{{Short description|Modular handheld computer}} {{Lowercase title}} {{Infobox Information appliance | name = uConsole | image = Black uConsole by ClockworkPi (transparent background).png | manufacturer = ClockworkPi | type = Handheld computer | input = {{plainlist| * Thumb keyboard w/ 74 SMD Dome switches (QWERTY, arrow pad, gamepad) * Mini trackball }} | power = {{plainlist| * 2x 18650 batteries * 1x USB-C for charging (no data transfer) }} | display = 720p 5.0-inch IPS screen (w/ micro-HDMI output) | connectivity = {{plainlist| * 802.11ac WiFi * Bluetooth 5.0 * 1x MicroSD card slot * 1x USB 2.0 port * 2x internal USB 2.0 interface * 40-Pin GPIO (FPC) * 52-pin Mini PCI-E * 200-pin DDR2-SODIMM (for compute module) }} | caption = The black variant of the uConsole | sound = {{plainlist| * 3.5mm audio jack * Internal stereo speaker }} | dimensions = {{convert|170|mm|in|abbr=on}} H<br />{{convert|130|mm|in|abbr=on}} W<br />{{convert|26|mm|in|abbr=on}} D }}
'''uConsole''' is a modular handheld computer made by ClockworkPi, designed as an enclosure for compute modules such as the Raspberry Pi. It is sold as a kit and aimed at computer hobbyists, intended to be easily adapted and modified, following the concepts of open-design and modularity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=By |date=2025-11-11 |title=Have A Slice Of Bumble Berry Pi |url=https://hackaday.com/2025/11/11/have-a-slice-of-bumble-berry-pi/ |access-date=2026-05-09 |website=Hackaday |language=en-US}}</ref>
The uConsole was announced in October 2022, and began shipping in July 2023. It originally supported the Raspberry Pi CM4, but ClockworkPi also offered three alternative modules for the carrier board: the A-04 and A-06, which have different configurations based on the Armv8-A architecture, and the R-01, based on RISC-V.
== Hardware and design == The uConsole was created with the open-design philosophy. The case is available as a 3D model, released under the GPL v3 license, and can be downloaded and recreated for free (such as with a 3D printer).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Linder |first=Brad |date=2022-10-25 |title=Clockwork's uConsole is a modular portable computer & "fantasy console" for $139 and up |url=https://liliputing.com/clockworks-uconsole-is-a-modular-portable-computer-fantasy-console-for-139-and-up/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250317125353/https://liliputing.com/clockworks-uconsole-is-a-modular-portable-computer-fantasy-console-for-139-and-up/ |archive-date=2025-03-17 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Liliputing |language=en-US}}</ref>
The case is made from metal.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":7" /> The front plate comes in black or silver,<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2022-10-26 |title=3万円台でディスプレイ＆フルキーボード搭載のRaspberry Piベースポケットコンピューター「uConsole」が登場 |trans-title=Raspberry Pi base pocket computer 'uConsole' with display; full keyboard on the 30,000 yen level appears |url=http://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20221026-cloclworkpi-uconsole/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250725035914/https://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20221026-cloclworkpi-uconsole |archive-date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-07-25 |website=GIGAZINE}}</ref> however the back of the device is silver on both variants, with a metal stand attachment to elevate the device when it is on a flat surface.<ref name=":11" /> Inside, the components are modular,<ref name=":7" /> with a ClockworkPi mainboard which takes a compute module (or the CM4 adapter to attach a Raspberry Pi CM4).<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":7" /> There is an additional module for two rechargable 18650 batteries which power the device,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Alderson |first=Alex |date=2022-10-27 |title=Clockwork uConsole: Fantasy console arrives in multiple variants with optional 4G |url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/Clockwork-uConsole-Fantasy-console-arrives-in-multiple-variants-with-optional-4G.664615.0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430073236/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Clockwork-uConsole-Fantasy-console-arrives-in-multiple-variants-with-optional-4G.664615.0.html |archive-date=2025-04-30 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Notebookcheck |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2023-08-07 |title=A handheld computer for real computer geeks |url=https://www.racunalniske-novice.com/en/handheld-computer-for-real-computer-masters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725041014/https://www.racunalniske-novice.com/en/handheld-computer-for-real-computer-masters/ |archive-date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-07-25 |website=Računalniške novice |language=en}}</ref> and a single USB-C port which is used to charge but has no data transfer.<ref name=":11" /> On the top right, there is space for a single extension board into the mainboard using a 52-pin Mini PCI-E slot,<ref name=":2" /> and the case also has space for the stereo speaker.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Norton |first=Phil |date=2025-03-30 |title=Clockwork Pi uConsole CM4: A Review {{!}} #! code |url=https://www.hashbangcode.com/article/clockwork-pi-uconsole-cm4-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421235326/https://www.hashbangcode.com/article/clockwork-pi-uconsole-cm4-review |archive-date=2025-04-21 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=#! code |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> The device works with Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band 802.11ac WiFi, however ClockworkPi also sells an official 4G extension with SIM card slot for mobile and cellular connectivity.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Aufranc |first=Jean-Luc |date=26 October 2022 |title=uConsole is a modular Arm for RISC-V handheld computer with optional 4G connectivity |url=https://riscv.org/ecosystem-news/2022/10/uconsole-is-a-modular-arm-for-risc-v-handheld-computer-with-optional-4g-connectivity-jean-luc-aufranc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321042501/https://riscv.org/ecosystem-news/2022/10/uconsole-is-a-modular-arm-for-risc-v-handheld-computer-with-optional-4g-connectivity-jean-luc-aufranc/ |archive-date=2025-03-21 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=RISC-V International |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":7" />
The keyboard and screen are kept separate, secured underneath the front panel. The screen is a 5-inch IPS display with a 1280x720 resolution with output via micro-HDMI,<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5" /> and the keyboard has 74 keys with a backlight (including gamepad-style keys)<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5" /> which use Dome switches. In addition, there is a mini trackball for control.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
=== Compute modules === The uConsole requires a "core module" to operate, which attaches to the mainboard via a 200-pin DDR2-SODIMM slot to provide CPU, memory, and GPU capabilities at a minimum.<ref name=":2" /> It officially supports the Raspberry Pi CM4 which is attached with an additional extension board, as well as three custom modules developed by ClockworkPi which are based on the Armv8-A and RISC-V architectures.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":12" /> The uConsole kits come in several variants, with or without a core module and 4G extension.<ref name=":1" /> {| class="wikitable" |+ClockworkPi modules !Model !Specs !Notes |- |Core A-04 |ARM Cortex-A53 (quad core), Mali-T720 GPU, 2GB DDR3 RAM |Limited availability; most A-04 uConsole orders were upgraded to A-06 |- |Core A-06 |ARM Cortex-A72 (dual core), ARM Cortex-A53 (quad core), Mali-T864 GPU (Rockchip RK3399),<ref name=":2" /> 4GB DDR4 RAM | |- |Core R-01 |64-bit RISC-V processor (RV64IMAFDCVU),<ref name=":5" /> 1GB DDR3 RAM |No GPU, experimental. Unavailable since early 2025. |}
==== Unofficial support ==== The uConsole unofficially supports other compute modules with varying degrees of success. As of 2025, the Raspberry Pi CM5 is virtually fully functional when used with community-made software patches.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Horsey |first=Julian |date=2024-11-27 |title=How the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Redefines Modular Computing |url=https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/raspberry-pi-compute-module-5-performance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109010305/https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/raspberry-pi-compute-module-5-performance/ |archive-date=2025-01-09 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Geeky Gadgets |language=en-US}}</ref> Similarly, the Raspberry Pi CM3 board is mostly supported through community patches, and it is also possible to run the Radxa CM5 with limited functionality.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mendoza |first=Giorgio |date=2025-07-10 |title=Radxa CM5 Gets Adapted for Use with uConsole Pocket Terminal Radxa CM5 Gets Adapted for Use with uConsole Pocket Terminal |url=https://linuxgizmos.com/radxa-cm5-gets-adapted-for-use-with-uconsole-pocket-terminal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250710020111/https://linuxgizmos.com/radxa-cm5-gets-adapted-for-use-with-uconsole-pocket-terminal/ |archive-date=2025-07-10 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=LinuxGizmos.com}}</ref>
== Use cases == thumb|A silver uConsole being used to browse the web The uConsole is intended to be used as a handheld computer running a full version of Linux.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Horsey |first=Julian |date=2025-02-04 |title=uConsole from Clockwork Pi DIY Handheld Linux PC Gets A Raspberry Pi Compute Module CM5 Upgrade |url=https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/uconsole-from-clockwork-pi-diy-handheld-linux-pc-gets-a-raspberry-pi-compute-module-cm5-upgrade/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250613043032/https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/uconsole-from-clockwork-pi-diy-handheld-linux-pc-gets-a-raspberry-pi-compute-module-cm5-upgrade/ |archive-date=2025-06-13 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Geeky Gadgets |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Bertel |date=2025-02-15 |title=8 Weird and Wacky Linux Hardware Devices |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/weird-and-wacky-linux-hardware-devices/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215121829/https://www.howtogeek.com/weird-and-wacky-linux-hardware-devices/ |archive-date=2025-02-15 |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=How-To Geek |language=en}}</ref> It is marketed as a portable programming device for field work and portable programming, including indie game development.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":10" /> Because it can be adapted and modified, including via the expansion board,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-31 |title=The Definitive uConsole Expansion Card Roundup [2025] |url=https://uconsole.net/the-definitive-uconsole-expansion-card-roundup-2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250609230706/https://uconsole.net/the-definitive-uconsole-expansion-card-roundup-2025/ |archive-date=2025-06-09 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=uConsole World |language=en-US}}</ref> the uConsole is used by technology and electronic engineering hobbyists for various purposes, including RTL-SDR and LoRa extensions,<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Halfacree |first=Gareth |date=2025-02-13 |title=Deng Dazhong's uConsole Add-On Board Turns the Gadget Into a Multi-Radio Meshtastic Powerhouse |url=https://www.hackster.io/news/deng-dazhong-s-uconsole-add-on-board-turns-the-gadget-into-a-multi-radio-meshtastic-powerhouse-23faae952ba9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215082844/https://www.hackster.io/news/deng-dazhong-s-uconsole-add-on-board-turns-the-gadget-into-a-multi-radio-meshtastic-powerhouse-23faae952ba9 |archive-date=2025-02-15 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Hackster.io |language=en}}</ref> and as a terminal emulator.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Horsey |first=Julian |date=2023-09-14 |title=ClockworkPi uConsole Linux handheld PC from $139 |url=https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/linux-handheld-pc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519173227/https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/linux-handheld-pc/ |archive-date=2025-05-19 |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=Geeky Gadgets |language=en-US}}</ref> It has also been used in the creative community as a controller in music production,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3juJu2UemAg |title=The music tracker you've propably never heard of |date=2024-07-14 |last=Floyd Steinberg |access-date=2025-07-24 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42c1RIo6ULQ |title=Clockwork Pi uConsole Kali Linux Automation + PicoCalc Updates including New Synth Features! |date=2025-06-09 |last=Lofi Fren |access-date=2025-07-24 |via=YouTube}}</ref> as well as a retro game emulator.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNG8KqZs_Fg |title=Reasons Why the Clockwork uConsole CM4 is My Favorite Cyberdeck! |date=2023-09-23 |last=retroCombs |time=6m 14s |access-date=2025-07-24 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref name=":6" />
Because the ClockworkPi offers a 4G/LTE extension providing cellular connectivity and mobile data,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /> the uConsole has been compared to a PDA, particularly devices like Gemini PDA.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Ohkubo |first=Masahiko |date=2023-07-17 |title=ClockworkPi uConsole: 開封の儀と簡単レビュー |url=https://remoteroom.jp/diary/2023-07-17/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250625050430/https://remoteroom.jp/diary/2023-07-17/ |archive-date=2025-06-25 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=RemoteRoom |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lunduke |first=Bryan |date=2023-09-25 |title=The Great uConsole Giveaway |url=https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4634019/the-great-uconsole-giveaway |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430130910/https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4634019/the-great-uconsole-giveaway |archive-date=2024-04-30 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Lunduke}}</ref>
== Availability == The uConsole was announced in October 2022,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Evenden |first=Ian |date=2022-10-26 |title=Clockwork Pi Reveals uConsole Portable Computer |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/clockwork-pi-uconsole |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702231617/https://www.tomshardware.com/news/clockwork-pi-uconsole |archive-date=2025-07-02 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Tom's Hardware |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Aufranc |first=Jean-Luc |date=2022-10-26 |title=uConsole is a modular Arm or RISC-V handheld computer with optional 4G connectivity - CNX Software |url=https://www.cnx-software.com/2022/10/26/uconsole-modular-arm-or-risc-v-handheld-computer-4g-connectivity/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622061205/https://www.cnx-software.com/2022/10/26/uconsole-modular-arm-or-risc-v-handheld-computer-4g-connectivity/ |archive-date=2025-06-22 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=CNX Software - Embedded Systems News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> however orders didn't begin shipping until July 2023.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Alderson |first=Alex |date=2023-07-08 |title=ClockworkPi uConsole handheld computer starts shipping with company taking new orders |url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/ClockworkPi-uConsole-handheld-computer-starts-shipping-with-company-taking-new-orders.739339.0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702231446/https://www.notebookcheck.net/ClockworkPi-uConsole-handheld-computer-starts-shipping-with-company-taking-new-orders.739339.0.html |archive-date=2025-07-02 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Notebookcheck |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Linder |first=Brad |date=2023-07-25 |title=ClockworkPi uConsole is now shipping (modular portable computer & game console) |url=https://liliputing.com/clockworkpi-uconsole-is-now-shipping-modular-portable-computer-game-console/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727183146/https://liliputing.com/clockworkpi-uconsole-is-now-shipping-modular-portable-computer-game-console/ |archive-date=2024-07-27 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Liliputing |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":12" /> It is produced for ClockworkPi by a manufacturer in China through a batch production process, a method which has been criticised for causing long delays and stock issues.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8" /> In 2022, orders for the A-04 variant were upgraded to an A-06 due to limited availability of modules. Since its release, orders for the uConsole have typically taken in excess of 90 days to ship,<ref name=":9" /> in some case taking upwards of several months between order date and fulfillment.
== References == {{Commons category-inline|uConsole}} {{reflist}}
Category:Handheld personal computers Category:Ultra Mobile PC Category:Computer-related introductions in 2022