Most of the time we see the Raspberry Pi out in the wild, it’s being used as a media server
or even as a simple gaming machine, but don’t forget it’s actually a fully-fledged computer. Atiny computer that’s just like your smartphone
, in fact, and with this in mind one innovativePi fan has actually turned Raspberry Pi into a working handset! Just don’t expect iPhone-beating build quality…
or even as a simple gaming machine, but don’t forget it’s actually a fully-fledged computer. Atiny computer that’s just like your smartphone, in fact, and with this in mind one innovativePi fan has actually turned Raspberry Pi into a working handset! Just don’t expect iPhone-beating build quality…
Somewhat remarkably, Dave Hunt’s PiPhone is even constructed entirely from bits available off the shelf, so if you wanted to have a go yourself there’s nothing stopping you. Granted, there are drawbacks to the home-made PiPhone, such as the fact it’s bulky enough to make 1990s feature phones look suave, and the lack of casing due to possible overheating issues, but there’s something that’s incredibly cool about a home-made mobile phone! Is there anything that Pi fans can’t manage?
! Is there anything that Pi fans can’t manage?
When it comes to actual parts, the PiPhone is based on a SIM900 GSM/GPRS module, so put those thoughts of 4G and blistering internet speeds out of your mind and get used to the idea of a phone you actually make calls on instead. As with any smartphone, you’ll be needing a display, and the PiPhone uses the Adafruit PiTFT touchscreen – a 2.8-inch 320×240 panel.
out of your mind and get used to the idea of a phone you actually make calls on instead. As with any smartphone, you’ll be needing a display, and the PiPhone uses the Adafruit PiTFT touchscreen – a 2.8-inch 320×240 panel.
Because it’s made up of parts that are available off the shelf, the PiPhone is also pretty cheap, costing a grand total of $158 (£93). Reasonably affordable it may be, but the fact you won’t be able to buy bits in bulk mean it’s still actually cheaper to go out and buy a proper smartphone.
it may be, but the fact you won’t be able to buy bits in bulk mean it’s still actually cheaper to go out and buy a proper smartphone.
Still, as Dave himself points out, where’s the fun in that? And that’s what this phone is all about – pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a Raspberry Pi, and having some fun in the process. Dave adds:
“It’s more of a proof of concept to see what could be done with a relatively small form factorwith off-the-shelf (cheap) components. I don’t expect everyone to be rushing out to build this one, but I had great fun in doing it,”
Check out the PiPhone in action!
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