The ecosystem of Raspberry Pi-based portable devices It continues to grow, and one of the devices that is generating the most buzz among enthusiasts and makers in Europe is the new PocketTerm35 with Raspberry Pi 5. It is a small "terminal" type computer designed to bring the Pi experience anywhere, without depending on an external screen, keyboard or power supply.
This model, named as PocketTerm35-Pi5It focuses on integrating a complete Raspberry Pi 5 into a compact case with a built-in screen and keyboard. While not a mass-market product, it is appealing to those who work with embedded systems, network administration, lab testing, or simply want to experiment with Linux in an ultra-portable format.
What exactly is the PocketTerm35-Pi5?
The PocketTerm35-Pi5 is a portable device that integrates a standard Raspberry Pi 5It's not a Compute Module, but rather a mini-laptop with a 3,5-inch screen and its own keyboard. It's marketed by Waveshare, a well-known company in Europe for its screens, HATs and development board accessories.
In this specific variant, the following is used: Raspberry Pi 5 with 1 GB of RAMIt's not the most powerful configuration in the range, but it's sufficient for terminal tasks, remote administration, small servers, lightweight software testing, or IoT device management. It also includes a standard... pre-installed 64GB memory cardThis makes it easy to start working without having to prepare the storage from scratch.
Unlike other projects, such as Turn Raspberry Pi into a dumb terminal, which are based on the Compute Module format, the PocketTerm35-Pi5 hosts the Raspberry Pi 5 board in its standard versionwith all its usual ports accessible from the device itself. This decision affects the physical design, but in return reduces complexity for the user and maintains compatibility with many existing accessories.
Physical design and available connectivity
The chassis of the PocketTerm35-Pi5 is designed to be as compact as possible, but without sacrificing standard ports of the Raspberry Pi 5. This is reflected in a protrusion on the back of the screen where the board is housed.
In that rear area, the thickness of the equipment It increases from approximately 0,8 to 1,5 inchescreating a sort of hump that houses the single-board computer. Visually, it might seem surprising, but it has a clear purpose: to retain ports like USB and Ethernet without resorting to additional adapters or docks.
By retaining the original connectors, the PocketTerm35-Pi5 offers multiple USB ports and Ethernet connectionThis opens the door to using conventional peripherals (mice, USB drives, adapters, etc.) and connecting it seamlessly to wired networks. This is particularly useful in laboratory environments, technical classrooms, or facilities where physical network access remains essential.
For the external video portion, the device uses the HDMI output of the Raspberry Pi 5This allows you to use a larger screen when working at a desk or giving a presentation. For audio, it includes a 3,5 mm headphone jack, facilitating both multimedia use and sound monitoring for specific projects.
3,5-inch touchscreen and user experience
The front of the PocketTerm35-Pi5 is dominated by a 3,5 inch touch screenIt offers a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels. It's not a panel designed for high-definition multimedia, but it fits its intended use as a portable terminal, for viewing logs, system administration, or running lightweight applications.
This VGA resolution provides sufficient sharpness for text interfaces and lightweight desktopsThis is common in Linux environments where functionality is prioritized over visual appeal. For those needing more workspace or a more comfortable interface, there's always the option of connecting an external monitor via HDMI.
The fact that it's a touchscreen adds an extra layer of control, especially useful when the user He doesn't have a mouse handy.In combination with the integrated keyboard, it allows you to navigate menus, launch applications, or adjust settings without relying on external peripherals, which is very practical when you are in the field or on the move.
Integrated keyboard and gaming capabilities
One of the most distinctive elements of the PocketTerm35-Pi5 is its integrated six-row keyboardThis device stands apart from other compact devices where numbers are entered via secondary functions. In this case, the numeric keys have their own dedicated row, which speeds up the entry of data, passwords, or long commands.
In addition to that separate numeric keypad, the keyboard includes arrow keys and action buttonsThis opens the door to more versatile use, both for terminal navigation and for small games or emulators. The layout is designed to be familiar to users accustomed to laptop keyboards, despite the size difference.
The material used is a silicone keyboardThis has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it helps protect against dust and small splashes, and reduces typing noise. On the other hand, the keystroke feel is likely not as precise or crisp as that of a conventional mechanical or membrane keyboard, something to consider for those who type for many hours at a time.
In terms of play, the manufacturer suggests that the PocketTerm35 It can also be used for playing games, taking advantage of both the action keys and the flexibility of Raspberry Pi 5 with emulators and retro titlesHowever, those seeking a more sophisticated gaming experience will likely prefer to connect external controllers via USB or Bluetooth.
Integrated battery and mobile use
To enable its use without relying on a power outlet, the PocketTerm35-Pi5 includes a 5.000 mAh internal batteryThis capacity is in line with many compact power banks and should allow for reasonable work sessions on light tasks, although actual battery life will depend on usage, screen brightness, and connected peripherals.
Thanks to this battery, the device is positioned as a field tool for technicians, administrators and hobbyists that need to access equipment, servers, or embedded devices on the go. It's possible, for example, to take it to industrial facilities, classrooms, trade shows, or laboratories without having to constantly look for a place to plug it in.
In environments like Spain and other European countries, where the use of Raspberry Pi is common in education, makerspaces and small technology companies, a format of this type It can fit as a portable support terminalIt is not intended to replace a conventional laptop, but it does offer a lighter and more specialized option for specific tasks.
Comparison with the PocketTerm35-Pi4 version
Within the same family, Waveshare also markets a Raspberry Pi 4 based version, known as PocketTerm35-Pi4. In this model, the integrated board is a Raspberry Pi 4 with 2 GB of RAM, compared to the 1 GB of RAM in the Raspberry Pi 5 variant.
This difference in memory means that, on paper, The version with Pi 4 offers more flexibility in multitasking.The Pi 5 variant leverages the improved performance of the new generation of the board. The choice between the two models will depend on the user's priorities and the type of applications they intend to run.
In both cases, the same design approach is followed: resorting to the standard version of the board, with its usual portsInstead of using a Compute Module, this keeps the user experience very similar to that of a conventional Raspberry Pi, which can ease the transition for those already accustomed to working with these boards.
Price and target audience
Waveshare has listed the PocketTerm35-Pi5 priced at $149Although the final cost in Europe may vary due to taxes, shipping costs, or local distribution, it gives a clear idea that this is not a cheap toy, but rather equipment geared towards users who know what they are looking for.
This price range places the device in an intermediate position: more expensive than assembling a Raspberry Pi with individual accessoriesBut it's cheaper than many specialized mini-laptops or industrial equipment. It will typically be purchased by electronics enthusiasts, developers, technical educators, or professionals who need a compact terminal for diagnostics and testing.
In markets like Spain, where there is a fairly active maker community, the PocketTerm35-Pi5 may be attractive to those who They value portability and the integrated formatEven though there are alternatives based on 3D-printed casings or DIY solutions, the difference here lies in having a finished product, with a complete design intended to work right out of the box.
Overall, the PocketTerm35-Pi5 positions itself as an interesting option within the Raspberry Pi ecosystem: a small portable terminal that combines a touchscreen, keyboard, battery, and standard ports in a single device. Without intending to compete head-to-head with a conventional laptop, it offers the community a ready-to-use tool that can fit very well in educational, technical and experimental environments, especially for those who already rely on Raspberry Pi in their daily work.
