Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
get creative
Say hello to the world's first 3D-printed laptop
The makers of Pi-Top hope their custom laptop will teach users to become more computer literate by learning how to dismantle and reassemble it.
THE USES OF 3D printing has slowly grown over the last few months, but now you can add another item to the list: laptops.
The Pi-Top is the first laptop you can create using a 3D printer, provided you own one, and is now available for pre-order.
It contains a customisable template for the 3D printer, allowing you to print it in any colour. It also contains a screen and a Raspberry Pi, a computer the size of a credit card that plugs into a monitor or TV and uses a keyboard and mouse, which can be slotted into the laptop to power it.
The Pi-Top has all the functions you would expect from a laptop, but according to The Telegraph, its creators hope that it will be used to teach children to become more computer literate by learning how to dismantle and reassemble it.
It’s expected that a beginner would be able to complete the kit in an evening. It also comes with lesson plans which will teach users not only to build laptops, but also home automation devices, robots, and other hardware.
It does this by gamifying learning which teaches users how to build step-by-step.
The laptop is down to launch in May 2015 and is available to pre-order on the crowdfunding site, IndieGoGo. Purchasing the kit costs $285 (€228) although you will have to source a 3D printer first before you can make it.
have your say