Pilet - A Modular, Open-Source, Portable Mini Computer

 Recently, I came across an exciting new product that’s generating a lot of buzz in the tech and open-source communities. It’s called Pilet, a portable mini computer that combines retro charm with modern performance, powered by the latest Raspberry Pi 5. What makes this product stand out is its open-source nature, modular design, and the freedom it gives to users who want to tinker, customize, and explore.

Pilet is an intriguing project launched on Kickstarter, and I thought it would be worth sharing the details with all of you. Whether you’re a developer, maker, or just someone interested in open-source hardware, Pilet offers a unique blend of flexibility, performance, and fun.

Pilet is a retro-futuristic, open-source mini-computer that’s fully customizable in both hardware and software. It’s powered by the Raspberry Pi 5, a powerful single-board computer that brings substantial performance upgrades. Pilet is designed with tinkerers, creatives, and learners in mind, giving them the freedom to modify and enhance the device in any way they like.

One of the most notable features of Pilet is its modular design, which allows you to create and customize your own add-ons, whether they’re for sensors, cameras, or even gaming peripherals. If you’re into DIY projects, this could be an excellent platform for experimentation and innovation.

Pilet also boasts a 7-hour battery life, making it highly portable and ready for use on the go—no need to stay tethered to a desk or power outlet.

Key Features of Pilet

• Powered by Raspberry Pi 5: The Pilet uses the latest Raspberry Pi 5, providing a significant performance boost over previous models, with PCIe and NVMe support for fast data storage.
• Long Battery Life: With a 7-hour battery life, you can take your Raspberry Pi projects anywhere. Whether you're working on a project at home or using it on the go, Pilet’s portability is a standout feature.
• Open-Source Hardware and Software: Pilet runs on open-source hardware and software, which means it gives users full control over customization. The project’s creators plan to release the schematics, PCB files, CAD files, and source code after launch, allowing for endless modification possibilities.
• Modular Design: The device’s modularity is one of its key selling points. Pilet lets you add new modules for things like LTE connectivity or NVMe storage, and even build your own custom add-ons. The idea is to create a flexible platform that adapts to your needs.
• Simple, Practical Design: The creators of Pilet followed the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid), which means the device avoids unnecessary complexity. It's designed to be easy to use, easy to modify, and fun to experiment with.

Variants of Pilet: Pilet 5 and Pilet 7

Pilet comes in two variants, each suited to different needs:

• Pilet 5: The compact variant with a 5-inch touchscreen and a thumb-typing-friendly keyboard (still in development). It also includes a trackball, scroll wheel, game buttons, and a navigational switch for an intuitive experience. This version is ideal for those who prefer portability and a more console-like experience.

• Pilet 7: The larger tablet variant features a 7-inch touchscreen, making it perfect for those who need a larger display for work or entertainment. It runs on KDE Plasma and offers full Linux functionality, which provides users with a more flexible computing environment compared to Android or iOS. The Pilet 7 also supports modular add-ons, such as a detachable keyboard/gamepad.

Additional Features

• Battery Management Module: Pilet uses a specialized battery management system designed to handle demanding power needs, ensuring stable power delivery even under heavy load. The battery module is capable of charging via standard 5V USB-C sources, including laptops, power banks, and more.
• Open-Source Design: As mentioned earlier, Pilet’s entire design is open-source. The creators will release the schematics, PCB files, and CAD files to the public once the first units are shipped, so users can further tweak and improve the hardware.
• DIY Kit: For those interested in hands-on projects, Pilet is available as an easy-to-assemble kit, perfect for STEM education or just a fun DIY project. No soldering is required, and detailed instructions are provided to guide you through the assembly process.

Technical Specifications

Here are the technical specifications of both variants of Pilet:

Pilet 5 Specifications:

• Supported SBC: Raspberry Pi 5 (all variants supported)
• Power Source: 3.7V Lithium Polymer Batteries, 5V USB-C
• Screen: 5-inch IPS Capacitive Touchscreen (1280x800 resolution)
• I/O Ports: 2x MicroHDMI, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Programmable GPIO
• Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, LAN
• Storage: SD Card, NVMe SSD (via module)
• Audio: Dual Stereo Speakers, Built-in Microphone, 3.5mm Audio Jack, Bluetooth
• Battery Life: 7 hours (with optional 8000mAh battery pack)
• Dimensions: 175mm x 125mm x 28mm

Pilet 7 Specifications:

• Supported SBC: Raspberry Pi 5 (all variants supported)
• Power Source: 3.7V Lithium Polymer Batteries, 5V USB-C
• Screen: 7-inch IPS Capacitive Touchscreen (1280x800 resolution)
• I/O Ports: 2x MicroHDMI, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Programmable GPIO
• Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, LAN, LTE (via module)
• Storage: SD Card, NVMe SSD (via module)
• Audio: Dual Stereo Speakers, Built-in Microphone, 3.5mm Audio Jack, Bluetooth
• Battery Life: 7 hours (with optional 8000mAh battery pack)
• Dimensions: 200mm x 130mm x 30mm (approx.)

Availability and Pricing

The Pilet mini-computers are currently available through the ongoing Kickstarter campaign. While prices may fluctuate, here’s a quick breakdown:

• Pilet 5 Mini Computer Kit – CA$ 309 (~$199 USD)
• Pilet 7 Mini Computer Kit – CA$ 289 (~$199 USD)
• 2x Pilet 5 Mini Computer Kit – CA$ 618 (~$398 USD)
• 2x Pilet 7 Mini Computer Kit – CA$ 578 (~$398 USD)
• Pilet 5 + Pilet 7 Bundle – CA$ 598 (~$399 USD)

Backers will also receive a free NVMe module with their Pilet unit as part of the campaign, adding more value to the purchase.

Pilet is an exciting project for anyone interested in open-source hardware and modular computing. Its flexibility, portability, and customizable features make it a fantastic choice for makers, educators, and tech enthusiasts. With its open design, it’s clear that Pilet is aimed at users who want to push the boundaries of what a mini-computer can do.

If you're interested, you can check out the details of the project on Kickstarter and explore how this unique mini-computer can fit into your next project.