pi-top: Laptop made from a Raspberry Pi

RISC OS

To check out the compatibility factor of the pi-top, it had to prove itself with RISC OS [7]. After installing this operating system, I observed problems similar to those occurring under Raspbian jessie. The system did not automatically recognize the display screen. It is necessary to set "WimpMode," or resolution, manually in the graphical interface. Alternatively, you can create an Obey file in Choices.Boot.Tasks. The power management and keyboard also no longer worked properly. Numerous native English speakers confirm difficulties with operating the keyboard, which is independent of any issues with the operating system.

When used under RISC OS, the tools StrongKey and KeyMapper let the user assign an individual key on the keyboard. StrongKey outputs the low-level code of the most recently activated key, making it possible for KeyMapper to assign the key differently. However, StrongKey crashed during testing with the current keyboard once the special function keys were used. The problem only seems to appear with current devices. Models that were among the first to be delivered ran smoothly. For their part, users of these earlier models complain that the key action on the keyboard is even worse.

Conclusion

The positive first impression that the pi-top made was not borne out in testing. The Rasp Pi laptop starts up well, but then it runs into trouble in some areas. The keyboard especially is in need of improvement. The manufacturer should definitely take note of this. The case design could also use some attention. For example, it is not possible to use the Rasp Pi connections for the Internet, audio, and video unless the small panel is pushed aside.

Also topping the improvements wish list would be the possibility of using all of the functions that the pi-top brings to the table. The manufacturer could easily provide relevant packages, at least for the Linux version of the operating system. In the absence of some reworking, the pi-top will continue to display odd characteristics, which in turn require a specially adapted operating system to achieve complete compatibility.

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