The completed ZX Spectrum Next Laptop Version 2, assembled after 3‑D printing and solder work.
DIY ZX SPECTRUM NEXT LAPTOP VERSION 2 LAUNCHED BY HOBBYIST
*A hobbyist rebuilt a ZX Spectrum Next laptop after the first version failed on hinges, screen compatibility and keyboard choice. The new unit swaps in a genuine Spectrum Next keyboard, a 14" WXGA LED screen and a mini PCB to cut cost and size.*
A lone maker posted a follow‑up to his ZX Spectrum Next laptop on 21 Nov 2020, declaring the project unrelated to the official Spectrum Next Kickstarter. The first laptop flopped on three fronts: hinges that wouldn’t lock, a screen that lost HDMI compatibility after firmware updates, and an off‑the‑shelf USB PC keyboard that betrayed the Spectrum brand. Determined to fix those flaws, he scavenged parts from discarded laptops, reclaimed a 14" WXGA LED panel and sourced a genuine Spectrum Next keyboard from a second unit. The result is a hand‑crafted, 3‑D‑printed case that houses a mini PCB from his handheld SpeccyX project, promising a true Spectrum experience in a portable form.
What hardware does the ZX Spectrum Next Laptop Version 2 use?
The laptop houses a 14" WXGA LED screen that drives both HDMI and VGA at 50 Hz. A controller board stripped of unused DVI and headphone sockets fits the cramped chassis. The original Spectrum Next keyboard is mounted on loan from a second unit. Inside, a handheld SpeccyX mini PCB replaces the larger dev board, saving space and cost. The build adds a PS/2 touchpad, dual micro‑SD slots, stereo speakers with volume knob, a headphone jack, dual joystick ports and PI USB ports. Power comes from a 12 V UPS and a 10,000 mAh battery added later.
How does the new laptop solve the original design flaws?
The first version suffered loose hinges that required a lever to stay closed and a screen that lost HDMI compatibility after firmware changes. The rebuild uses hinges salvaged from a more recent scrap laptop, which lock securely. A larger, off‑the‑shelf 14" screen restores HDMI and adds VGA support, eliminating the broken compatibility. Replacing the off‑the‑shelf USB PC keyboard with a genuine Spectrum Next keyboard restores authenticity, a core demand of the creator.
What steps were taken to finish the laptop's construction?
Initial parts were printed on a CR‑10S Pro to verify port and hinge placement. Verified STL files were sent to Shapeways for professional printing. Received parts were sanded, painted black, and assembled. The creator wired the Arduino Nano to the screen's PWM pin, enabling backlight control via Symbol Shift + Left/Right keys. The Arduino handles brightness without altering the standard Next distribution on the Raspberry Pi.
What remaining work remains on the laptop?
A dedicated battery and charging module are still pending. The LCD backlight, while now PWM‑controlled, still lacks a hardware dimmer for finer adjustment. The creator notes that the laptop currently runs on the added 12 V UPS and 10,000 mAh battery, delivering roughly six hours of playtime, but a fully integrated power solution is not yet in place.
Frequently asked questions
What screen does the ZX Spectrum Next Laptop Version 2 use?
It uses a 14" WXGA LED screen that works over HDMI and VGA at 50 Hz.
How long can the laptop run on its added battery?
The 12 V UPS and 10,000 mAh battery provide about six hours of ZX Spectrum playtime.
How is the LCD backlight brightness controlled?
An Arduino Nano sends a PWM signal to the screen, triggered by Symbol Shift + Left or Right keys.
The rebuilt ZX Spectrum Next Laptop Version 2 demonstrates how a single enthusiast can overcome hardware setbacks with scrap parts, 3‑D printing and clever firmware workarounds. While power integration and backlight refinement remain, the device now delivers six hours of untethered play, authentic keyboard feel and dual video output. It stands as a proof‑of‑concept that vintage computing can be reborn without corporate backing, provided the builder is willing to solder, sand and iterate.
Sources: Hacker News – ZX Spectrum Next Laptop (https://www.dorchester3d.com/printing/blog/2020/11/zx-spectrum-next-laptop-version-2)