Here is a new and amazing tiny PC that’s ready to blow everyone’s mind there’s so much to talk about this tiny computer. Pilet that was (previously known as Consolo) is an open-source, portable mini-computer powered by the Raspberry Pi 5. It boasts a 7-hour battery life and is available in two different display sizes: 5-inch and 7-inch models and it’s what we are reviewing in this guide that will change everything in next few years from 2025-2026– sooner than we expected.
Are you in search of a modular and portable mini-computer based on the Raspberry Pi 5, boy! you are in complete and absolute luck, here? If so, the Pilet might be the solution you are looking for. It has been manufactured/created by a small company named Soulcircuit, consisting of one-and-a-half people, this innovative device has undergone rebranding from its original name “Consolo” to “Pilet.” According to the creator, this new name was chosen to appeal to a broader global audience.
Soulcircuit proudly states that the Pilet is “built by open-source software for the open-source community.” The team credits a variety of open-source tools and platforms, such as KiCad, FreeCAD, Blender, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and KDE, in the development of the Pilet. While using top-tier software is crucial, building a successful device also requires expertise and creativity. The Pilet’s price, expected to be under $200, positions it as an attractive option for open-source enthusiasts who need a portable, powerful computing tool.
#1 Key Features of the Pilet
(a) Battery Life and Portability
The Pilet is powered by two 8000mAh batteries, providing up to 7 hours of battery life. This makes it highly portable, allowing users to take the computing power of the Raspberry Pi 5 anywhere. With a claimed 7-hour lifespan, users can expect to complete a full day’s work on the go.
(b) Display Options
(i) Pilet 5 Console: The most compact version, featuring a 5-inch touchscreen display. This model is ideal for users who need a portable device with maximum mobility.
(ii) Pilet 7 Tablet: A larger 7-inch display with the option to attach accessories such as a keyboard, gamepad, camera, and more. The gamepad module, in particular, turns the Pilet into a retro gaming device, adding versatility to its utility.
(c) Operating System
The Pilet runs a full version of Linux, likely a Debian-based distribution with the KDE desktop environment. Thanks to the processing power of the Raspberry Pi 5, this was not feasible on earlier Pi models, but now users can enjoy a fully functional desktop operating system in a compact, portable form.
#2 Feature List
The Pilet boasts an impressive array of features designed to cater to a wide range of users, from developers to hobbyists. Here is a list of its standout features:
I. Open-Source Software
The device is built entirely using open-source software for the open-source community.
II. Software Credits
Development tools include KiCad, FreeCAD, Blender, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and KDE.
III. NVMe SSD Support
Users can enhance their Pilet’s performance by adding an NVMe SSD, boosting storage speed and capacity.
IV. VESA Compatibility
The Pilet is VESA compatible, allowing for easy and secure mounting anywhere.
V. Active and Passive Cooling
A metal backplate paired with a cooling fan ensures efficient thermal management, keeping the Raspberry Pi 5 cool and running smoothly under load.
VI. AI Module Support
The Pilet supports the Hailo-8L AI module, delivering up to 13 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) of AI processing power, making it suitable for machine learning and other AI applications.
VII. Rear Stand
The device includes a rear stand, allowing users to position it at any desired angle for comfortable use.
VIII. Custom Battery Management
The Pilet’s custom battery management system ensures stable performance, even when running demanding applications.
With its wide range of features and the potential to support various modules and accessories, the Pilet is shaping up to be a versatile and powerful mini-computer for open-source enthusiasts, developers, and even gamers.