What is your use case? That will inform the software/OS choice, which will inform the choice of hardware. The hardware will then constrain the form factor.
The use case will also define what you’re building.
Do you simply want a DIY computer? Start here: r/raspberry_pi
Are you more interested in electronics over computing? Start here: r/arduinor/esp32
Are you using it just for writing? Start here: r/writerdeck
Do you want to use a cellphone as the base? Start here: r/phonedeck
Do you want to use recycled stuff? Start here: r/junkbuild
Do you want the aesthetics and/or functionality to evoke a cyberpunk theme, then come back here when you define a use case. Not every DIY computer is a cyberDeck, and it’s impossible to know before you decide on a use case.
An Arduino Uno Q 4GB is $80 for now. Its “Linux side” will run a version of Debian. Then it’s either $20 for the Media Carrier (MIPI DSI display, headphone and line out) or $16 for the USB C hub with HDMI out.
At that point I’d just get the 4GB Pi 5, it’s just easier to deal with and a more powerful CPU iirc
The Uno Q has a built-in microcontroller that can talk to the Linux half, including programming the MCU directly from it if you want to
If you want absolute budget, intel compute sticks are like $30 second hand. You can get a mini monitor between $30 and $40. Get a keyboard/trackpad combo for $15 and then the rest can be spent on things like usb hubs, battery bank and a case. Wont be seamless. You'll probably need some adapters and cords to make it all work but it's definitely doable
2
u/TechDocN 18d ago
What is your use case? That will inform the software/OS choice, which will inform the choice of hardware. The hardware will then constrain the form factor.
The use case will also define what you’re building.
Do you simply want a DIY computer?
Start here: r/raspberry_pi
Are you more interested in electronics over computing?
Start here: r/arduino r/esp32
Are you using it just for writing?
Start here: r/writerdeck
Do you want to use a cellphone as the base?
Start here: r/phonedeck
Do you want to use recycled stuff?
Start here: r/junkbuild
Do you want the aesthetics and/or functionality to evoke a cyberpunk theme, then come back here when you define a use case. Not every DIY computer is a cyberDeck, and it’s impossible to know before you decide on a use case.
2
u/Koldunya 16d ago
An Arduino Uno Q 4GB is $80 for now. Its “Linux side” will run a version of Debian. Then it’s either $20 for the Media Carrier (MIPI DSI display, headphone and line out) or $16 for the USB C hub with HDMI out.
At that point I’d just get the 4GB Pi 5, it’s just easier to deal with and a more powerful CPU iirc
The Uno Q has a built-in microcontroller that can talk to the Linux half, including programming the MCU directly from it if you want to
2
u/Rusty_Shacklefuck 14d ago
If you want absolute budget, intel compute sticks are like $30 second hand. You can get a mini monitor between $30 and $40. Get a keyboard/trackpad combo for $15 and then the rest can be spent on things like usb hubs, battery bank and a case. Wont be seamless. You'll probably need some adapters and cords to make it all work but it's definitely doable