A Pi Pico Makes A Spectrum Laptop
Originally published on hackaday.com by Jenny List on 23 December 2024
Retrocomputing enthusiasts are in for a treat with Stormbytes1970’s latest creation: a Sinclair ZX Spectrum (Google Translate Link) mini laptop powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico. Emulating the beloved 8-bit machine from the 1980s, this project pays homage to its origins while offering modern upgrades that make it both practical and portable. This mini laptop is a far cry from the Spectrum’s famously rubbery keys, delivering a sleeker and more user-friendly experience.
At the heart of the project is the Raspberry Pi Pico, alongside essential components like power supply circuitry, an SD card slot, and a speaker. The underside of the PCB is where things get particularly exciting—a proper keyboard replaces the Spectrum’s iconic but often frustrating rubber keys. While the exact type of switches isn’t specified, they appear to be a substantial improvement, adding a satisfying tactile feel to the retro computing experience.
Custom 3D-Printed Housing
The entire device is housed in a custom 3D-printed enclosure that mimics the aesthetic of a compact netbook. With its combination of nostalgic charm and functional design, the mini laptop is ideal for retro gaming or revisiting the ZX Spectrum’s BASIC programming language. Though it’s not suited for editing modern web content, its portable design makes it a standout among retrocomputer projects.
For those wanting the Spectrum experience without the physical build, there are also software-based options that bring the BASIC language to your PC. However, few can rival the charm of Stormbytes1970’s hardware homage, which elevates retro emulation to new heights.
Read more: A Pi Pico Makes A Spectrum Laptop
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