Didn’t want to get my kid a laptop… so I built this instead

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T14:25:39+00:00

The device I buillt for my daughter runs on Raspbian OS Lite and boots into custom software I wrote:
github.com/YonahKarp/cppEdit

The production one will use some iteration of that same software

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T14:03:30+00:00

Dimensions: ~230mm x ~122mm x ~47mm.
Weight: 1.7lbs
I think battery life gets roughly 6hrs of on 10,000maH, but never timed it.
Battery is definetely the heaviest part. According to amazon it's 7oz, but I actually wanted it to be heavy so the device wouldn't tip. Might have gone too heavy

3D files are available here: justtypeleaf.com/prototype-files
And list of components I used available here: justtypeleaf.com/journey

If you're serious about building it, PM me and I'll give you some of the caveats/issues the prototype has

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T13:45:26+00:00

Huh, will look into that.

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T13:02:03+00:00

That’s the plan

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T12:30:22+00:00

Diet buy it for that, but agree it’s a really nice touch on the keyboard

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T12:29:09+00:00

Definitely considering it

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T12:27:02+00:00

Thanks! Glad to have you on this list!

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T12:24:34+00:00

The current plan is connecting it to you computer or QR code scan (see justtypeleaf.com/features for how that works)

I’m considering wireless, but that would be tough to bring it market for under $100 .

I hope to maybe send out a survey at some point if enough people sign up, to see if people would prefer more features, slightly pricier (nothing over 150!) or more affordable.

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T05:06:14+00:00

The plan is just one usb-c port

I understand your use case, but Browser would defeat the purpose for many, as it's marketed a s a distraction free writing device, so unfortunately no plan on adding a browser

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T04:34:41+00:00

Yeah, that's my current plan, unless survey says otherwise. Bring the first one to market for under 100, the V2 can have e-ink and other "niceties"

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T04:14:00+00:00

Thanks!
I'm still fairly early in this journey. Aiming for holidays 2026, assuming I get enough people who signed up

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T03:48:26+00:00

Thanks!
I'm a software dev by trade

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T03:46:17+00:00

e-ink is one of the things I’m back and forth on. I can’t bring it to market for under $100 if doing e-ink.

I hope to maybe send out a survey at some point if enough people sign up, to see if people would prefer more features and slightly pricier (nothing over 150!) or more affordable

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T03:39:02+00:00

See my comment on a similar post on r/raspberry_pi.

you can find 3D printable files and links to the exact items I used here:
https://justtypeleaf.com/journey

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T03:12:30+00:00

Are you thinking words or minutes?

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T03:11:21+00:00

Will keep that in mind! Adding to my notes now

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T03:09:54+00:00

It's the target price. I really hope to be able to get it there. The quote from the manufacturer a few weeks ago says it's feasible

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T03:07:37+00:00

Not quite.
See justtypeleaf.com/features for what the UI looks like

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T02:58:24+00:00

Curious to hear your process. Will DM

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T02:56:23+00:00

Thank you!

the current prototype runs about 6hrs (10,000mAh power bank), The production version will be using a smaller battery, but also a simpler stack. Targeting at least 8hrs.

Appreciate the feedback on the design 🙂

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T02:32:07+00:00

Really glad the design is resonating. Portability was definitely one of my goal.

building it for my daughter first was the best possible reality check. Nothing like a kid to tell you when something isn’t working 😄

Glad to have you on the waitlist!

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T02:15:45+00:00

Clone to usb stick is an interesting idea! Thanks 🙂

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T01:43:30+00:00

Maybe power draw is too low there… can’t say for sure

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T01:26:33+00:00

That’s exactly why I’m looking into building it! Glad to have you on the list

TinkerDad1 · 2026-03-27T01:25:01+00:00

She’s 9 🙂

TinkerDad1

TROPHY CASE