SparkFun Electronics Commentsurn:uuid:214d0e4e-f1b1-d287-ce26-ac5b4c9f82492024-03-29T09:13:56-06:00SparkFun Electronicsnickwest on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)nickwesturn:uuid:2ac2e227-eb4f-975f-ceab-aaa563b3047b2018-12-18T17:22:55-07:00<p>There's a new version of the Pi-top out, which (at last!) includes a 1920*1080 screen. [https://pi-top.com/products/pi-top]
Does Sparkfun have any plans to stock this new model?</p>
stevenvh on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)stevenvhurn:uuid:66648977-7aee-6995-1340-9549d5cf66952017-01-12T11:41:08-07:00<p>Seconded. Without the ProtoBoard the Pi-Top is as closed as the next laptop. While the RPi has plenty of connectability none of it (including USB and Ethernet) is accessible from outside.</p>
M-Short on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)M-Shorturn:uuid:17535904-7037-7711-01ac-4e52f16475e52017-01-03T15:32:44-07:00<p>While it probably depends on the 3D printer or CNC machine Raspberry Pis have become popular for running 3D printers and CNC machines. In most cases the design is still done on another system but the files can be run either by sending them over the network to the Pi, or plugging in a USB drive or SD card. But the Pi might be a bit slow to run most CAD software well enough to do design work on it.</p>
stevenvh on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)stevenvhurn:uuid:23e0b469-32ac-d481-7693-2eacfe77b5632016-12-15T01:55:50-07:00<p>3.183 lbs in Trumpistan is 1.443 kg in all other countries. I weighed mine and it weighs 1.455 kg (including a RPi 3B), so that's 12 g more. I guess the difference is because on mine the battery was full :-).</p>
Sofia on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Sofiaurn:uuid:da6a08f7-8df7-b85d-c225-241081db33132016-10-25T23:34:50-06:00<p>Would this or the other unit be able to be used as the sole computer for a 3D printer or a CNC machine?</p>
Mr Mai on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Mr Maiurn:uuid:a43d5d56-a67d-780e-7924-e0eb57dcfc752016-10-01T18:43:19-06:00<p>OS comparability is determined by the architecture of the processor. So no.</p>
Customer #842103 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #842103urn:uuid:2ece6fdf-6381-bbeb-68ca-48424b2522302016-09-08T20:52:23-06:00<p>I remember when the Pi-Top was cheap to buy, and was practically unknown and unobtainable. The only Pi Laptop at that time was a homemade one. It's amazing to see how things come so quickly!</p>
Customer #779685 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #779685urn:uuid:4ea16bf5-59b0-681b-5d55-570802a898252016-06-22T17:15:41-06:00<p>Will Spark Fun also carry the Pi-Top Proto boards that plug into the hub module and expose the GPIO pins?</p>
Customer #294696 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #294696urn:uuid:54fc18aa-5126-9a65-8504-fab0250a4aa22016-06-21T19:18:53-06:00<p>Sometimes it's not about costs. I use Raspberry Pis as embedded processors for industry and develop project ideas for kids to help them learn robotics and programming. If the goal is to get something that will run on a Raspberry Pi, then the extra cost of making one into a laptop isn't that big a deal. True, I can buy a nice used PC for the same money, but it's not going to run Raspberry Pi code like the real thing. Unfortunately the keyboard makes it a fail. Since I already own it and I can't get it fixed I use it with an external keyboard. It's still a handy way to carry around a Pi without needing to lug a monitor and power supplies.</p>
scharkalvin on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)scharkalvinurn:uuid:4ba0829d-9b24-773c-999c-1cd8d1e7552e2016-06-21T13:56:08-06:00<p>If you include the cost of the RP, then this "laptop" would cost me more than what I paid for my used Thinkpad T400. If the PiTop were a bit more friendly as a RP development setup, then maybe it would be worth the price, but if the keyboard is as bad as reported it's a fail out of the gate.<p>It DOES look like a well thought out bit of kit though, I can see why Sparkfun is carrying it, I just don't see you having it in stock very long.</p></p>
Customer #134226 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #134226urn:uuid:ccedff3d-5e47-bcf1-0dec-8b25ca7f11fb2016-06-21T11:21:44-06:00<p>It would be very helpful if the product description specified clearly : RPi included, or NOT included. The documentation and the 'we have you covered' are ambiguous.</p>
Customer #240011 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #240011urn:uuid:771e0fdc-5c69-ecbe-0213-e3d2aa6992632016-06-17T22:01:06-06:00<p>At least some GPIO are presented at the side of the Pi-Top board. Their website https://www.pi-top.com/ shows a protoboard plugged into it. This seems to be a GPIO bus into which additional modules can be plugged.</p>
rwizard on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)rwizardurn:uuid:4769c8e6-fab0-efb5-8021-4dcc17df4be82016-06-17T19:35:43-06:00<p>I am a very long time customer, and usually a fan, but:
This is the most clueless, right hand bigoted location for a trackpad EVER.<p>Who designed this abortion of a layout? Did they not realize that there was a reason that essentially every other laptop device on the planet has the trackpad in the center?</p><p>Maybe they were trying for ERR-gonomics?</p><p>Sigh, I was briefly excited and ready to order until I noticed the glaring flaw.</p></p>
Customer #294696 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #294696urn:uuid:ed50dcdb-487e-ad54-a4c0-881a7cf306e92016-06-17T18:51:18-06:00<p>I've had one of these since the first Kickstarter shipments. It's a really well designed box that does make a pretty laptop out of a Raspberry Pi. Two things though:<p>1) The standard installation does not leave the GPIO pins exposed. You can fool with that yourself if you're willing to give up the screen controls and that may be okay for some people. There's plenty of information out on the web about doing that.</p><p>2) The keyboard and touchpad are near useless. You have to press rather hard and jiggle the keys on the keyboard to get them to register. The touchpad clicks by itself, so as you move your finger it's randomly clicking. At first I thought it was just the one I had. I contacted the Pi-Top tech support people who simply decided not to answer my question. Over time though, the reviews came out and I saw that the keyboard and touchpad problems are very common. Perhaps they've fixed it by now. If not, I suspect many people will be using SparkFun's excellent tech support and return policies.</p><p>Expensive? Maybe, but it really is a cool little computer once it's assembled. If it actually worked it would be awesome.</p></p>
BB on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)BBurn:uuid:f9c9fb45-165c-7992-8a71-3950d1c136282016-06-17T16:46:46-06:00<p>For a product that is built around what is supposed to be an affordable, high-value computing platform, this Pi-Top is really poor value. The whole Pi-Top comes in at over 6x the price of a Pi 3, and overall is more than the cost of real laptops of better specs.<p>Yes, I realize you get access to the GPIOs on the Pi, and have some space to jam whatever devices you want inside the box, but any box can do that. A laptop's form-factor really doesn't lend itself to a whole lot besides laptop-centric tasks, in which case you might as well get a real laptop and install Linux for that kind of learning.</p><p>One might be better off just buying a real laptop to connect to the Pi and then some other starter kit for more interesting applications. Maybe future iterations of this kit will deliver better value, but as is, I don't think this cuts it.</p></p>
One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chris on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chrisurn:uuid:871770c9-a5b4-67ab-ed58-42a7e983106c2016-06-17T16:18:28-06:00<p>Not really, no. We just took one apart and they are some pretty hardware. Additionally, pi-top went through a great deal to secure them inside the casing and protect them and keep them where they are.</p>
Customer #346094 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #346094urn:uuid:cddeadd6-7063-047d-9932-5f92f63cac8d2016-06-17T16:01:55-06:00<p>This was my question. I see batteries mentioned but nothing about them in the instructions. Good to know they are built in, but are they able to be replaced?</p>
Customer #74397 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #74397urn:uuid:7e75a948-f2be-3965-e54b-99963e27c3c02016-06-17T14:54:19-06:00<p>Yes, we know it's at the same price they're selling it. We still don't think it's a great price. You are obviously selling the units, and that's great for you, just not us.</p>
One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chris on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chrisurn:uuid:531e8793-4ae5-c3b0-0161-2efde836dbaa2016-06-17T14:22:17-06:00<p>I just updated the product description with this info.</p>
One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chris on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chrisurn:uuid:d0d8217f-e456-d8ac-1078-e33f0d059adf2016-06-17T14:10:41-06:00<p>I feel like this statement has been made enough to bring up that we are selling this for the same price as the manufacturer, <a href="https://www.pi-top.com/buy/pi-top" rel="nofollow">pi-top</a>. You could absolutely make all of this yourself if you wanted to but with this kit you are able to buy everything in one box making it ideal for kids, beginners, and someone without the ability to do everything themselves.</p>
One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chris on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chrisurn:uuid:b29eab45-9afd-427a-2123-15f22b6576062016-06-17T14:03:13-06:00<p>Raspberry Pi B+, RPi 2, and RPi 3. :)</p>
Customer #74397 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #74397urn:uuid:a4108cc1-4c38-e5db-dc86-0ccd7acb01212016-06-17T13:58:51-06:00<p>The idea is nice, SparkFun, but there is NO value in it at that price point. This could be 3D printed and assembled by components (a much more enjoyable idea) for half this price.</p>
Customer #74397 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #74397urn:uuid:a5106727-308f-f5d0-544d-99aefdc94d3a2016-06-17T13:57:05-06:00<p>Exactly this. It's a great idea, but it's very overpriced, which is why I <em>won't</em> be buying one, SparkFun...</p>
Patrick3coffee on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Patrick3coffeeurn:uuid:f79bd2a1-05c7-bc9d-6583-09ccb5eef19b2016-06-17T13:56:18-06:00<p>I want to know too. Does J2 expose those pins on the bottom side of the hub?</p>
M-Short on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)M-Shorturn:uuid:9a5a6087-ca55-6bdc-1f8c-7a5cbcc72a952016-06-17T13:17:28-06:00<p>The shipping weight is listed as 5.6384lbs. So that does include all the packaging, but doesn't include the Pi. Let us know if you have any other questions.</p>
Customer #553047 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #553047urn:uuid:62405068-8349-7c27-bd7c-d3dccb858baf2016-06-17T13:09:32-06:00<p>Can you please tell us exactly what models of RPi this can use? In particular, can we use a RPi 2, B, B+, A, A+, etc., in this Pi-Top?</p>
Customer #341666 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #341666urn:uuid:ad217e0a-aaf7-1d22-ef5e-f46d7deaf2632016-06-17T12:49:53-06:00<p>Looks like a nice product however, for the target market Pi users(?) it seems would be the type of people who would not the same people who would buy something like this; I may well be wrong. I thought they were more like me, a hacker. I would buy it if it were cheap enough but at this price I would print the case and build it myself. I am not saying that it is not a decent value for the price rather that when the price gets this high it is way past the level at which I am trying to clever a way around the investment. And, although I am naturally right handed I use a left hand mouse position so that puts me out of the market as well.</p>
Customer #408726 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #408726urn:uuid:e20af082-4725-9955-263e-ab4cbd6d0d382016-06-17T11:48:19-06:00<p>Is there any reason this couldn't run Raspbian?</p>
Customer #347484 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #347484urn:uuid:09e55131-62d3-cd13-0116-92e432b19c7b2016-06-17T11:06:18-06:00<p>I have to say I was expecting this to be cheaper, considering the price of the pi and the fact that it's unassembled. At this price I would not consider buying. Maybe at $120-$160.</p>
Customer #347484 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #347484urn:uuid:e5b918a6-61b3-c9a4-9ee0-b1ba511c7b032016-06-17T11:01:32-06:00<p>LiPo batteries have come a long way in terms of safety and are used in many cell phones and laptops sold commercially. Caution is always good, but don't forget that regular lithium ion batteries have been known to catch fire and are more explosive. A plastic casing around a lipo helps a lot, keeping the battery from bending.</p>
N0BML on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)N0BMLurn:uuid:a544ea81-da62-e5d9-a998-81567a78cf812016-06-17T10:43:04-06:00<p>I have a project and the pi-top looks like a perfect fit. I would like to add a GPS module with an external antenna. It looks like there is room to add a small board between the Pi and the hub. Something like the Copernicus II attached to a board the same width as the Pi to fit under the cover.<p>About how much room is available for another board?</p><p>Thanks!</p></p>
Customer #153037 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #153037urn:uuid:04f175b9-033f-9fbc-b02c-f252df442ac92016-06-17T10:28:28-06:00<p>Are any GPIO lines accessible?</p>
One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chris on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chrisurn:uuid:aad3678c-7963-8a8a-d232-94061ee5e6bd2016-06-17T10:17:05-06:00<p>Yup. Just to get you started here is the <a href="https://cdn.sparkfun.com//assets/parts/1/1/5/4/6/13896-green_pitop-03.jpg" rel="nofollow">pi-top base image</a> we already have up. You can see the access port I am talking about in the upper right hand corner. Knowing this, you can see what Shawn is talking about in the <a href="https://youtu.be/DTWe7EwriiA?t=105" rel="nofollow">assembly video</a>.</p>
Customer #27199 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #27199urn:uuid:2989b975-7edf-3839-6343-6e0f5bdd630d2016-06-17T10:08:50-06:00<p>OK great, thanks much. People would really like to be able to see this because by just looking at the product, you wouldn't be able to tell.</p>
One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chris on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chrisurn:uuid:f6931a58-da74-7641-5c2f-de0c6154166b2016-06-17T09:59:52-06:00<p>I will post here with the reply I sent on the Product Post as well:<p>The RPi isn’t “locked” away, there is a slot that allows you to access the ports on the right side of the pi-top. The Pi is set back a little far to not put stress on the cables included with the kit to connect it to the Hub, Screen, and Keyboard. So to be able to help reach the USB port the top acrylic cover can be slid off to help reach them.</p><p>I can assure you it is a very simple process and you do not lose the ability to use the ports on the Pi.</p><p>Additionally, I just ordered some pictures to be taken to show you what I mean. They should be up on the product page sometime today.</p></p>
Customer #27199 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #27199urn:uuid:ce4a06a7-35f6-d664-2edd-3a49b14c15262016-06-17T09:53:02-06:00<p>I had posted a comment on the product post, but i have to ask here, since this page seems to be getting more attention.
Can someone correct me if i am wrong please but, does this product actually hide the PI away inside and blocks your access to the USB and Ethernet ports?
I can't imagine how any sane engineer (tinkerer) would do something like that.
Maybe there is something i am not seeing. A laptop with no ports...mmmmmmmm.......</p>
One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chris on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chrisurn:uuid:6d824f79-7482-1b39-8911-f21faad76e702016-06-17T09:06:19-06:00<p>Yup, Shawn is right. It lasts anywhere between 10-12hrs.</p>
One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chris on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chrisurn:uuid:4aa1545f-ff2f-446d-6c84-027926bd44522016-06-17T09:02:40-06:00<p>Unknown at this time, but I suppose it could be a possibility. This would be up to the people at pi-top.<p>With more and more <a href="https://www.sparkfun.com/news/2065" rel="nofollow">restrictions placed on shipping LiPo batteries</a> anything is possible.</p></p>
DSloan on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)DSloanurn:uuid:cd7db64c-d3fd-0733-a642-7a130fdc7b8d2016-06-17T09:02:34-06:00<p>Properly cared for LiPo batteries are quite safe (And used in most consumer electronics these days). Even good quality LiPos that are improperly cared for can take a surprising amount of abuse... We had a combat robot(Drone) with Lipos strapped to the out side take a hit that bent a single cell 5 amp hour battery in half (L-shape) without causing a fire or smoke this spring :)</p>
One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chris on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)One Chris Two Chris Red Chris Blue Chrisurn:uuid:0ebe4978-4c8a-9daa-1a0b-17a5b0928f042016-06-17T08:59:52-06:00<p>At this time, no. The people at pi-top chose the initial run of green and gray based on the first-round Indiegogo backers which had a vote. They are looking to expand the range in the future.<p>Personally I think a clear case would be brilliant. It would really bring back memories of the days playing with my clear Game Boy Pocket! The Raspberry Pi is actually right underneath the acrylic plate the slides in and out so if you were able to get the dimensions from that and laser cut one of your own you could see everything underneath. (He said knowing that not everyone HAS a laser cutter)</p></p>
Customer #705210 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #705210urn:uuid:b540f518-dbed-3646-d8dc-6aa06b8f21502016-06-17T08:00:24-06:00<p>I agree with nliwilson...Make a LEFT handed model and I am ALL in - AND I vote YES for the clear cover!</p>
Customer #341414 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #341414urn:uuid:56f7f4da-170c-2e90-9b1e-dc4abd1506d52016-06-17T07:49:15-06:00<p>I love the idea of this, and would absolutely get one for my daughter to assemble under my guidance. But I have reservations about the LiPo battery, and their notorious volatility. I keep all my LiPos and LiPo powered devices (small cameras) in LiPo bags, but that's just not practical with a laptop-sized device.<p>Any chance this will someday be available with an alternate battery chemistry?</p></p>
Jed Savage on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Jed Savageurn:uuid:83ed691b-0b37-052d-1229-27292fdf10e82016-06-17T07:16:19-06:00<p>Is this compatible with other OS's (easily)?</p>
Shawn Hymel on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Shawn Hymelurn:uuid:c70e2504-9df5-8ef4-c093-2b246600c4e82016-06-17T07:01:32-06:00<p>There is a rechargeable battery in the base. It's covered by that silver metal shield.</p>
nliwilson on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)nliwilsonurn:uuid:3a327111-b7dc-9e9c-9e7b-3514f8817f102016-06-17T06:15:56-06:00<p>The trackpad is on completely the wrong side for us lefties.</p>
Customer #20717 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #20717urn:uuid:f0c9aad5-2f09-ee06-5a60-1386f1fe98dc2016-06-17T06:00:58-06:00<p>Batteries missing for stand-alone capabilities. But a fantastic product for a first iteration.</p>
Customer #404325 on KIT-13896 - pi-top (Green)Customer #404325urn:uuid:e4537384-a383-7b63-067f-d94042b076ba2016-06-17T05:41:04-06:00<p>Possible to order with a clear acrylic cover so that the pi is visible? Kids would love seeing the boards</p>