ZX Spectrum Next Laptop

A hobbyist-built ZX Spectrum Next laptop version 2 reconstructs the system around practical, salvaged components to fix flaws from an earlier build. The redesign uses hinges salvaged from a scrap laptop and a 14" WXGA LED panel that reliably supports both HDMI and VGA at 50 Hz, paired with a trimmed-down LCD controller board. A genuine Spectrum Next keyboard is integrated (temporarily borrowed from a spare unit), and the core electronics use a compact SpeccyX mini PCB to save space and cost while retaining Raspberry Pi and Wi‑Fi interfacing. Planned features include a touchpad via PS/2, dual micro‑SD sockets, stereo speakers with volume control and a headphone jack, dual joystick ports, and multiple USB ports for Pi peripherals.

Prototyping was done on a CR-10S PRO and final parts were 3D-printed professionally, sanded and painted before assembly; gameplay and demos were demonstrated on video. Early omissions - no battery and an always‑on LCD backlight - were resolved: a 12V UPS with a 10,000 mAh battery supplies roughly six hours of run time, and an Arduino Nano generates a PWM signal to control LCD brightness. The Arduino monitors keyboard membrane lines to let SYMBOL SHIFT+LEFT/RIGHT adjust brightness without altering Raspberry Pi firmware. The result is a compact, portable Spectrum Next laptop that reuses off‑the‑shelf hardware while addressing the original build’s mechanical, display and input shortcomings.