackBerry-style physical keyboard. The featured build reported in July 2024 used a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, a square touchscreen and a BlackBerry 9900 keyboard—not BlackBerry branding or software.
What is the HackberryPi?
HackberryPi is a pocket-sized cyberdeck: a custom computer built around single-board-computer hardware and an integrated keyboard. Its defining feature is the compact BlackBerry keyboard, which gives it the familiar thumb-typing look and feel of an older smartphone while the Raspberry Pi supplies the computing.
That resemblance is about the keyboard and form factor. HackberryPi is a ZitaoTech project, not a BlackBerry product. The 2024 Hackster report describes an enclosure designed to keep GPIO pins, USB, Ethernet and replaceable batteries accessible.
What hardware did the featured build use?
The build covered by Hackster on 30 July 2024 combined these components:
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Part | Featured-build specification |
|---|---|
| Compute board | Raspberry Pi 4 Model B |
| Display | 3.95-inch touchscreen, 720 × 720 resolution |
| Battery | Two 18650 lithium cells |
| Keyboard interface | Custom PCB based on the RP2040 microcontroller |
| Enclosure | 3D-printed |
Hackster reports that ZitaoTech designed the interface board to read the BlackBerry 9900 keyboard and present it to the Raspberry Pi as a standard USB HID keyboard. That lets the Pi receive key input through a conventional USB input interface rather than requiring it to interpret the keyboard directly.
How long does its battery last?
Hackster reported that ZitaoTech said the two batteries provided 8–9 hours of use. That is the creator’s reported estimate, not an independently tested runtime: the article does not provide a test protocol or usage conditions, so actual battery life may vary.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Are there other HackberryPi versions?
The later BBKB Community project-family reference describes more than one configuration. It lists Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, Pi 4B and Pi 5 compute-board variants; BlackBerry Q20, Q10 and 9900 keyboard options; a 4-inch 720 × 720 display; and battery configurations that vary by compute-board version. These are family-level options and should not be mistaken for the exact parts in the 2024 featured build.
The reference also says users have run Raspberry Pi OS, Kali, DietPi and RetroPie. It does not provide controlled performance comparisons, battery-capacity comparisons or repairability tests, so the available details do not establish which configuration is fastest or lasts longest.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Can you buy a HackberryPi?
The 2024 Hackster article said the creator planned to sell the cyberdeck at some point; that historical plan does not confirm that the original build is currently available. The BBKB Community reference describes new stock drops as roughly monthly, with the date and time announced at least a day in advance, and says some batches have sold out in under ten minutes. This is community-maintained guidance, not a live inventory check. Check the project’s current announcement source for release timing, availability and seller terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to consider before choosing or building one
- Board: The project-family reference lists Zero 2 W, Pi 4B and Pi 5 variants, but does not provide comparable performance benchmarks.
- Keyboard: Q20, Q10 and 9900 options are listed across the family; the featured 2024 build used the 9900 keyboard.
- Battery: Battery arrangements differ by compute-board version. The 2024 build’s two 18650 cells do not establish a universal replacement specification; verify dimensions and electrical and protection requirements against the documentation for the specific version.
- Openness: The community reference characterizes the hardware and firmware as closed source. That is relevant if you expect to inspect, modify or independently reproduce the design.
Sources: Hackster.io, Cameron Coward, 30 July 2024; BBKB Community, “HackberryPi by Zitao,” accessed 4 October 2026.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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