HackberryPi CM5 Handheld Linux Computer – Barebones or CM5 Bundle

What is it?

The HackberryPi CM5 is a compact handheld Linux computer platform built around the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. A 4-inch 720 × 720 multi-touch TFT display, physical keyboard, and integrated pointing controls bring a small cyberdeck experience to development, terminal work, and everyday tinkering.

Choose Barebones – No CM5 to supply your own compatible Compute Module 5, or With CM5 Module to include the computing module. The CM5 bundle adds $199 to the $199 barebones platform, for a total of $398. The included module's RAM, eMMC storage, and wireless configuration are not specified.

Why choose it?

Open a terminal, work on a script, or explore a Linux project without unfolding a full-size laptop. The tactile keyboard and square touchscreen give the HackberryPi its distinctive pocket-workstation character, while full-size HDMI and USB connections make it easy to extend your setup at a desk.

The CM5 project combines a modular computing core with storage and sensor expansion. Its documented keyboard system supports VIAL key remapping, letting you tailor shortcuts to your workflow. Application support and performance depend on the selected CM5, operating system, and software configuration.

What makes it special?

• CM5-specific platform: Designed for Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, not a standard Raspberry Pi 5 board.
• 4-inch multi-touch display: A 720 × 720 TFT screen for a compact graphical workspace.
• Physical keyboard and pointing controls: The project supports BlackBerry Q10, Q20, and 9900 keyboard designs; the exact keyboard fitted to this offering is not specified.
• Custom key mapping: VIAL-configurable keyboard layouts and shortcuts.
• USB and display connectivity: Two USB 3.0 ports and one full-size HDMI port.
• M.2 2242 expansion: A slot for a compatible NVMe SSD; an SSD is not specified as included.
• Sensor expansion: An onboard Stemma I2C port for suitable external sensors.
• Dual speakers: The project documents a Bluetooth-connected speaker system.
• Hybrid enclosure: Aluminium front and back plates with a 3D-printed middle section.
• Compact dimensions: Approximately 143.5 × 91.8 × 17.6mm, as documented by the CM5 project.

Battery and shipping note: The CM5 project uses a 5000mAh LiPo battery design, unlike the separate Raspberry Pi 5 version's 18650 arrangement. This offering ships without batteries, including the main battery and RTC cell. Source compatible batteries separately; no runtime is promised for an unspecified replacement battery.

Configuration note: The barebones version does not include a CM5. Installed operating system, storage media, keyboard version, and other accessories are not specified. Project specifications describe the CM5 design and should not be taken as confirmation of an unspecified module capacity or accessory bundle.

Project documentation: HackberryPi CM5 project.