So far, PINE64 has released one development, one limited "Braveheart", and two community editions (Ubuntu Touch, postmarketOS) of the PinePhone Linux smartphone. This $ 150 phone is gradually evolving into a daily driver's phone.
If you own the latest PinePhone with postmarketOS, you can even turn it into a desktop computer with peripherals like a keyboard or mouse connected through a USB Type-C docking station. But it can feel crowded and even more difficult to travel.
Add-ons for PinePhone coming soon
With that in mind, in December Blog post last year, PINE64 already ad the Psion Series 5 inspired keyboard for PinePhone, so you can turn it into a mini laptop like another Linux and Android smartphone-PDA, Astro Slide.
Still, it's unclear when the Psion-style keyboard will arrive or even not. But as mentioned in the last Blog, PINE64 is currently in talks with hardware vendors to bring a Nokia N900-style sliding keyboard for the PinePhone.
Besides vendors, if you are a hardware handyman who enjoys playing with PinePhone, you can also share your creativity with PINE64. Please note, there is also a reward for the selected project with full credit for the design.
You can download an STP of the layout from here and start making a keyboard for PinePhone by following the general guide points below:
- Interface to PinePhone rear pogo pin extension connector
- Adapt the form factor of the PinePhone
- Seamlessly replace the current back cover and attach it to the phone
- Be similar, mechanically and functionally, to the Nokia N900 keyboard
If you have any doubts, you can contact them directly or discuss it at their Forum topic.
In addition to the keyboard, PINE64 also explores a gamepad for the PinePhone. However, its development is still at a very early exploratory stage. Therefore, PINE64 is also welcoming other developers for game controller keyboard add-ons.
Unofficial PinePhone add-ons
PinePhone with new add-ons will certainly take time to become available to the public. But if you are keen on a sliding keyboard, you can also use PinePhone's rear pogo pin expansion connector, just like Дмитрий Куртуков used to attach an unofficial sliding keyboard.
Not just the keyboard, you can use the six pogo pins on the back of the PinePhone as an expansion port to connect other peripherals as well. This is Martijn Braam from postmarketOS, who recently used the same expansion port to connect a thermal camera to the PinePhone.
