Pilet handheld computer has a new name, runs on a Raspberry Pi 5 and comes with either a keyboard or gamepad

At this point, we have often reported on Raspberry Pi 5-based projects. The pilet is a new Raspberry Pi 5 based mobile system that has already been in the pipeline for some time. Initially known by the project name consolo, the system will be available through a crowdfunding campaign, though the exact release date for the handheld isn't known yet. Developer Soulscircuit says an engineering sample already exists, so the start of the crowdfunding campaign at the beginning of 2025 seems realistic. The developer is targeting a price around $250.

The mobile system will be offered in two different versions, namely the pilet 5 console and pilet 7 tablet. The pilet 5 console is a mobile system with a keyboard and 5-inch display. Above the keyboard are a joystick, rotary control, and some action keys. The pilet 7 is more modular. It comes with a suitable 7-inch display and a keyboard which can be removed or attached as the situation demands. Alongside the keyboard, there is a touchpad. Alternatively, a gamepad module can be attached in place of the keyboard, which will make for more comfortable gaming control.

Both models include NVMe-SSD (1TB currently $70 on Amazon) support, passive cooling, and can be mounted on a VESA bracket. The Raspberry Pi 5-powered pilet further supports the Hailo 8L module for AI acceleration. The advertised battery life is up to 7 hours from its pair of 8,000mAh batteries.