CardputerZero – A Raspberry Pi CM0 pocket computer for makers (Crowdfunding)

CardputerZero is a pocket-sized computer based on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module Zero (CM0) and designed for makers with a 46-key matrix keyboard, a 1.9-inch LCD, HDMI video output, Fast Ethernet, three USB ports, a microphone and a speaker for voice interaction, a 14-pin GPIO header, a Grove interface, and an IR transceiver (Rx/Tx).

The credit card-sized device comes in two models: CardputerZero Lite and CardputerZero. The latter also adds an 8MP camera, a 6-axis IMU, and a 32GB microSD card preloaded with the software. Both models are powered by a rechargeable 1,500 mAh LiPo battery or directly via a USB-C port.

Cardputer Zero specifications:

• SoM – Raspberry Pi CM0 Lite
  • SoC – Broadcom BCM2710A1
    • CPU – Quad-core Cortex-A53 processor @ 1.0 GHz
    • GPU – VideoCore IV GPU supporting OpenGL ES 1.1, 2.0 graphics
    • VPU – H.264/MPEG-4 1080p30 video decoding, H.264 1080p30 video encoding
  • System Memory – 512MB LPDDR2 RAM
  • Storage – 0GB (Raspberry Pi CM0 Lite)
  • Wireless – 802.11 b/g/n WiFi 4, Bluetooth 4.2 LE with IPEX antenna connector
• Storage – MicroSD card slot
• Display – 1.9-inch LCD (ST7789v3) with 320×170 resolution
• Video output – HDMI port up to 1080p30
• Camera – 8MP Sony IMX219 (3280 × 2464) sensor (4-lane CSI interface)
• Audio
  • ES8389 audio codec
  • MEMS microphone
  • 1W speaker
  • 3.5 mm audio output jack
• Networking
  • 10/100Mbps Ethernet RJ45 port
  • 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.2 / BLE on Raspberry Pi CM0 Lite module
• USB
  • 2x USB Type-C host/device ports
  • 1x USB Type-A host/device port
• User Input – 46-key matrix keyboard
• Sensor – BMI270 IMU (gyroscope + accelerometer)
• Expansion
  • 4-pin I2C/UART grove connector
  • 14-pin 2.54mm pitch header with SPI, UART, I2C, USB, GPIO, 5V, GND
• Misc
  • Power switch
  • Boot button
  • RX8130CE RTC
  • Infrared transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx)
• Power Supply
  • 3.7 V / 1500 mAh Li-Po battery
  • BQ27220 fuel gauge
• Dimensions – 85 x 54 x ?? mm

M5Stack has yet to say which exact OS runs on the CardputerZero, but I’d assume a customized version of Raspberry Pi OS, since we’re promised a “Full Linux Lab in Your Pocket” to “connect to servers via SSH, run Python code, edit files with CLI tools like Git or Vim”. I can see two related repositories on GitHub. CardputerZero-AppBuilder repo features a utility to develop LVGL apps suitable for the 320×170 display directly on your Linux or macOS machine (and maybe Windows WSL 2), while the CardputerZeroRepository contains the Debian (.deb) repository for pre-built applications.

The company also explains it can run OpenClaw-like tools (possibly PicoClaw), and be used as a retro-gaming console, a portable media player, and so on. The CardputerZero is also extensible thanks to Grove, M5Units, or even custom hardware add-ons for cybersecurity tools (CC1101, NFC…), off-grid communication (LoRa/Meshtastic), and various DIY electronics projects.

In some ways, the M5Stack CardputerZero can be seen as a low-cost alternative to the upcoming Flipper One portable Linux computer, which offers more processing power, more memory and storage, and better connectivity options (dual GbE, WiFi 6, optional 4G/5G cellular), but is also likely to cost $300+.

Price-wise, the CardputerZero will be more affordable, starting at $59 for the Lite version and $89 for the full version for backers reserving a Super Early Bird on Kickstarter. The crowdfunding campaign will start very soon on May 26 at 9 am EDT. Over 5,000 have also subscribed to get notified of the launch of the project, and you can reserve your unit at the aforementioned price by depositing $1 through the M5stack website. Regular pricing will eventually be $99 (Lite) and $149, although I’d expect something in between while the Kickstarter campaign is still running. Talking Sasquach got a early prototype, and you can check out what it can do so far.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

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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