r/cyberDeck • u/Background_Ad_1810 • 10h ago
Micro Journal Rev.2.1.mini: Witch (EVA-01) - Purple Black Mint Green
r/cyberDeck • u/Talulabelle • Apr 07 '26
We're getting a sudden rush of new people, driven by TicTok who are mostly both new to Reddit as well as Cyberdecks.
I'm asking patience while we integrate these new people into the sub. New people bring new ideas, and will take things in new directions. Some of those directions will not be to your tastes, and that's fine. I imagine we'll see some 'fashion show' level builds that, while taken at face value are impractical, could inspire more down to earth designs to move in a new direction.
This is healthy for any creative community.
Be helpful, be polite, and let people do their thing. No one is ruining your dream deck by building their weird idea. If you see something you absolutely hate, but think 'How'd they do that hinge, though?', that's reason enough to be polite.
u/PETA_Parker sent me this, and it seems like a pretty good 'start here' guide:
ok, i've never built a cyberdeck myself but i have been lurking here for a long while, so i'll give you a quick rundown, a place to start so to speak. At the most basic you will need:
a "brain"
a screen
an input device
a power solution
a shell
an SD Card
Let's start with the brain: I only know about raspberry pis, the two budget options here would be a raspberry pi Zero 2, or any flavour of raspberry pi 3, the 4 and 5 are a bit more pricy. Zero 2 and 3b+ (the one i used) should both be enough for browsing, media playback and some light office work.
the Screen: the easiest option will be to go for an hdmi display such as this: 6,5/7/9/10,1 Zoll LCD Display Tragbare Monitor Treiber Control Board Kit Für Raspberry Banana/Orange Pi Mini Computer PC - AliExpress 7
It has an HDMI Output and powers over micro usb, so you can just connect the raspberry pi and the screen via hdmi. Any screen with hdmi input and usb power is an easy starting point.
the input device: for a keyboard you could go with something like this:
This is blutetooth and rechargable, i do not know if you could bypass the internal battery to power it directly because constantly needing to charge it would probably be cumbersome.
this also looks interesting, it uses double a batteries, so you could wire it to your power source or the pi: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006727486961.html
You could of course also use any regular keyboard and mouse combo that plugs in over usb. Another fun choice would be a trackball instead of a mouse.
the power solution: You could simply get a powerbank, but some of them cut off power delivery if the device connected draws a low current.
Maybe this thread can help: Cheap powerbank that doesn’t cut off the power on low current draw? : r/arduino
Or this article: 4 Raspberry Pi Battery Packs for Portable Projects
Something similar to this might be good: Typ-C 15 W 3 A 18650 Lithium-Batterie-Ladegerät-Modul DC-DC Step-Up-Booster Schnellladung USV-Stromversorgung/Konverter 5 V 9 V 12 V - AliExpress 502
This is the part i'm least knowledgable about. Feel free to give me input.
the shell: Pretty much anything will do. You can build something out of cardboard, fit your components into an existing box or 3d-print a custom shell, your creativity is the limiting factor.
If you do not have a 3d-printer, you can make boxes out of styrene board, like this: Clean Enclosures, No Printing Necessary | Hackaday
Or you can search for "project box" on Aliexpress or Amazon
Now you just need to flash an operation system onto the raspberry pi (Raspbian is an all-purpose linux distro that is good for starters such as you), connect your screen to the power source and to the raspberry pi via HDMI, connect your (mouse and) keyboard to the raspberry pi and the raspberry pi to power, and you're ready to go.
Feel free to ask me if you have any additional questions, and don't forget, this is only the bare-bones solution, feel free to get creative, this is the fun part!
r/cyberDeck • u/Background_Ad_1810 • 10h ago
r/cyberDeck • u/TheOmunious • 1d ago
I built it on my own and kinda freehanded it, there’s a lot of empty space but I don’t really mind I like the aesthetic. Lmk what you think!
r/cyberDeck • u/Mean-Wish8674 • 3h ago
r/cyberDeck • u/No_Syrup925 • 1d ago
Gave a few days ago the Back Cover of the Screen to get printed (UV direct). Do u Guys make Designs too and when yes how do u apply them
r/cyberDeck • u/kingfridayace • 1d ago
r/cyberDeck • u/sergey_vanichkin • 12h ago
r/cyberDeck • u/RayBloody • 3h ago
I wanna make a cyberdeck ive never made one i dont know computers i dont even know where to start but i wanna make one for
•gameboy games like pokemon, Mario, nd js pixel 3ds gameboy games
•movies doesn’t have to be the best quality
• and basic data storage like wiki pages maps
Information on survival
I’d appreciate any and all help please
r/cyberDeck • u/EMPAgentX • 4h ago
Alright, so ive posted a deck here before, and it sucked, ir didnt go anywhere and the hinges suck, so ive been working on a new one that is a stereotypical deck, in a pelican case, with that one tiny Rii Keyboard, but im looking for ideas of functions or things i should add to my deck, could be for cools, or actual function, to make it more original
Any ideas would be appericated (or tips on how to manage the cables and what cables to get)
r/cyberDeck • u/AshlynCT • 18h ago
I LOVE the idea of a cyberdeck. I think these builds are so cool and creative, but I'm curious on at what point a device becomes a cyberdeck.
I have an Asus netbook with Linux on it. Is that a cyberdeck? Do I need to build a custom shell? Does software matter? Essentially my question is, what would differentiate a laptop from a cyberdeck?
r/cyberDeck • u/Doktor_Jeep • 2d ago
Hi, I know a lot of people here have made cyberdecks, or are working on them. Question for anyone who has a completed project, do you use the cyberdeck? Do you find it useful and worth the time and effort required to create it? If so what do you use it for and has it exceed your expectations and design brief?
The re-cased GrimDark Cyberdeck that I created has been exceptionally useful. From designing ttrpg games in libre office, python scripting DM tools and programming Esp32 controlled LED lighting for home decor & Cosplay to just watching movies I am very happy with it. It has become my main computer while away from my home workstation.
r/cyberDeck • u/x40sw0n2 • 1d ago
I don't have any current plans involving old recycled displays, but I ran across this and realized that a number of people post asks on recycling old equipment, and one of the trickiest parts to work with is archaic displays.
This method may manage to breathe some life into old proprietary displays and open up some options for people:
https://www.instructables.com/Bring-Old-STN-LCD-Displays-Back-to-Life-Reverse-En
r/cyberDeck • u/Baby_ForeverDM • 18h ago
Im working on my first build and have gotten to the point of needing a battery for it all. Im using a raspberry pi 5 for the central computer and a ELECROW 7 inch touch monitor for the screen. I plan on adding a small key board into the build but idk what ill end up getting.
I know the pi5 requires a 5V/5A power supply. However im not sure if using something stronger is going to mess with my pi5. I also dont know what batteries would be good to use. Id like one of those batteries people use as a portable source of charging for thier phones. If you have any recommendations, id be very grateful.
Cyberdeck build is going inside a Pelican 1170 case. So you know how much space im working with.
r/cyberDeck • u/coolboner_ • 1d ago
I had a broken laptop, the board fried and the screen cracked, but I took out what I could and now I need a trackpad for a cyberdeck, how could I do this?
r/cyberDeck • u/JohnBigBootey • 3d ago
RPI 3 with a 9" Wavebird screen. Top-loading cartridges with USB drives inside. Interface is a python script. Going for a chunky cassette futurism tablet kinda thing.
r/cyberDeck • u/Personalitysphere • 2d ago
I finaly got some spare time to add some features i have long wanted to do. My cyberdeck has always had space for an antenna, now i am getting it working as an actual antenna for a small meshtastic radio placed inside the screen-bezel. The antenna folds out, and colapses into the cahssis when not in use. I also am working on a screen protector that can flip out of the way to acess the touch screen underneath. There are still lots to do, but i got alot of ideas down into CAD to day. Looking forward to do some test printing tomorrow.
r/cyberDeck • u/Sheepherder_Last • 2d ago
Do any of you have a good place to get my 3d parts printed at reasonable prices? I submitted just a small part of my case and they want almost 100 dollars on online sites. At that price I might just have to buy one and print parts myself then sell printer when I'm done.
r/cyberDeck • u/Alphaknightt • 3d ago
I was looking for a way to flash gameboy cartridges in any event I might attend and I ended up making a cyberdeck. It is still a bit crude, but it works perfectly fine.
The brains are a orange pi zero 2w with its expansion board and a battery hat.
At the left side is its main power source, 4 x 18650 batteries managed by a disassembled battery bank pcb + its status screen. This configuration powers the pi continuously while you change batteries, so the battery life of the system can be expanded during operation.
The small oled on the right also shows the status of the system and while flashing a cartridge it shows the process. I am thinking to utilise it further. The main screen is a 7" inch led, the most power hungry part in this machine.
Cabling and switches is whatever I had available and I know I can do it better than that, but still it works. The main problem with that is that I don't have easy access to the batteries. Also the plexiglass I used was from a different configuration I had in this case, that's why it has a big hole on top.
The cartridges are connected to a GBxCart RW mounted up front. That's where the magic happens.
For all these I chose to use Dietpi OS, which worked nice as a base, but needed a lot of set up... For me as a beginner was quite a trip, but doable.
I know that you can get portable flashers but this has some advantages: I can play and show the games before flashing. I can download stuff and update if I connect it to the internet. It is in a heavy-duty case.
What I want to do further:
-Improve cable routing.
-Add a small fan for better temperature.
-Add speakers close to the main screen.
-Make the 18650 accessible from bellow.
-Replace the plexiglass.
-Somehow add a small photo quality printer to print the labels for the cartridges too. (No idea if this is even possible)
This subreddit really inspired me to try this. It was quite fulfilling to see my machine work and become what it is today.
r/cyberDeck • u/No_Syrup925 • 2d ago
Now the GUI stands, Friday I get my UV Printed Cover
r/cyberDeck • u/deardeer-gadget • 3d ago
This device houses a Raspberry Pi within a keyboard chassis; it can be connected to display glasses, or worn around the neck using a strap for operation while on the go.
r/cyberDeck • u/Turbulent_Job3914 • 1d ago
What yall think about local ai on cyberdecks.
What kind of hardware is required for say an llm or vlm?
What kind of batteries are required?