Did you know that dust is one of the biggest enemies of any computer hardware? Rather than leaving your Raspberry Pi sitting out, exposed to the elements, consider the following stylish, yet functional enclosures and cases that will help you protect the little powerhouse from dust and damage. You will find tons of covers and cases online, mostly available in specialist retail stores, as well as online shops dedicated to Raspberry Pi products and accessories for school use. Whatever you choose raspberry pi covers, make sure to look for practical qualities like durability, port access, and board access, in addition to a stylish design that goes well with your desktop. Here are some of the most popular and stylish Pi cases you will find online:
The PiBow – Often described as the “unofficial official” Pi case by many, PiBow is a line of cases, specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi. The cases are made out of seven layers of differently colored acrylic, designed to fit the Pi snugly and prevent it from rattling. PiBows have clear acrylic tops and bases so you can still see the computer inside. Single-color PiBow cases are also available for those who want a more discreet look. The PiBow was the brainchild of Paul Beech, the same person who designed Pi's official logo and many other design work for the Pi Team.
The Short Crust – This beautiful plastic and acrylic case has a sleek design that has utility and cable management in mind. The top cover is a smoked black acrylic, intelligently designed to stand off from the body by a hair, in case you need to run a display cable out of the top. Power can be routed on the same side as the Ethernet and USB ports so the cables can be kept tidy. The SD card can be slot-loaded on the bottom and it comes with a removable cover for video and audio ports to protect them from the elements when not in use. Overall, the Short Crust is a great, handsome and thoughtfully designed case.
DIY cases – Because there are not many commercially available Pi cases, especially during the computer's early years, many users have taken it upon themselves to build their own Pi-protectors from the most unconventional of materials, ranging from Lego parts to plywood, and other types of soft wood. If you are the DIY type, you can find many great ideas from other pi owners who are generous enough to share their designs online.
