Laptop Based on 6502 CPU

Paula completed a revised LT6502b laptop built around a 6502-class CPU and showcased it in a translucent orange case. Compared with the original, the new version is half as thick, uses a 10.1" IPS screen at 1024×600 (up from 9" 800×480) for better contrast and more text rows, runs a bit faster at 10MHz versus 8MHz, and retains similar battery life. It adds a SID emulator and a WiFi modem while sacrificing an expansion slot to achieve a sleeker design. All source code, PCB files and project materials are available on Codeberg.

Remaining issues and planned improvements focus on robustness, usability and expandability: strengthen the weak heat-insert supports, add a CAPS LOCK LED under the key, replace the flaky slow WiFi modem, and fit a stronger speaker. Performance and power proposals include faster booting by copying ROM to RAM, a better battery plan (18650 cells integrated into the hinge), and USB-PD support via a buck/boost converter so the device can accept full PD voltages without preprogramming the PD chip. There are also wishes for a more capable sound chip and native FAT16 support for CF cards instead of a custom filesystem.