CardputerZero, Pocket Raspberry Pi Computer for Makers
- May 29
- 3 min read
Powered by CM0 | All-in-One Design | Standard Linux I/O | Grove & Advanced I/O Ports | 100+ Extra M5 Modules | Credit Card Size
If you have ever wanted to carry a full Linux machine in your pocket without lugging around a laptop, M5Stack is bringing the ultimate hacker toolkit to Kickstarter. The CardputerZero takes the beloved form factor of their original microcontrollers and upgrades it into a fully fledged, Raspberry Pi powered portable computer. Whether you are running command line scripts, managing servers via SSH, or experimenting with edge artificial intelligence, this device puts a complete development lab right into the palm of your hand.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Name and Creator. CardputerZero Pocket Raspberry Pi Computer for Makers by M5Stack.
What It Is. The CardputerZero is an ultra compact handheld Linux computer. Powered by the Raspberry Pi Compute Module Zero, it transitions the popular Cardputer series from a basic microcontroller into a powerful, portable platform for coding, cybersecurity testing, and multimedia experimentation.
KEY FEATURES
Raspberry Pi Power. The device is built around a quad core Cortex-A53 processor with 512MB of RAM, allowing it to run a full Linux operating system, execute Python scripts, and handle complex command line tools directly on the device.
Compact Input and Display. It features a 1.9 inch color LCD display paired with the signature 46 key tactile keyboard, making it easy to type commands and navigate menus on the go.
Comprehensive Connectivity. The system supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired Fast Ethernet. It also includes switchable USB Type-C and Type-A ports to connect external peripherals.
Hardware Expansion. Designed for makers, it provides access to essential embedded inputs and outputs including GPIO, I2C, SPI, and UART, along with Grove ports for connecting over 100 different M5Stack sensor modules.
Integrated Multimedia. The standard model comes equipped with an 8 megapixel camera, a built-in microphone, a cavity speaker, and a 3.5mm audio jack for multimedia projects and retro gaming.
Edge Artificial Intelligence. It has enough processing power to run lightweight edge AI tools, allowing you to carry a portable AI assistant for automation and testing without relying on a cloud connection.
REWARDS
Kickstarter Pricing. Backers can secure the device at highly discounted Super Early Bird rates compared to the planned retail prices.
Options. The campaign offers two distinct versions. You can choose the fully loaded CardputerZero which includes the camera, an internal measurement unit, and a 32GB microSD card, or you can opt for the more affordable CardputerZero Lite which omits those specific hardware features.
Delivery. The campaign is currently live and finalizing funding, with production and global fulfillment to backers expected to follow shortly after.
CONCEPT
The core concept is a portable Linux lab. M5Stack believes that developers, cybersecurity enthusiasts, and hardware hackers should not be tied to a desktop for field diagnostics or prototyping. By squeezing the capabilities of a Raspberry Pi into a battery powered, handheld shell, they aim to provide a true all in one toolkit that fits in your pocket and is always ready to execute code.
INSPIRATION
The project builds upon the massive success of the original ESP32 based Cardputer released in 2023. While the original device was highly popular, the M5Stack community frequently requested a version capable of running a real operating system. Inspired by the release of the cost effective Raspberry Pi Compute Module Zero, the engineering team realized they could finally merge the beloved keyboard and screen form factor with the immense software library of Linux, creating the ultimate portable device for the maker community.
