Waveshare PocketTerm35 is a portable handheld terminal for the Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 single board computers featuring a 3.5-inch touchscreen display and a built-in QWERTY keyboard.
The device also features Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0/2.0 ports from the Raspberry Pi SBC, gaming buttons, a built-in stereo speaker, a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB Type-C port for power, and an optional 5,000 mAh battery.
PocketTerm35 specifications:
- Compatible SBC – Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and Raspberry Pi 5
- MCU – Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU for keyboard, brightness, and volume
- Storage – Optional 64GB microSD card with OS
- Display – 3.5-inch 640 × 480 IPS display with 5-point capacitive touch; toughened glass panel, 6H hardness
- Audio
- Built-in 8Ω 2W stereo speaker
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Networking – Gigabit Ethernet ports (on Pi 4/5)
- USB – 2x USB 3.0 ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports (on Pi 4/5)
- User Input
- 67 keys QWERTY silicone keyboard
- D-Pad
- X, Y, A, B, L, R, Start, and Select buttons
- Misc
- Power button – Short press to turn on, double-press to turn off
- Reset and BOOT buttons
- Battery level LEDs
- Power
- USB-C charging port
- 2-pin battery header for optional 5,000 mAh Lithium battery
- UPS power management supports simultaneous charging and operation
- Dimensions – 168.5 x 93.5 x 37 mm (thickness: 21.6 to 37 mm)
- Case material
- CNC-machined aluminum front cover
- PC + ABS plastic back cover
The PocketTerm35 is designed to run Raspberry Pi OS, and you’ll find an assembly guide for the kits without Raspberry Pi SBC, software configuration instructions (changes to config.txt and DTBO update), and basic hardware details on the documentation website. They’ll also soon release a image with the changes, but it’s not available for download just yet.
config.txt changes:
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1 2 3 4 |
dtparam=i2c_arm=on dtoverlay=waveshare-35dpi-4b dtoverlay=waveshare-35dpi-5b dtoverlay=dwc2,dr_mode=host |
I was about to say the PocketTerm35 reminds me of the Pilet portable computer, just with a smaller 3.5-inch display, but the massively delayed project has just announced a switch from Raspberry Pi 5 to Raspberry Pi CM5, to the anger of backers. Other Raspberry Pi 5 handheld computers, like the PiBoy DMGx, have quite a different design.
It looks especially well-suited for (retro) gaming with the choice of buttons, but can also be used as a terminal device and a portable HMI controller, although the small 3.5-inch display might not be suitable for everybody.
The PocketTerm35 is sold as a kit or a complete system in four configurations:
- PocketTerm35-Pi4 – With Raspberry Pi 4B 2GB, 64GB microSD card with Raspberry Pi OS, and a 5,000mAh Lithium battery
- PocketTerm35-Pi5 – With Raspberry Pi 5 1GB, 64GB microSD card with Raspberry Pi OS, and a 5,000mAh Lithium battery
- PocketTerm35-RPI-ACCE – Without Raspberry Pi board and microSD card, but the 5,000mAh lithium battery is included
- PocketTerm35-RPI-ACCE-EN – Minimal system without Pi, microSD card, or battery
You’ll find the Raspberry Pi 4/5 handheld for $87.99 to $179.99 on the Waveshare store. It used to be on AliExpress a few days ago, but it’s now out of stock, and might soon show up on the company’s Amazon store.
Thanks to Thomas for the tip.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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