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| The Raspberry Pi CM5-powered Argon One UP laptop has started reaching customers. |
If you’ve ever dreamed of a true laptop built around a Raspberry Pi Compute Module, your wait is over. Argon Forty, a trusted name in Raspberry Pi cases and accessories, has officially launched the Argon One UP CM5 Laptop Shell—and it’s now shipping to eager backers who supported its successful Kickstarter campaign.
For enthusiasts and tinkerers, this marks a significant moment. Instead of a fully integrated system, the Argon One UP is a sleek, all-aluminum chassis designed to house your separately purchased Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5). Simply slot in your CM5—which acts as the laptop's brain—and you’ve got a portable, capable machine built on the open-source hardware you love.
What’s Inside the Shell?
The concept is straightforward: a premium clamshell laptop body with all the essential components except the main processor and memory. That’s where your CM5 comes in. The shell itself is built around a custom motherboard with an integrated active cooling system to keep things running smoothly.
Here’s a breakdown of the key features that make the Argon One UP stand out:
- 14-inch IPS Display: A 1080p, 60 Hz panel provides a sharp, clear workspace for coding, browsing, or light media.
- Solid Connectivity: It includes dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB-C ports (with support for a 40-pin GPIO module), and an HDMI 2.0 port.
- Solid-State Storage: An M.2 slot lets you add fast storage directly to the shell.
- Communication & Audio: A 2 MP front-facing camera, dual microphones, and stereo speakers round out the multimedia features.
- User-Friendly Perks: A backlit keyboard and a large 54 Wh battery promise a complete laptop experience. Argon Forty estimates 6 to 8 hours of battery life on a charge.
As noted in the campaign's final updates on Kickstarter, bringing this project to life was a community effort. The initial buzz, as spotted by Liliputing, has now translated into real units arriving at backers' doorsteps.
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| 40-pin GPIO is supported via a module with dual USB-C connectors. |
Who Is This For? (And Who Is It Not For?)
Let’s be clear: the Argon One UP isn’t designed to battle a MacBook Air or a Dell XPS. It’s a niche product with a very specific audience. If you’re a developer, educator, or hobbyist who wants a dedicated, portable rig for Pi-based projects, prototyping, or learning, this laptop shell ticks a huge number of boxes.
The aluminum build gives it a surprisingly premium feel, and early recipients on forums and reviews seem pleased with the hardware quality. As with any first-generation device, some early software teething issues are being reported, but these are likely to be ironed out with community-driven updates.
The value proposition hinges on you already owning or being willing to purchase the heart of the system. The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 starts at around $129 (check current pricing on Amazon), and the Argon One UP shell itself has a retail price of $400.
How to Get One
The crowdfunding wave has crested, but you don’t have to miss out. The Argon One UP CM5 Laptop Shell is available for direct purchase from Argon Forty's official website.
A quick word of caution: due to high demand, stock has been fluctuating. If you’re interested, it’s wise to check the product page regularly for availability updates. For Pi enthusiasts seeking a dedicated laptop form factor, this might just be the perfect portable platform you’ve been waiting for.
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| The Argone ONE UP Raspberry Pi CM5 laptop shell. |
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| The Argone ONE UP Raspberry Pi CM5 laptop shell. |