feltPC

feltPC is a line of compact personal computers distinguished by a fabric-wrapped chassis made from felt. Conceived by a collaborative team of designers and engineers in the late 2010s, feltPC emphasizes portability, sustainability, and a tactile user experience. The devices are commonly targeted at education, maker spaces, and casual computing.

Hardware is built around a small single-board computer with removable storage and options for an integrated battery. The outer shell uses recycled felt with heat-dissipating inserts and lightweight supports. Interfaces typically include USB-C, video output, wireless networking, and a modular GPIO header for experimentation.

FeltPC runs a Linux-based operating system with an open-source toolchain. The project offers preinstalled educational environments and supports common programming languages. Firmware and system images are maintained by an active community, providing updates, driver support, and a range of DIY accessories.

Available variants include FeltPC Core, FeltPC Lite, and FeltPC Pro, differing in processor class, memory, and display options. The ecosystem encourages user modifications, sharing case designs, and community-driven hardware add-ons such as sensors and external keyboards.

Reception has noted the blend of sustainability and hands-on design as a strength, while durability and cost relative to conventional plastics have drawn some critique. Proponents cite its educational value and distinctive tactility as its defining appeal.