Mecha Comet Portable Computer on Kickstarter Brings The Joy of Real Computing Back
- Michael G.
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
Mecha Comet portable computer on Kickstarter exists because too many modern portable devices stopped feeling like computers. With $854,932 already pledged by 2,473 backers and 20 days still to go, this Kickstarter campaign clearly resonates with people who miss control, openness, and the simple satisfaction of understanding the machine they use every day. Mecha Comet is a Linux handheld designed to be opened, modified, and kept alive for years, not sealed, replaced, and forgotten.
Quick Verdict
Who it’s for
Linux users who want a real handheld computer
Developers and tinkerers who enjoy owning their hardware
Users frustrated by sealed, disposable devices
Main strengths
Open Linux-based software stack with published repositories
Hardware designed from the start to be opened and modified
Modular approach allowing external hardware expansion
Flexible storage options suited to different use cases
Long-term support vision with spare parts availability
Main limitations
Not designed for closed, mainstream ecosystems
Assumes familiarity with Linux and hands-on usage
Bottom line:If you want a portable Linux computer that treats ownership, openness, and longevity as core principles rather than marketing buzzwords, Mecha Comet stands out as a rare and meaningful alternative.
The problem modern portable computers stopped addressing
Portable computing has become increasingly polished and increasingly restrictive. Devices look better than ever, yet feel less personal. Internals are hidden. Repairs are discouraged. Software is locked behind controlled ecosystems. For users who want to do more than consume content, this creates a constant sense of friction.
Mecha Comet was born from that frustration. The team did not set out to build a gadget. They wanted a small computer they could program, deploy, and manage remotely. That requirement immediately changes the relationship between the user and the device. It implies control, adaptability, and long-term use. Once you start there, sealing the hardware or limiting the software no longer makes sense.
Rather than accepting the compromises of modern handhelds, Mecha Comet leans fully into the idea that a portable computer should still behave like a computer.
A design philosophy built around real ownership
From the beginning, the team defined five design goals that shaped every decision.
The Comet had to be modular, allowing users to extend functionality through external hardware. It had to be openable, so accessing and modifying internals would be practical, not theoretical. It needed to be integrated, providing the interfaces real-world applications require. It had to remain compact, preserving its handheld nature. And it had to be efficient, making battery usage a system-wide priority.
These goals often conflict with each other. Compact devices are usually sealed. Modular systems often sacrifice efficiency. Mecha Comet deliberately tries to balance all five, and that ambition explains both the device’s character and the time invested in its development.
Years of iteration, not a rushed concept
Design work began in 2021, and since then the Comet has gone through seven iterations. These were not cosmetic updates. The team iterated across mechanical design and PCB engineering, refining the device step by step.
This matters because iteration is where hardware matures. It is where constraints become visible and decisions become deliberate. The campaign also mentions working with stable DVT mainboards, with hardware and software teams actively bringing the system together. The tone is grounded. This is not a speculative prototype, but a device shaped through years of real engineering work.
A handheld computer designed for real use
At the core of Mecha Comet is a 6-core ARM64 platform, running up to 1.8 GHz on A55 cores, with an integrated GPU and NPU. Memory is based on LPDDR5, balancing modern performance with power efficiency.
Storage flexibility is one of the Comet’s defining traits. Users can rely on onboard eMMC storage (64 GB or 128 GB), expand via microSD up to 1 TB, or install a NVMe SSD up to 1 TB. This range allows the device to adapt to different workflows, from lightweight setups to more demanding use cases.
The AMOLED display delivers 500 nits brightness, 16.7 million colors, and a 441 ppi density, making it suitable for extended sessions rather than quick interactions. Display output support further reinforces its role as a genuine computer, not a closed handheld.
Connectivity and onboard features complete the picture: WiFi 6 on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, Bluetooth 5.4 with BLE and LE Audio, an 8 MP autofocus camera, motion sensors, a secure element trust anchor, front speaker, dual microphones, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and a haptic motor. Each element feels chosen to support practical use rather than inflate a spec sheet.
Power usage is communicated through concrete scenarios, from deep standby to active workloads like video streaming. This transparency aligns with the project’s broader philosophy: users deserve clarity, not vague promises.
Open software as a living ecosystem
Software openness is central to Mecha Comet. The team actively publishes and maintains repositories covering the GUI shell, applications, build tools, Linux kernel work, and bootloader development. They also state their intention to move toward broader mainline support.
This approach positions the Mecha Comet portable computer on Kickstarter as a platform rather than a frozen product. Users are not locked into a closed environment. Instead, they are invited into an ecosystem that can evolve through both official development and community involvement.
Mecha Comet: Open hardware and long-term thinking
Once in production, Mecha Comet is planned to be released as open hardware under the CERN-OHL-S-2.0 license, with design files made publicly available. Combined with a commitment to stock spare parts at reasonable prices, this reinforces the idea that the device is meant to last.
The team states that official software support will be available for seven years, with the underlying SoC supported until 2036. In an industry dominated by short product cycles, this long-term perspective fundamentally changes how the device is perceived. It becomes a tool, not a temporary purchase.
Why backing Mecha Comet on Kickstarter makes sense
Backing Mecha Comet portable computer on Kickstarter is not about chasing the next trend. It is about supporting a vision of portable computing that many users quietly miss. A vision where hardware is understandable, software is open, and ownership actually means something.
The strong backing already shows that this philosophy resonates. If you want a handheld Linux computer that respects your curiosity instead of fighting it, Mecha Comet does not just promise that idea. It is built around it.
FAQ about Mecha Comet portable computer on Kickstarter
Can I modify or customize the hardware myself?
Yes. Mecha Comet is designed to be opened and modified by end users. The team explicitly built the device with openability in mind, making access to internal components easier compared to typical sealed handhelds, and plans to provide access to spare parts through their website.
What makes Mecha Comet different from other Linux handhelds?
Mecha Comet combines open-source software with planned open hardware release under the CERN-OHL-S-2.0 license. Unlike many devices that rely on partially closed components, the team develops mechanicals, PCBs, software, and supply chain in-house, giving them full control over the platform.
What kind of storage options does the Comet support?
The device supports multiple storage configurations, including onboard eMMC (64 GB or 128 GB), microSD cards up to 1 TB, and NVMe SSDs up to 1 TB. This allows users to adapt the device to lightweight setups or more demanding workloads without being locked into a single option.
How long will Mecha Comet be supported?
Mecha states that official software support will be available for seven years. Additionally, the selected SoC is supported until 2036, and community-driven support could extend the lifespan of the device even further.
Will the hardware design files be publicly available?
Yes. Once the device enters production, Mecha Comet is planned to be released as open hardware under the CERN-OHL-S-2.0 license. The team has already published part of the hardware files and plans to release the remaining ones once shipping begins.
.png)