DIY Enthusiast Creates Alien-Themed Laptop Using Raspberry Pi

Jeff Merrick, a cyberdeck enthusiast and retro computing hobbyist, has created the PS-85, a "rugged barebones slate-style portable computer inspired by the Alien universe." The DIY project combines the aesthetic of the 1979 sci-fi film with modern computing technology, all centered around a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W.

Technical Specifications and Design

The PS-85 features a compact LCD display and a 40% mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches. At its heart lies a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, a low-power board with 512 MB of RAM that provides basic computing capabilities while maintaining the device's sleek, minimalist design. Merrick notes that with the Pi Zero, users will likely need to run Raspberry Pi OS Lite with a command-line interface only.

"The 1970s retro future aesthetic is perfect for an Alien porta-terminal build," Merrick explained on his project page. "I built the PX-88 first and it took a few months of working on it in my free time. There was quite a bit of trial and error with learning CAD software and just figuring out how everything could fit together."

Open Source Project

Merrick has made all the necessary components and instructions publicly available through his website, including 3D print files and detailed assembly guides. He has no plans to sell completed units, preferring to keep the project as a hobby rather than a business venture.

"I open-sourced the full plans and files so folks could build their own, and a few people have," Merrick stated. "I plan to keep it solidly as a hobby rather than a business, it's more fun that way."

For those who might want more practical keycaps than the Alien-themed ones, Merrick confirmed that any MX-compatible keycaps will work with the design.

Predecessor: The PX-88

The PS-85 is actually an evolution of Merrick's previous project, the PX-88, which was based on the 1985 Epson PX-4. The PX-88 was originally built as a gift for his wife, who wanted a bare-bones cyberdeck for writing. Merrick noted that the development of the PS-85 went considerably quicker than the PX-88, demonstrating his growing experience with these types of projects.

Community and DIY Culture

The PS-85 represents the growing trend of DIY computing projects that blend retro aesthetics with modern technology. By open-sourcing his design, Merrick has enabled others to create their own versions of the device, fostering a community of makers who share his passion for custom-built computers inspired by science fiction and retro computing.

For those interested in building their own PS-85, all necessary files and instructions are available on Merrick's website. The project serves as both a functional computing device and a tribute to the enduring influence of the Alien film franchise on popular culture and design aesthetics.