Pseudonymous maker “NuMellow” has put together a unique portable computer that includes a space for a small sketchpad, along with a keyboard and touchpad input.
“I have loved the idea of a portable but full fledged computer for the longest time, and even though smartphones and apps may be may be more refined for the on-the-go experience I still think it’s good to explore other mediums,” NuMellow explains of the project’s origin. “For instance, this device gives me a better coding experience than if I were coding on my phone, one because of the physical keys (and no auto correct) but also because I can run desktop programs and have unrestricted access to storage.”
The KeyMO offers keyboard, touchpad, and touchscreen interfaces — and room for an analog sketchbook, too. (📷: NuMellow)
The device itself, dubbed KeyMO after Adventure Time’s BMO, is a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B single-board computer with a PiSugar 2 uninterruptible power supply for on-the-go use. There’s an off-the-shelf keyboard and touchpad as the main user input, plus a four-inch color touchscreen as the primary display. Everything is housed in a 3D-printed case — but that square display leaves a chunk of space free from electronics.
That space is home to a pad of sticky notes, which combined with the 3D-printed pencil holder provide a pleasingly analog distraction from the digital features on offer. “As far as user interfaces go,” NuMellow explains, “this gave me a little bit of everything: A touchscreen, a keyboard as well as the good old pen and paper, complete with a pen mount as some modern tablets have.”
The portable gadget’s name was inspired by the character of BMO from Adventure Time (right). (📷: NuMellow)
“While I haven’t had the chance to travel yet and visit family, I have taken it with me to work, coffee shops, as well as using it while lazying at home,” the maker concludes. “As far as its original use case, it definitely trims a lot of weight from my bag and makes it easier to move around. I’ve also found it’s been pretty nice to lie down on the couch and able to code a small script or two.”
The full write-up, complete with 3D-printable STL files, is available on Instructables.
