The RootBoard is a handheld computer kit with a 3.5 inch color display, a 70-key thumb keyboard complete with function keys, and a built-in speaker plus what looks like a decent set of ports for such a small computer.RootBoard designer Dian Lieu is running a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for the device with reward levels starting as low as $115. But you’ll need to supply your own battery, microSD card, and… computer.That’s because the kit doesn’t have a built-in CPU, memory, or storage. Instead it’s designed to work with a Raspberry Pi Zero, Zero W, or Zero 2 W. If you’ve already got one handy then you’re all set. Otherwise you’ll need to purchase one of Raspberry Pi’s tiny computer and add it to the RootBoard kit.You’ll also need to a microSD card for storage and a single 3.7V 18650 battery cell if you want to use the handheld without plugging it into a power source. Lieu says the battery isn’t included “to keep costs down and simplify international shipping.”Lieu hopes to ship the RootBoard to backers in November, 2026 and he also says that documentation, design files, and source code will all be available in a GitHub repository… eventually. But right now that repo is empty.While detailed specs aren’t listed on the Kickstarter page, some additional information is provided in the comments section. For example, the display does not support touch input. Instead you can navigate using the keyboard or an external mouse. The keyboard layout shown in pictures hasn’t yet been finalized, so the final version will actually have up and down arrows). And while the RootBoard is designed for use with Raspberry Pi OS, there’s nothing stopping users from trying other GNU/Linux distros.So, as with most crowdfunding campaigns for products that don’t yet actually exist, I’d proceed with caution with this one – there’s always a chance that the RootBoard won’t ship on schedule (or at all), or won’t live up to its promises if and when it does.via LinuxGizmos