Modular PC is a retro-futuristic, open-source mini-computer powered by the Raspberry Pi 5. With 7-hour battery life and fully modifiable hardware and software, it's built for tinkerers, creatives, learners, and coders who want total freedom. Escape the limitations of closed devices and locked-down systems and bring the fun back into computing.

UPDATE: The project got fully funded within 5 minutes! Can’t believe the support—thank you so much! Due to the huge demand, we’re extending the free NVMe module gift for now.

Note: Early backers will receive a free NVMe module.  Don’t miss out—secure yours now.

Key Features

• Raspberry Pi 5: Modular PC is powered by the latest Raspberry Pi 5, bringing performance boost alongside advanced features like PCIe and NVMe support.
• Long battery-life: With a seven-hour battery life, you're free to take your Raspberry Pi projects anywhere, no longer bound to the desk.
• Open Source: Unlike modern iOS/Android tablets and computers that are closed and offer no room for hardware customization, Modular PC runs on open-source hardware and software, giving you full control. After launch, we’ll release full schematics, PCB files, CAD files, and source code—giving you the freedom to tweak and modify both the hardware and software.
• Simple, Practical Design: We've embraced the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle to minimize unnecessary complexity. No extra drivers or hardware hassles—just straightforward, 3D-printable, and fully customizable components.
• Modularity: Modular PC modular design encourages creativity. You can design and build your own modules, whether it's for cameras, sensors, or actuators. We’re also working on modules like LTE and NVMe.

Variants 

Modular PC is available in two variants: Modular PC 5 and Modular PC 7. Both share similar internal components, with the main differences being the screen size and overall form factor.

Modular PC 5

Modular PC 5 is the compact console variant, combining retro charm with modern functionality. It features a 5-inch touchscreen, versatile input devices, and a thumb-typing-friendly keyboard (layout still in development). Powered by open-source QMK firmware, the keyboard is fully customizable, making Modular PC a hackable handheld perfect for on-the-go or in-bed computing.

Modular PC 5  features a trackball for precise cursor control, complemented by a IPS touch screen for versatile interaction with the OS interface. Together, they create a seamless and intuitive experience, making interactions with the device more enjoyable and natural:

In addition to the trackball and keyboard, Modular PC 5 includes several other input devices:

• Scroll Wheel: Effortlessly scroll through webpages, app, and games
• Navigational Switch: Functions as arrow keys and doubles as a basic joystick/D-pad for gaming.
• Game Buttons: A, B, X, Y buttons for gaming. 

We already have two modules in development for Modular PC 5: the NVMe module, which is nearly complete, and the LTE module, which is currently in progress.

Modular PC 7

Modular PC 7 is the larger tablet variant, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen for more screen real estate while staying portable. It shares the same internals as Modular PC 5 and runs KDE Plasma by default, delivering a robust touch experience on a full-fledged Linux distribution—offering true flexibility compared to the limitations of Android and iOS.

The base model of Modular PC 7 is almost ready. We’re currently exploring the inclusion of an additional feature for Modular PC 7: Detachable Modules. While it’s not finalized yet, it’s an exciting addition we’re working hard to make a reality. We’ll keep you updated as development progresses. 

The modular design enables the addition of various components, such as a keyboard, gamepad, or deck. Our aim is to make the modular mechanism fully 3D printable, allowing users to create and customize their own modules to seamlessly attach to the Modular PC 7.

With proper funding, we aim to finalize the modular mechanism of Modular PC 7, bringing this exciting feature to life.

Battery Management Module

Powering the Raspberry Modular PC 5 with batteries isn’t always straightforward, especially with heavy workloads or when using power-hungry peripherals. After six months of careful design, we’ve developed a reliable battery module featuring Texas Instruments’ TPS61088. This module ensures stable power delivery, meeting and exceeding the Raspberry Modular PC’s 5A requirement to keep your setup running smoothly without any undervoltage issues, regardless of the load.

The battery module features efficient charging with built-in reverse polarity and overcurrent protection for enhanced reliability. We’ve finalized the schematics and PCB design for the battery module. Huge thanks to PCBWay for generously sponsoring our prototyping, allowing us to create and test the module. It has undergone extensive testing to ensure reliable performance.

Typically, the Raspberry Modular PC 5 requires a power supply that can reliably deliver 5V and 5A. With Modular PC, however, you're not limited to using a Raspberry Pi-specific power supply. You can charge your Modular PC from any standard 5V USB source—whether it's your laptop, PC, car, airplane, or power bank—even if those sources can't provide 5A. The battery module automatically boosts current for more demanding applications.

Battery Options

The base kit doesn’t include batteries, but you can easily add them as an add-on when backing the project. Alternatively, you’re welcome to source your own. If you choose the DIY route, we’ll provide a detailed guide to help you source and crimp the batteries step-by-step.

The batteries in our battery add-on features dual rechargable 8000mAh lithium polymer batteries that provide 7-hours on-screen battery life. With power-saver mode enabled in Pilet OS, the battery life can stretch beyond seven hours. Pilet can also be used without batteries by connecting it directly to a USB power supply.

Open-Source Design

We’re dedicated to making all our hardware and software fully open source upon release. The hardware will be licensed under CERN-OHL-S, while the software will be released under GPL. Unlike many projects that only share simplified schematics, we’re taking it further by providing complete schematics alongside the original KiCad PCB design files. Additionally, CAD and STEP files for all components will also be made available.

What Will Be Open Source

The following components will be available under CERN-OHL-S license:

• Schematics: We will release complete schematics for all the electronics we’ve designed, not simplified or reduced versions that obscure the actual functionality of the hardware.

• PCB Files: Most projects only share Gerber files, but we’re going a step further by sharing the full source PCB files designed in KiCAD. This allows you to dive into the inner workings of the PCB and even make your own modifications and improvements.

• CAD/STEP Files: All CAD, STEP, and STL files for every component will be available for download. You can easily modify and improve them in your favorite CAD software and 3D print them in the colors of your choice.

• Software: We will release all our custom software, from low-level firmware for microcontrollers (included in battery module, keyboard, controllers) to high-level applications like the battery monitoring tool. All software will be open sourced under the GPL and other relevant licenses.