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Paper Pi is a do-it-yourself Linux terminal built around a Raspberry Pi 4 and a 4.2-inch E Ink screen. It pairs the display with a custom thumb keyboard, rechargeable battery pack and 3D-printed case. The design is aimed at console work rather than general-purpose computing—and its creator says thumb typing is slow.
What is Paper Pi?
Paper Pi is a handheld computer project by Daniel Norris, documented in a GitHub repository and featured by Hackster.io in 2021. It runs Linux on a Raspberry Pi and presents terminal output on an E Ink display. It is a maker build, not a supported commercial handheld.
The concept suits console-centric tasks: reading and entering terminal commands, learning Linux, or checking network ports. E Ink has no backlight and is most useful for largely static text; the display must refresh when the content changes, so it is not equivalent to a conventional LCD for fluid interaction.
What hardware does it use?
| Part | Documented Paper Pi component | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | Raspberry Pi 4, 2GB RAM (project README) | Runs Ubuntu Server and the terminal software. |
| Display | Waveshare 4.2-inch E Ink display (project README; Hackster.io, 2021) | Shows terminal output without a backlight. |
| Keyboard | Custom split thumb keyboard, built with surface-mount push buttons on perfboard (project README; Hackster.io) | Provides compact input through a key matrix and QMK firmware. |
| Battery and power | Four approximately 3Ah 18650 cells in parallel, a BMS and RetroPSU for charging and 5V output, plus a USB-C breakout (project README) | Supplies portable power and charging circuitry. |
| Case | 3D-printed PLA enclosure assembled with machine screws; editable Onshape model linked from the project repository (project README; Hackster.io) | Holds the Pi, display, keyboard and battery sections. |
How the display, keyboard and software work
Terminal on E Ink
PaperTTY sends the Raspberry Pi’s terminal output to the display over SPI. Norris chose Ubuntu Server because, according to the project documentation, it handled PaperTTY’s range of terminal sizes better than Raspberry Pi OS. The repository also documents systemd services for starting PaperTTY and handling GPIO functions.
#1 Best Overall
- The GamePi43 is a portable retro video game console based on Raspberry Pi, recalls you all the gaming pleasures in the memory. This accessory pack includes add-ons required to build your own GamePi43, excerpt for the Raspberry Pi and micro SD card.
- With 4.3inch IPS display, 800×480 pixels. 60 fps smooth gaming experience
- Compatible with Raspberry Pi B+/2B/3B/3B+.(Note PI is NOT included)
- Integrates battery charge circuitry, powered from 18650 lithium batteries (NOT included), plays anywhere anytime. Onboard Battery life indicator.
- Onboard speaker and earphone jack, listen to the familiar BGM from the old days. Volume and backlight adjustment keys, adjust the device status according to specific game, better experience.
Compact keyboard
The keyboard is a custom split thumb layout made from push buttons mounted on perfboard. Hackster describes a 5x3_3-style matrix with 10 columns and four rows. QMK firmware reads the keys through the Pi’s GPIO header, and the project uses Miryoku firmware. The GPIO service also handles resolution toggles and shutdown behavior.
Power monitoring
The project’s GPIO service checks battery voltage every two minutes and broadcasts a warning below 3.2V, according to the README. The documented figure is a warning threshold, not a battery-runtime estimate. The repository does not provide an independently measured runtime. Lithium-ion cells require a suitable protection and charging arrangement; do not replicate the parallel-cell pack without understanding cell matching, battery management and safe wiring.
Rank #2
- High-Resolution Display: The Game HAT features a 3.5-inch IPS screen with a 480x320 resolution, delivering vibrant colors and sharp visuals for an immersive gaming experience.
- Smooth Gameplay: With a 60Hz refresh rate, the display ensures smooth and fluid gameplay, minimizing frame drops and enhancing the overall user experience.
- Wide Raspberry Pi Compatibility: Compatible with Raspberry Pi models A+/B+/2B/3B/3B+/4B. Note that Raspberry Pi Zero/Zero W/Zero WH requires an additional HDMI cable.
- Portable Power Source: Equipped with integrated battery charging circuitry, the Game HAT is powered by a 18650 lithium battery (not included), allowing for portable gaming on the go.
- Integrated Audio Features: The module includes an onboard speaker and an earphone jack, enabling users to enjoy classic game soundtracks and audio effects directly from the device.
How practical is Paper Pi to use?
The design’s main compromise is the thumb keyboard. Norris writes in the README: “So, it turns out it’s kind of dumb typing with thumbs. It’s slow.” He also says the device worked well for learning and testing network ports while running wires at home. These are the creator’s own observations, not independent performance tests.
The E Ink display favors readable, mostly static terminal text over rapid visual updates. Together with the small keyboard, that makes Paper Pi best understood as a specialized portable terminal and learning project, rather than a substitute for a laptop or a fast-typing handheld.
Rank #3
- RASPBERRY PI CM5 COMPATIBLE: Designed to work seamlessly with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, offering a powerful handheld computing experience. CM5 not included.
- 4-INCH TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Features a responsive 4" touchscreen for intuitive navigation and interaction, making it ideal for portable projects and on-the-go use.
- NVME SSD SLOT: Equipped with an NVMe SSD slot for fast, expandable storage, allowing you to run demanding applications and store large files with ease.
- DUAL USB 3.0 PORTS: Includes two USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer and connectivity with a wide range of peripherals and accessories.
- ALUMINUM CASE WITH FULL QWERTY KEYBOARD: Built with a durable aluminum enclosure and a physical QWERTY keyboard, combining sturdy construction with convenient text input.
Can you buy Paper Pi or build one?
The sources document a DIY project, not a retail product. The repository provides project details and links to an editable Onshape case model, but the available documentation does not establish that a complete Paper Pi is sold or supported as a product.
To replicate the documented concept, start with the named Raspberry Pi 4 2GB and Waveshare 4.2-inch E Ink display, then consult the project repository for its keyboard, power, software and enclosure details. Confirm the exact display revision and compatible parts before purchasing: the article and README identify the display by size and maker, but do not establish that every 4.2-inch Waveshare model is interchangeable.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BUILD YOUR OWN PORTABLE CYBERDECK – Turn your Raspberry Pi CM4 into a powerful handheld Linux computer. The uConsole combines a 5-inch IPS display, backlit QWERTY keyboard, and modular design, making it ideal for programming, networking, cybersecurity, remote administration, and DIY electronics projects.
- LATEST REV.5 MAINBOARD – Features the newest ClockworkPi v3.14 Rev.5 mainboard with improved stability and compatibility. Supports Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) and includes WiFi + 4G LTE expansion capability for portable computing anywhere.
- PREMIUM HANDHELD LINUX COMPUTER – Equipped with a crisp 5-inch HD IPS display, ultra-portable backlit QWERTY keyboard, dual speakers, modular aluminum enclosure, and rechargeable battery module for an excellent mobile Linux experience.
- PERFECT FOR DEVELOPERS & MAKERS – Great for Linux enthusiasts, programmers, penetration testers, network engineers, embedded development, IoT projects, retro computing, SDR applications, and portable terminal use.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED – Includes Rev.5 mainboard, CM4 adapter, WiFi antenna, WiFi + 4G LTE module, 5-inch IPS display, backlit keyboard, battery module, dual speakers, enclosure, brackets, and assembly tools. 18650 batteries are not included. The Non-Core Kit does not include the Raspberry Pi CM4 or the 32GB microSD card.
Rank #4
- Not including the Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB), the Crowpi advanced version comes with the Raspberry Pi 5
- ELECROW Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5, CrowPi is equipped with a 9-inch HD touchscreen along with a camera; All the regular components used in DIY electronics are packed into the CrowPi development board, such as LCD, LED matrix, buzzer, light sensor, PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, IR sensor, etc
- Raspberry Pi Sensors: The Crowpi raspberry pi 5 programming kit is jam-packed with lots of buttons such as 19 different sensors in a tidy easy to use package; You don't have to wait and wire things
- Build Quality: Solid ABS shell and well made components in one place make it strong and convenient to travel
- Programming Lessons: This raspberry pi 5 learning kit ships with step by step instructions and provides 21 lessons to take you through identifying components reading code and running it in the terminal
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