# Compute Module Pocket Pcs piBrick Pocket-CM5 Turns Raspberry Pi Hardware into a Handheld Computer By Amy Duong | Published 2026-06-04 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pibrick-pocketcm5 References: [oshwlab](https://oshwlab.com/amarullz/pibrick-pocketcm5)  piBrick Pocket-CM5 is an open-source handheld computer built around the [Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jetdeck-scout). Created by Ahmad Amarullah, the device combines a custom PCB, 3D-printed enclosure, and smartphone-sized footprint measuring 80 x 145 x 19.6 mm. The front is dominated by a 3.92-inch AMOLED display with a 1080 x 1240 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate, protected by custom [Asahi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asahi-super-dry-1) tempered glass. Full-size HDMI and micro-HDMI outputs allow the handheld to function as a portable workstation when connected to an external display. A BBQ20 keyboard provides a compact QWERTY layout paired with an integrated trackpad inspired by [BlackBerry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lilygo-tdeck-plus) devices. Two rotary encoders and five programmable buttons add physical controls beyond the touchscreen interface. The system supports NVMe SSD storage in 2230 and 2242 formats and runs a full Linux desktop environment on the Compute Module 5 platform. Image Credit: Ahmad Amarullah ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.7/10 - Popularity: 80% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 77% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Pocket Linux Workstations:** Smartphone-sized Linux devices with external display support create a path for low-cost personal workstations that blur the line between mobile terminals and desktop PCs. - **Modular Handheld Computing:** Compute-module-based designs make portable computers more repairable, customizable, and upgradeable, opening space for niche devices tailored to developers, field teams, and technical hobbyists. - **Open-source Hardware Prototyping:** Community-built handhelds that combine custom PCBs, 3D-printed enclosures, and off-the-shelf components signal faster product experimentation outside traditional consumer electronics pipelines. ### Who This Affects Most - **Consumer Electronics:** Compact hybrid devices with keyboards, touchscreens, and desktop output could reshape expectations for phones, mini laptops, and portable productivity hardware. - **Embedded Computing:** Raspberry Pi Compute Module platforms are expanding from industrial controllers into polished mobile systems, creating new markets for small-batch specialized computing products. - **Enterprise Mobility:** Portable Linux workstations with physical controls and removable storage introduce alternatives for secure field operations, diagnostics, and on-the-go technical workflows. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Robotic Barista Precision Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Robotic-Coffee-System.md) - [Computer Chair-Attached Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/level-up-wrap.md) - [Neurotech Productivity Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neuropad.md) - [Slim Silent Desktops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/v400-aio.md) - [Transformable Zipper Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yzipper.md) - [Dual Display Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/24b2d5300.md) - [AI Security Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcp-defender.md) - [AI Image Analysis Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geofinder-ai.md) - [Browser Computing Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puter.md)