PocketTerm35 Handheld Brings Raspberry Pi 5 Into a Portable Keyboard Device

A compact handheld built around the Raspberry Pi 5 is entering the market with a design that leans as much toward practicality as it does experimentation. The device, known as the PocketTerm35, combines a small touchscreen with a full physical keyboard, offering a form factor that reflects the tinkering roots of the Raspberry Pi ecosystem.

The model arrives in two configurations. One version pairs with the Raspberry Pi 5, equipped with 1GB of RAM and a preinstalled 64GB memory card. Another variant uses the Raspberry Pi 4 with 2GB of RAM. In both cases, the system relies on the standard board rather than a compute module, a decision that shapes both its appearance and its usability.

That choice is immediately visible. Behind the 3.5-inch display, the enclosure thickens noticeably to accommodate the board, creating a raised section that distinguishes it from flatter handheld designs. The trade-off is straightforward: the bulk allows access to familiar ports, including multiple USB connections and Ethernet, features often absent in more compact builds.

Power comes from a built-in 5,000mAh battery, making the unit portable without needing constant external supply. The display itself offers a resolution of 640 by 480 pixels, modest by modern standards but consistent with the device’s utilitarian approach.

The keyboard spans six rows, a detail that avoids the compromises seen in smaller layouts. Dedicated number keys, arrow controls, and action buttons are included, suggesting that the device is intended for more than occasional input. While it can support gaming in principle, the silicone construction of the keys may limit tactile precision.

Additional connectivity options include HDMI output for external displays and a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio. These inclusions reinforce the device’s positioning as a flexible tool rather than a single-purpose gadget.

Waveshare has listed the Raspberry Pi 5 version of the PocketTerm35 at $149. For a platform long associated with customization and hands-on experimentation, the device reflects a continuing effort to bring those capabilities into more portable, self-contained formats without moving too far from the hardware’s original character.

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As it stands, the PocketTerm35 appears less concerned with competing against mainstream handhelds and more focused on offering a familiar environment in a different shape, one that keeps its technical roots in plain sight.