Hackberry Pi Zero: The New Wave of Affordable Computing for Indie Hackers
The Hackberry Pi Zero is making waves as an ultra-affordable, pocket-sized computer designed for hobbyists, educators, and makers. Priced competitively, this tiny yet powerful board is set to rival the likes of Raspberry Pi, offering versatile features that cater to a wide range of use cases.
It is developed by ZitaoTech, a Chinese student who's currently located in Dresden, Germany.
The keyboard type is blackberry Q10 or Q20 keyboard. Both have the same keyboard layout.
![](https://d3s5r33r268y59.cloudfront.net/stores/zitaotech-banner-20240307_7mGDiOC.jpg)
Features and Specifications
![](https://medevel.com/content/images/2024/08/8j.jpg)
- Main Processor: Compatible only with Raspberry Pi Zero 2W.
- Display: 4-inch 720x720 high-resolution TFT display.
- Dual Swappable Battery Design: Replace the battery in 10 seconds without losing power.
- Battery Type: Nokia BL-5C, available globally.
- Battery Life: 3.5 hours on desktop, 5 hours on command line.
- Keyboard Mouse Combo: Integrated keyboard and mouse combo, with options for Blackberry Q10 or Q20 keyboards.
- Customizable Keymap: Connect the keyboard to a computer and customize the keymap through VIAL.
- USB Ports: 3 USB 2.0 ports, compatible with USB sticks, 4G module dongles, and other USB devices.
- Charging Rate: 1A charging rate, full charge in 3 hours.
- Stemma I2C Port: Integrated Stemma I2C port for connecting I2C sensors.
- TF Card Slot: External TF card slot for easy OS image replacement.
Block Diagram
![](https://medevel.com/content/images/2024/08/8484.png)
Use-Cases for Hackberry Pi Zero
1. Educational Projects:
Perfect for teaching programming, electronics, and robotics to students of all ages.
2- IoT Applications:
Use it as the brain for smart home devices, weather stations, or remote sensors.
3- Media Center:
Turn it into a low-cost media center for streaming content.
4- DIY Gadgets:
Build your own custom gadgets, like a handheld gaming console or portable network device.
5- Automation:
Ideal for home automation projects, controlling lights, thermostats, and more.
Resources
- Official Hackberry Pi Zero Documentation
- Community Projects and Tutorials
- Comparison with Raspberry Pi Zero
![](https://d3s5r33r268y59.cloudfront.net/stores/zitaotech-banner-20240307_7mGDiOC.jpg)
This little board has the potential to inspire a new generation of creators and tinkerers, making high-tech projects more accessible to everyone.