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You can build a laptop-style computer with a cardboard enclosure, but cardboard is only the case: the computer board, screen, keyboard, storage, and power system make it work. A published Raspberry Pi 4 example lists a 7-inch display and Bluetooth keyboard, but gives no complete bill of materials or total cost. Treat this as a hands-on maker project, not a proven cheaper alternative to a used laptop.
What a cardboard laptop build involves
A cardboard enclosure can hold a compact computer and its peripherals in a portable, laptop-like arrangement. It does not replace those components. For desktop use, Raspberry Pi’s setup guidance calls for boot media with an operating system, desktop peripherals, and a power supply; its current documentation specifies a microSD card of at least 32GB. Check the requirements for the exact board and display you choose in the Raspberry Pi getting started documentation.
A 2019 Creativity Buzz video description for How to make Pocket Laptop at Home | Raspberry Pi 4 Project lists a Raspberry Pi 4, TP4056 module, Bluetooth keyboard, power-supply PCB, and 7-inch display. That list is useful as an example of the parts a project may involve, not a verified complete shopping list: the description does not establish the cardboard thickness, cut pattern, dimensions, full specifications, or whether all required items are included. See the video’s description.
Plan the functional parts before cutting cardboard
Choose and check the computer, screen, input, storage, and power components first. Their physical dimensions and connection requirements determine how the enclosure should be laid out. The example’s component names are starting points only; the cited video does not establish exact models or compatibility details.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
- Includes Pre-Loaded 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10), USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Premium High-Gloss Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Integrated Fan Mount, CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (US Plug) with Noise Filter, Set of Heat Sinks, Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K60p)
- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)
- Computer: The documented example names a Raspberry Pi 4, but not a specific board revision or current availability.
- Display: The example lists a 7-inch display. Verify its connections, mounting needs, and compatibility with the selected board.
- Input: The example lists a Bluetooth keyboard. Decide how it will be positioned and whether it can be used comfortably with the screen.
- Storage and operating system: Raspberry Pi’s current setup documentation specifies a microSD card of at least 32GB and boot media containing an operating system.
- Power: Use power guidance for the exact board and screen. The example names a power-supply PCB and TP4056 module, but that does not validate its charging circuit for another build.
Do not assume a battery and charging arrangement is safe or compatible based only on the names of parts in a video description. Check the specifications and design for the components you will actually use.
Lay out and assemble the cardboard enclosure
The available video description does not provide a cut plan, measurements, or construction steps, so there is no source-backed template to reproduce. Make a layout around the actual components you have selected rather than relying on dimensions inferred from a thumbnail or the phrase “pocket laptop.”
Rank #2
- Vilros Complete Starter Kit for Pi 4 Includes Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Board and all the accessories you need to get started.
- 9-PART KIT WILL HAVE YOU READY TO GET UP AND RUNNING: Kit Includes 1. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Board 2. Case With Easy to connect Built-in fan 3. 64GB Micro SD card Preloaded with RP OS 4. Vilros Pi 4 Compatible Power Supply with Inline on/off switch (power supply color may vary white/black) 5. Micro HDMI to Standard HDMI cable (5ft) 6. Micro SD to USB adapter to reflash card if desired 7. Neoprene Storage Bag to store all parts when not in use 8. Set of 4 Heatsinks 9. Vilros QuickStart Guide instruction booklet for Pi 4
- PASSIVE & ACTIVE COOLING: The included case is well-vented and the kit also includes a set of heatsinks with thermal stickers for easy application and a pre-installed fan to keep the board cool in any use.
- CONVENIENT ACCESSORIES: The power supply features an inline on/off switch neoprene bag that holds and protects all the parts when not in use and the QuickStart guide is updated and written for Raspberry Pi 4.
- IMPORTANT: Kit does NOT include Keyboard, Mouse or Monitor
- Measure the parts: Record the board, display, keyboard, and any power components’ dimensions and connection locations.
- Mock up the arrangement: Position the screen and keyboard in a laptop-like layout, leaving practical access to ports and controls. Check that cables can reach without being pinched when the lid closes.
- Build a simple enclosure: Cut and fit cardboard to the chosen layout, then check access, stability, and fit before securing the electronics. The cited source does not establish a particular cardboard thickness or cutting pattern.
- Test the computer before closing the case: Confirm the board boots from its prepared storage and that the screen, input, and power setup work together. Follow the setup instructions for the exact board.
Is it actually cheap?
There is no supported total project price or evidence that this build costs less than buying a used laptop. The 2019 video description provides no itemized total, and the cost depends on which functional components you need to buy or already own. Cardboard may make the enclosure inexpensive, but it does not account for the screen, computer, keyboard, storage, or power components.
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For a meaningful comparison, add up the electronics you need to purchase and compare that total with a used laptop that meets the same needs. Consider screen usability, portability, battery runtime, durability, ease of repair, and reusable parts—not just the price of the case. No comparable measurements for those factors are established for the documented build.
Rank #3
- KEEP YOUR PROCESSOR COOL: The busier a processor gets the more it heats up, leading to sub-optimal performance. To prevent this common issue, this kit includes an aluminum alloy case with a pre-installed fan. The aluminum alloy actively draws the heat from the pi board, while the fan further cools the board and case. These cooling mechanisms will help push the limits of your processor and increase its flexibility.
- SIZABLE RAM: This Raspberry Pi 4 comes equipped with 4GB of RAM, which is the same amount of RAM or more RAM than many mainstream laptops contain. With 4GB of RAM, your processor will be capable of running retro gaming setups and common computer applications, media players, and much more!
- SIMPLE TO TURN ON & OFF: This kit includes a USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 compatible power supply with an easy-to-use on/off switch that was designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 4 model to streamline processing.
- IMPROVEMENTS FROM PREVIOUS MODELS: This latest model of the Raspberry Pi 4 offers groundbreaking increases in processor speed, multimedia performance, connectivity, memory, and more! The desktop performance of this model is comparable to entry-level x86 PC systems.
- VERSATILE USE: The Raspberry Pi may have a small processor, but it is a highly adaptable little computer that can replace your desktop PC. Its functions range from practical to nostalgic since it can power an ad-blocking server as easily as it can power an outmoded gaming setup. Other uses include but are not limited to printing from non-wireless printers, playing media, making time-lapse videos, and building multiplayer network game servers and motion-capture security systems.
How this differs from another Raspberry Pi laptop project
A Raspberry Pi Official Magazine tutorial describes a separate, earlier laptop project using a PiTFT display, miniature keyboard, battery, PowerBoost, and a 3D-printed case. It offers context for the integration challenges of a portable Pi computer, but it is not a cardboard construction guide or a current parts recommendation. Read the magazine tutorial.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes Raspberry Pi 4 8GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes Pre-Loaded 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10), USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Premium High-Gloss Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Integrated Fan Mount, CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply with Noise Filter, Set of Heat Sinks, Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K 60p)
- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)
Rank #4
- A RASPBERRY PI KIT FROM AN APPROVED RESELLER: Basic Starter Kit for Pi 4 Includes Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Board (4GB) with basic accessories to get started.
- INCLUDES BASIC VITAL ACCESSORIES TO GET STARTED: Eight parts Includes: 1. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (4GB RAM) 2. ABS 2 Part Snap Assembly Case 3. Raspberry Pi 4 compatible 3A Power Supply with on/off switch 4. Cooling Fan (Preinstalled In case) 5. Standard.HDMI (Female) to Micro HDMI Male Adapter 6. Heatsinks (set of 4) 7.Neoprene Storage bag 8. Vilros Quickstart Guide for Raspberry Pi 4
- RASPBERRY PI 4 MODEL B SPECS: Dim: 85.6mm × 56.5mm–Processor: Broadcom BCM2711, quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz--Memory: 4GB LPDDR4--Connectivity: 2.4 GHz and wireless LAN, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet 2×USB 3.0 ports 2×USB 2.0 ports---GPIO: 40-pin GPIO header---Video & Sound: 2 × micro HDMI ports---Multimedia: H.265 H.264 OpenGL ES, 3.0 graphics SD card support: Micro SD card slot for OS & data---Input power: 5V DC via USB-C connector, 5V DC via GPIO header, POE(requires HAT)
- PASSIVE & ACTIVE COOLING: The kit includes a heatsink with thermal stickers for easy application and if that this not enough you can also connect the pre-installed fan to keep the board cool in any use
- CONVENIENT ACCESSORIES: The power supply features an inline on/off switch neoprene bag that holds and protects all the parts when not in use and the quick start guide is updated and written for Raspberry Pi 4
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