The Raspberry Pi Zero W is making life much simpler for users thanks to its built-in wireless connectivity. Not only does it reduce the need for external accessories, but it also allows for simpler designs. That's how we arrive at the Zero Terminal, a project that transforms the Pi Zero W into a portable computer, with its own internal battery, HDMI output, and a slide-out keyboard designed for the iPhone 5.
From mini computer to portable terminal
With the debut of the Raspberry Pi Zero W in the market, hardware enthusiasts said goodbye to USB hubs for connecting WiFi adapters and external Bluetooth modules. Now, all of that is on the PCB, and the best part is that its power consumption did not skyrocket (approximately 170 mA during 1080p playback). With that in mind, it was only a matter of time before someone took the new mini computer and turned it into a portable solution. That work comes to us once again thanks to NODE's efforts, which introduced its Zero Terminal, the third version of its Linux ultraportable concept.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/YWlZ3B_hq_gDesign and components of the Zero Terminal
One of the main goals of the Zero Terminal was to improve its aesthetics compared to previous models, and among the most important pieces we find a slide-out keyboard compatible with the iPhone 5. That smartphone will turn five years old in September, but the availability of similar accessories is still wide. A special 3D-printed case (divided into frame and cover that are glued onto the keyboard) has enough space for the 3.5-inch screen (480 by 320), a 1,500 mAh battery (could be larger with some adjustments), and a charging circuit. NODE uses components from Adafruit, but it is by no means mandatory.
The slide-out keyboard is an elegant and cheaper solution than it seems, although it was necessary to remap a key to mimic 'CTRL'. The HDMI output and the extended USB port help a lot when connecting an external monitor and a mouse or a full-size keyboard. The 3D files for the case will take a bit, but they are on the way.
