This looks so cool!

clockworkPi has released the PicoCalc, which is a Raspberry Pi enclosure kit that puts a Pico inside a calculator-like casing.  But unlike a TI-84 or similar, this is a full-featured system that allows you to write code, run Linux apps, write code in Python/Lisp/Golang, and more.

With a 320×320 4″ screen and a QWERTY keyboard, you can program on-board, or with a Pico WH you can load code/apps/etc. from elsewhere over wi-fi.

And of course, like a calculator, this is battery-powered with a Li-on 18650 battery.   I didn’t see info on battery life on the site, other than it being described as “ultra-long,” which it probably is.

With an onboard micro-SD, the possibilities here seem endless.  The original iPod (later renamed the iPod Classic) had only a 320×240 display, so this is certainly capable for watching videos.  And with Bluetooth and a headphone jack, you can enjoy audio as well.

So you’ve got a small battery-powered system with on-board programmability, Wi-fi and Bluetooth, easily 1TB of storage if you want it, audio out, and a cute little display.

It comes as a self-assembly kit.

Cost-wise, you’re looking at

• $75 for the kit.  Only a hex key is needed, which is included.
• About $9 for the Pico 2W
• About $16 for a pair of 18650 batteries with a charter

So total $100.

Or you could buy a TI-84+ for…$129!  LOL.

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raindog308

Dread Lord of LowEnd Content at LowEndBox

I'm raindog308, techno polymath and long-time LowEndTalk community Administrator. My technical interests include all things Unix, perl, python, golang, shell scripting, vintage operating systems such as MVS, and relational database systems such as Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.

I also enjoy using LEBs! I have an empire of little guys for VPNs, larger guys for apps, and big guys for databases and storage. When I'm not in front a screen I'm into German Shepherd dogs, quality knives, target shooting, theology, tabletop roleplaying games, and forest hiking.

I enjoy writing technical articles here on LowEndBox to help people get more out of their systems. You can find me on LowEndTalk @raindog308

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