A developer has completed a second iteration of a laptop built around the 6502 microprocessor, a chip originally introduced in the 1970s and famously used in early personal comp...
A developer has completed a second iteration of a laptop built around the 6502 microprocessor, a chip originally introduced in the 1970s and famously used in early personal computers such as the Apple II and Commodore 64. The new version, referred to as the "b" model, features a translucent orange enclosure that the creator says appears more vivid in person compared to the earlier prototype. The chassis change was motivated by a desire for a more streamlined appearance. The device incorporates a 10.1-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1024 by 600 pixels, an upgrade from the prior 9-inch screen that offered 800 by 480 pixels. Battery capacity remains comparable to the first version, and the processor runs at 10 megahertz, up from 8 megahertz. Additional features include a SID sound emulator and integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, though the design omits an expansion slot to maintain a slimmer profile. The higher pixel density and IPS technology contribute to improved contrast and text legibility, allowing more lines of text to be displayed on screen. Source files, including schematics and printed circuit board layouts, are hosted on Codeberg at https://codeberg.org/TechPaula/LT6502b. The developer notes several areas for improvement, including reinforcing mounting points for heat inserts, enhancing the Wi-Fi module for greater reliability and speed, upgrading the audio output, and exploring more efficient power management solutions such as USB power delivery without requiring preprogramming of the USB-PD controller. Other goals include supporting FAT16 file systems on the compact flash card and adopting a more robust battery configuration using an 18650 cell integrated into the hinge structure.
- Publisher
- Hacker News
- Reliability
- high
- Published
- 10/19/2026, 10:00:38 AM
- Retrieved
- 10/19/2026, 10:00:38 AM
- Relevance
- 80%
- Confidence
- 85%

