Two of the reasons why I donβt invite friends to my house let alone why I donβt have housemates because I value privacy over saving money for rent. I have computer wires, components, and my old CPUs are stored in my storage room hence I am not comfortable inviting guests for them to see whatβs up. π
Iβm constantly looking for innovating my computer gear and also, Iβm the type of person who has no patience if my Internet is slow hence I upgraded my Internet from standard Wi-Fi to Fiber, and I also use my own server.
If you have been reading my blog for some time now (thank you!) you know that I have done the briefcase PC version 1 and version 2. However, the struggles with these two are the size is so big and it is heavy. For sure, there is no way for me to bring it to the airport as security will hate me. Haha! Hence, Iβve thought to have a briefcase pc in a slim version using raspberry pi.
Whatβs the difference between the standard briefcase pc to the slim version with raspberry pi?
1) The briefcase is literally smaller in size and it’s light to carry.
2) I installed batteries pack therefore itβs portable.
3) The software is Linux.
4) It looks less intimidated than a big briefcase pc.
Materials I used:
- Cheap silver briefcase I bought from Aliexpress.
- Components are raspberry pi, display board, 2.1 audio, and display control card.
- Monitor: 15.6β size.
- There is no GPU because it is integrated with raspberry pi.
How To Build It:
After you purchase all the components, you need to make your meal-prep. To make a briefcase pc is time-consuming, especially when you connect the wires, install the software and code. You wouldnβt want to end up gaining weight just because you didnβt plan your meal. McDonaldβs should not be an option. π
Install the display control board to control the LCD. In your laptop, it is built into the main circuit board.
Connect the display control board with EDP cable.
Buy jumper cable on Aliexpress in case you need to connect sensors or fix your wires.
Connect the raspberry pi with USB cables, power, and HDMI.
You need screwdrivers, wires, and jumper cables to fix it in case one cable canβt work. Preparation is the key because if things screw up, at least you have your materials ready.
Tips: organize your cables and wires you wouldnβt want the underneath of your briefcase pc messy.
Installed the batteries to make it portable. Warning: you must have basic knowledge of physics as it can burn your house. To add batteries are not necessary as it can be complicated but since I like complicated thingsΒ I attempted to use batteries.
It works fine so far but I need to monitor and test how long it can last. I take note of the previous problem as leakage battery is most often caused by improper contact or by leaving them in unused devices.
I am measuring the time how long these batteries can last or if 4 pieces are sufficient.
I need to formulate: time*capacity of the batteries*electricity draw rate.
Tech Tips: donβt stall batteries, if physics subject is not your favorite. Keep batteries stored high and dry in a non-conductive box. Avoid storing them together with metal objects that could cause them to short-circuit. Know your batter type too. Alkaline, specialty and zinc-carbon batteries cannot be charged. Once theyβre empty, dispose of them at your nearest recycling bin.
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-Ion batteries can be recharged many times, fyi.
After you have successfully installed all the components, install Linux (recommended). Windows 10 is arguably not the best for a briefcase pc using raspberry pi. However, choose the device, components, and software that you have the confidence to use.
Optional Activities:
Donβt spend all your time building a computer or working online, it will burn you out. Have a good break, go out and meet your mates.
In my case, I always like to meet my girlfriends for drinks and if I am in a good mood, I make good meals at home and I invite my best friends to chill with me on the balcony. I don’t have many friends in Singapore as people come and go after they end their work contract. Also, when you’re an adult and busy you don’t have time to meet everyone. It’s quality of friendship vs quantity.
Why I am building briefcase pc:
Iβm not the type of woman who wants everything in life. I didnβt study hard at school to be a politician in my home country, I didnβt work hard to be on 50 rich lists in Forbes, I didnβt try to be βcuteβ on social media to be an influencer, and never in my life that I’ve ever looked for successful and hot dude to marry.
My dream is not complicated β all I want is to have sufficient knowledge that I need to build a fintech company, invest my hard-earned savings in trading or scalable companies, and then retire in the Caribbean, Spain, or Los Angeles. I want to have a simple home by the beach and if I will be blessed with a partner to ride with me on this journey, Iβll be happy but it is not the main goal.
Thank you for reading my blog.
What do you think?
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