This DIY Framework Laptop Goes Full 1980s

Manufacturers were still figuring out laptops — and portable computers in general — in the 1980s. “Luggables” were very much a thing at the time and the laptop form factor we know today was in the early stages of its evolution. Combined with the rudimentary technology available in that era, most early laptops were quite bulky. They were undesirable for decades after, but we’ve now reached a point where they’re old enough to be vintage and cool. Inspired by the iconic GRiD Compass, Penk Chen built this fantastic DIY Framework laptop that goes full 1980s to harness that appeal.

If you aren’t familiar, Framework is a company with the goal of making laptops just as standardized and modular as desktops. When you have to start turning your graphics down to medium on your gaming PC, you can upgrade it with more RAM or a new GPU. But that isn’t often possible with conventional laptops. Framework laptops have interchangeable parts that owners can replace themselves when they need an upgrade or repair. Chen took advantage of those parts when building this custom laptop.

This laptop, dubbed “The Rasti Computer,” uses several Framework parts: a Framework 13 mainboard, battery, Wi- Fi module, power button shim, and antenna module. But it also contains parts from other manufacturers and even some custom-made components. The display, for example, is a 10.4” QLED model from Waveshare. The USB hub is a generic unit that you can find on Amazon.

The keyboard is completely custom, which let Chen get exactly the layout and style he wanted. It uses Kailh Choc low-profile mechanical key switches with anti-ghosting diodes, a custom PCB, and a custom plate. A Raspberry Pi Pico development board monitors the keyboard matrix and communicates with the Framework 13 mainboard, appearing as a standard USB HID keyboard.

The Rasti Computer’s enclosure is also a custom job. Chen designed it to resemble the GRiD Compass, but it isn’t an exact replica. That was a good call, because this is much more practical than a real GRiD Compass. The enclosure shell was 3D-printed and weathered to make it appear well-used. The key caps were also 3D-printed (using SLA printing) to get a really nice, seamless look.

The best part is that this offers real, usable performance. Framework’s mainboards compete with most decent laptops on the market today, so The Rasti Computer isn’t just a toy.