A damaged Sharp PC-G801 pocket computer from 1988 has been transformed into a modern portable Linux device by hacker shiura. The project preserves the original case and keypad while integrating new hardware for enhanced functionality. This upgrade turns a relic into a capable cyberdeck with calculator and computing modes.
The Sharp PC-G801, released in 1988, was a Z80-compatible pocket computer featuring just 8 kB of RAM. In 2025, such vintage hardware seems limited, prompting shiura to modernize a non-working unit that was difficult to repair.
Shiura retained the device's iconic case and membrane keypad, removing the original circuit board entirely. A custom PCB was designed to connect the keypad and accommodate new components. At the core is a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, which supports Linux operation and includes built-in wireless connectivity. An ESP32-S3 microcontroller manages interfaces, including the 256×64 OLED display and other original hardware elements.
The modified device offers dual modes. In ESP32-only mode, it functions as a classic reverse Polish notation (RPN) calculator. When the Pi Zero activates, it enables full computing capabilities, creating a compact cyberdeck reminiscent of 1980s designs but with vastly improved performance.
The original PCB remains intact, allowing restoration to factory condition if desired. Documentation for the project is available in Japanese at shiura's site, with machine translations making it accessible. Shiura noted, 'The modified computer (SHARP PC-G801) is specifically for the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market), which is another reason why I chose to write it in Japanese.'
This build revives interest in pocket computers, echoing past hacker dreams of portable devices. While the original aimed at programmable calculations like interest rates or wire gauges, modern constraints like battery life persist, yet the project highlights the potential for retro hardware in niche applications such as SSH access or project tools.