Dear all, my apologies for sharing this in the open.
Following is the loveliest side gig I could fathom. I cannot wait to get it this paper ready, and jump with anyone willing to make it a reality in the schools. The context of this is a global ongoing network on one health education, in dearest need of such hardware as the platform to both learn computer science and engineering, at school level, and to help the most in need hold affordable technology their own. The production system itself, needs to be self-replicable at local scale global range, by a model that engages authorities at scale as well:
Title: An Open-Science, Classic Gaming Handheld Form Factor RISC-V Computer with Dual-Monitor Support and Mobile Network Connectivity
Abstract:
This paper introduces an open-hardware, handheld RISC-V computing device designed to enhance computer science education through an engaging, repairable, and portable form factor. Mimicking a classic, vertical gaming handheld layout, this pocket-sized computer bridges traditional portable aesthetics with the high-utility features of a modern dual-monitor desktop. Developed specifically as a budget-friendly option for schools, the system is designed for manual assembly by students to foster deep hardware literacy and practical electronics skills.
Crucially, this project operates under an open-science paradigm, serving as a reproducible and upgradable scientific artifact. All engineering blueprints, computer-aided design (CAD) chassis models, and printed circuit board (PCB) schematics are publicly shared under open-source hardware licenses. This transparency ensures global reproducibility and simplifies ongoing maintenance. By avoiding proprietary adhesives and utilizing standard fasteners, the modular design ensures that individual components are straightforward to repair, swap, or upgrade as technology evolves. Present educational institutions with the instructions and modular kit, easy to assemble and improve on their own.
Despite its compact size, the device addresses desktop demands by supporting dual external monitor outputs via its RISC-V System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture. Integrated cellular modems add mobile network connectivity, expanding utility beyond local wireless networks. These features enable students to transition seamlessly from field-based mobile data collection to a dual-screen workspace in classroom laboratories. The underlying software relies entirely on community-driven Linux distributions optimized for RISC-V, ensuring a fully open software stack.
By prioritizing commercial availability, affordability, and complete technical transparency, this project demonstrates that viable, consumer open-hardware computing in deprived communities is achievable today. The student-assembled, modular RISC-V computer provides a sustainable blueprint for global STEM education, empowering students to transform into active creators and hardware engineers.
Please, let me know when to present you the final paper ready. I will be attending online from Surabaya, Indonesia, unless justice is made earlier than I expected. This work is not new, but urgently needed also for homeless and victims of violence once help can be provided. Rugged, and indeed not denying access to gaming, social as well, to communicate their needs and track position. It is an urgent work to be done, tragically born from the lived experience of torture. I am more than happy to connect with co-authors, if there is anyone else skilled to achieve, with a can do attitude and the shared need deep inside as the driving force, looking forward to work this out better than available models.
Kindest regards,
Henning Enric Garcia Torrents, MSc, PhD
Founder (2021-25) and current gender equality and social inclusion officer, EU BEACON One Health Education, EU COST action CA24106 (awarded 2025-29, OC-2024-1-27164). [link to cost.eu]
Founder, Open Science Commons Cloud (OSCC). [link to website]