pi-top: Laptop made from a Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi (Rasp Pi) reduces the size of an entire computer to a format not much larger than a passport. However, the tiny computer usually needs additional equipment, such as a screen display, keyboard, and mouse. The pi-top [1] is a case that provides the Rasp Pi with a display, keyboard, and battery, thus converting the Rasp Pi into a mobile device (Table 1). In addition to the laptop version, the manufacturer also offers the pi-topCEED [2], which does not have an integrated keyboard or battery. This article takes a look at the laptop version of the pi-top.

Delivery Disaster

Ordering the device online is straightforward. The case for the pi-top comes in bright green and a dark gray that actually appears black. Additionally, you have two keyboard layouts to choose from: UK and US English. Currently, the pi-top manufacturer delivers the kit together with a Rasp Pi 3 (RPi3) for $299. If the user already has a suitable Rasp Pi, then it is possible to order the pi-top minus the board for $264.99. The "desktop" model, the pi-topCEED, is much less expensive; it costs $114.99, or $149.99 with a RPi3. However, the pi-topCEED lacks a keyboard and battery because of the way it is constructed.

Payment is accepted by credit card. Shipping to me in Germany (from the UK) cost $35.00, which included customs duties. (If you are ordering from the US, you can avoid overseas shipping and customs charges by ordering the pi-top from Adafruit [3]; see Table 1.) Once the order is placed, you should receive a confirmation email with a link to the order status. Shortly thereafter, you receive a delivery date. Theoretically, this is how the order process is supposed to work. I did not get an email response, which was annoying and led to some confusion about how best to proceed. See the "Chaotic Ordering Process" box. It is a good idea to keep in contact with the manufacturer, if you order from them, to make sure that delivery goes well.

[...]