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This High School Student Built His Own Laptop with Open Source Hardware

By Tech Wire 6 Min Read

Who says crafting a laptop from scratch is a feat reserved for tech giants? Byran Huang, a high school student from Phillips Exeter Academy, shatters that perception. Over just six months, he designed and built his very own laptop, anyon_e, a sleek, open source device boasting cutting edge features like a 4K AMOLED screen, a modular mechanical keyboard, and an impressive seven hour battery life.

Passion Meets Ingenuity: How It All Began

Huang’s journey started with a bold ambition: to create a laptop that could rival the ultra-portable, high-performance devices dominating the market. But there was a catch. Instead of relying on pre-assembled kits or proprietary parts, he wanted to do as much as possible by himself from the motherboard to the chassis.

At the heart of anyon_e lies the Rockchip RK3588 SoC, a powerhouse processor equipped with an eight-core CPU, a Mali-G10 GPU, and an NPU capable of 6 TOPS (trillion operations per second). This chip isn’t just powerful; it also supports 8K video playback at 60 FPS, making it ideal for both productivity and entertainment. To complement this, Huang equipped the laptop with robust connectivity options, including dual USB 3.1 ports, PCIe 3.0 x4, and HDMI 2.1/eDP 1.4.

Building the Dream Piece by Piece

Assembling a laptop from open-source hardware is no small feat. Each component requires meticulous planning and problem-solving. For the display, Huang chose a 13.3-inch 4K AMOLED panel from Samsung—a decision that presented its own set of challenges. Connecting the high-resolution display to the CPU via eDP 1.4 proved tricky. After a series of experiments and modifications, he solved the issue by shortening the path between the CPU and the display, ensuring seamless communication between the two.

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Another standout feature of anyon_e is its Cherry MX ULP mechanical keyboard. Unlike conventional laptop keyboards, this one is modular and can even function wirelessly. Despite housing its own battery, the keyboard remains ultra-thin at under 7mm. It’s the perfect blend of form and functionality, offering a satisfying typing experience while maintaining the laptop’s slim profile.

Beyond the keyboard and display, Huang also designed the laptop’s mainboard, CNC-machined aluminum frame, and several plastic components using a 3D printer. For the hinge mechanism, he repurposed parts from the Framework 13 laptop, showcasing his resourcefulness and commitment to sustainability.

Overcoming Challenges with Creativity

Building anyon_e wasn’t without its hurdles. For instance, sourcing affordable yet high-quality parts required extensive research and patience. Huang also had to learn new skills, from PCB design to 3D modeling, to bring his vision to life. His journey is a testament to the power of persistence and creativity in overcoming technical challenges.

The result? A laptop that not only rivals premium devices but also surpasses them in some aspects. For example, anyon_e boots three seconds faster than Huang’s MacBook Pro. And because it’s open-source, anyone with the right skills and tools can replicate or customize the design to suit their needs.

Why Open Source Matters

The beauty of open-source hardware lies in its accessibility. Unlike proprietary systems, open-source projects encourage collaboration and innovation. Huang’s anyon_e laptop is a prime example of how open-source principles can empower individuals to push the boundaries of what’s possible. By sharing his design and process, Huang hopes to inspire others to explore the world of DIY computing.

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Could You Build Your Own Laptop?

If Huang’s story has sparked your curiosity, you might be wondering if you, too, could assemble a laptop from scratch. While it’s not a beginner-friendly project, it’s certainly achievable with the right mindset, tools, and resources. Start small by experimenting with single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi or Pine64. As you gain confidence, you can explore more complex builds like Huang’s anyon_e.

The key is to embrace the learning process. Every setback is an opportunity to grow, and every success is a step closer to achieving your goals. Whether you’re a student, a hobbyist, or a seasoned engineer, building your own laptop is a rewarding challenge that combines creativity, technical skills, and a touch of audacity.

Ready to Take the Leap?

Huang’s story is more than just an impressive technical achievement; it’s a call to action. If you’ve ever dreamed of creating something extraordinary, now is the time to start. With the wealth of resources available online and a supportive community of makers, the possibilities are endless.

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So, do you have what it takes to build your own laptop? As Huang has shown, all you need is a vision, a little courage, and a lot of determination. The rest, as they say, is history.

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