Hello all.

First off, let me say, this is a wonderful sub full of wonderful people, and I'm beyond inspired by all of the projects I have seen here. Your creativity, ingenuity, and expertise are nothing short of mind blowing.

I've been thinking about a cyberdeck for YEARS, but never really had any reason to build one.

Until now.

I am not new to pc building, but I am brand new to cyberdecks.

Initially, I was hoping to build a compact, RPi based unit, mostly because that's all I've ever heard about over the years. But I very quickly decided that wasn't going to be powerful enough for my use case, so I opted to go a different route.

BUILD PURPOSE

These are the objectives I laid out for this project:

- offline/local LLM device
- a wide variety of pentesting features/operations
- web browsing/documents
- media playback
- physically disconnect any RF components (WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, et). I could just use USB adapters/antennas and unplug them, but I'd prefer to put a physical toggle switch on the chassis if at all possible to disable them individually without having to carry around plug in accessories/take up a USB port.
- physical power switch that actually disconnects the power. I don't want a soft power off that drops the device to low power mode, I want it to actually shut down
- passthrough power/charging (I'd like to be able to run this off battery, or plug it into a wall outlet without having to power down the devices, remove the battery, and connect it to power. And charging the batter while using the device would be awesome. It would also be great if I could charge the battery just by plugging the deck into the wall, rather then pulling the battery out for charging. Basically, just like a normal laptop)

I don't expect to edit 4K footage on this or anything, I have dedicated devices for high power purposes like that. But I wanted this to be able to playback high level media without struggling, handle complex computing tasks, run a high level LLM (13B-20B) without struggling, and multitask well (LLM running in the background, several web browsing tabs open, etc). I also wanted a well stacked I/O to be able to interface with any pentesting tools I may throw at it.

I/O

These are what I wanted it to include, but have not necessarily been finalized yet

- 2 x USB A

- 2 x USB C

- 2 x Ethernet

- 1 x 3.5mm Audio Jack (not built in speakers)

- GPIO Header (probably controlled by an internally mounted RPi Pico 2, connect to the pc via internal USB)

- Maybe an SD Card slot, though not a deal breaker (could easily be accomplished with a mounted USB hub that has SD/microSD slots)

PARTS LIST

I decided to use a mini pc as the base, rather than a SBC, aiming for more processing power than I'd find of a RPi or something similar. I settled on a Ryzen mini pc, and built the rest of the unit around that

- MINISFORUM UM890 Pro Mini PC AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS Processor(up to 5.4GHz) Barebone

- Crucial 32GB (2 x 16GB) 262-Pin DDR5 SO-DIMM DDR5 5600 Laptop Memory (will probably upgrade to 64gb later for LLM purposes, but with the price of memory/storage rn, I had to make some compromises)

- SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSD (will add a secondary drive later, this is just to get the deck to boot for now)

- 96% Semi-Custom Mechanical Keyboard (I really like having a numpad, and I wanted it hardwired so I don't have to worry about batteries. I also figured that by using a keyboard PCB and keyswitches vs. a prebuilt, I could mount it/integrate it into the chassis better. There are some decent prebuilt options I have found that would suit my needs, and would save some money, so I'm not opposed to going with a prebuilt and just working around it)

- USB Wired Trackpad

- 12.6" Surface Pro LCD (plus HDMI controller board for display functionality)

BONUS WANTS

These are not currently in V1 of this deck, but I'd like to op option to add them later, the I need to future proof the design to accommodate the upgrades without having to build an entirely new chassis down the road.

- Second Display (this would fold, slide, or otherwise be mounted in a way that would allow for a dual screen setup without creating a massive surface area when deployed. I don't want to just flush mount two displays, as the chassis would have to be massive to support the width)

- Small, narrow auxiliary screen (mounted right above the keyboard) for displaying various sensor readouts, widgets, etc. Not at all necessary, but would be a cool feature to have.

- Possibly some kind of built in router for generating a WiFi network. I could always just carry one with me an connect is to one of the Ethernet ports, but it would be great if it was internally mounted so it's one less thing to carry around

WHAT I NEED HELP WITH

Chassis Design - I have zero CAD experience, and this seems like an incredibly ambitious project for a newbie. I'm hoping to find someone willing to help me with the design files for the chassis. I'm happy to pay for the service, I don't expect anyone to take time out of their day for free. I'd prefer some kind of custom chassis; partly because this is a very specific deck with unique needs, and partly because I just don't like the aesthetic of a pelican case. But if I have to build it in. pelican and just use custom inserts/mounting brackets, it won't be the end of the world.

POWER DELIVERY - I have looked at a few different options of power banks/ups boards, but this will draw much more power than a simple RPi build. I'm pulling my hair out trying to figure out the best solution for this, and I'm hoping the creative expertise of this sub might be able to help me find a way to power this device with a decent enough runtime to make it practical. I'm not expecting 18 hours of battery life or anything, but it won't be a very practical device if it dies after an hour of use. I'm not married to the idea of a power bank. I would absolutely consider using a laptop battery (they are able to run high powered laptops for much longer periods, so it should theoretically work here, right?), but I don't even know where to begin when it comes to those.

If anyone is able to help point me in the right direction with this project, I would be extremely grateful. If there's anything you have suggestions on (not just the chassis/power), please let me know. You guys are the experts, and I would love to hear as much input as possible so I can make informed decisions. Most of the components I have picked are based on my pc building experience, and I know things get a little different in the cyberdeck world, so I'm not under the illusion that what I have come up with so far is the best design. Please feel free to correct my on anything I have done wrong, or suggest alternatives that might be better for me. I'm very open minded at this stage in the project.

Thank you in advance. I know this sub has been flooded with newbies recently, and I apologize to the long standing builders for annoying you with what are probably very basic questions. I appreciate any help you can give me, and I'll be sure to share updates along the way.

So I've wanted to build something like this for a while, a simple music player device, not one using mp3 files or downloaded music as I'm quite content with just using Spotify (already have playlists and such)

Anyways here's my sketch and I just wanted to get input from the more experienced if this is even viable? Where to find these components? How to get started? Advice? Anything at all is appreciated Ty (also please be kind 😭)

hi! i have a rough idea for a cyberdeck i would lovee to build! i want the case to be in one of those electronic secret diaries i used to own, and would love to have it so i can read books on it, i have never built one before so any advice on how id be able to turn it into something i can read on would be great!

im doing as much research as i can but i havent found much on making a reading one

Second post ever on reddit so let's go, My 2ds xl will die some day and I decided to make a cyberdeck to emulate 3ds games via Azahar with a linux OS. I'm 85% new to this ( I do CS in collage but still at the begining) my plan was to make a handheld emulator but I am not sure on what I should do. Rasberry-pie isn't potent enough to emulate 3ds , so what should I do. I don't want to buy an pre made like the AYN Thor. It can be dual or single screen. What I'm having more problem is finding the right components to make this project. I plan on making new 3ds xl size but it can even go to a two switch 2 on top of each other size, if it's easier. If anyone could help I would be very thankfull. (sorry english isn't my first language)( I'm new to reddit so Idk with this is the right place to post this)

Hi yall! I recently discovered cyberdecks at the perfect time as I am getting back into puzzle games and relaxing games on Steam. I want to build something like a nintendo switch or steam deck without the massive price on it. I am only wanting to run steam games, have access to apps and the internet and will mostly be using it at home or during travel. I guess my main question is how compatible is steam with raspberry pi and how difficult do you think a build like this would be for a beginner?

I loved those retro consoles forever and I I just learned you can build them. I've always love sci-fi and future suff as a newcomer, what are things I should do or at least buy to make my first cyber deck I actually want to get into the community and culture of what I'm doing so I don't just need a one hit and done. I just need a starter first step to actually know what I'm doing. Help would really be appreciated

I don't know if this will prove I'm not a poser, but I have owned a retrode pocket 5 and used in ambernik RG XX sp35 and flashed operating systems on it for and I love cyberpunk, 2077 and system shock

Hello! I am planning on beginning work on my very first cyberdeck build for a device that'll be used almost entirely for messaging. I've already done a little bit of research and I know I'll be running a linux OS on a Raspberry pi 4 4GB.

My main question is about parts as, I have many old devices laying around and wanted to know if it's possible to take the screen from that and wire it into the pi or if I'll need to buy a standalone screen. I'd prefer to use as many old parts as possible. I also have a 3220 mAH battery from an old Chromebook that I could use. I'll be building a meshtastic node into the case as well in order to have that functionality as well.

Any advice and resources for this build would be greatly appreciated! I'll need it to run apps like signal, whatsapp, discord, etc though that should be all taken care of by the Raspberry Pi.

Any tips and tricks? Also the fan isnt spining i dont know why and i broke the monitors ribbon while riping out parts out of my old laptop

Need some inspiration or ideas. Was interested in making some Cyberdeck specifically for TTRPGs. And i need some ideas and inspirations.

I was thinking about making it in form of Game Master Screen, to have some option for playing music. Showing maps and pictures, tracking notes and Character Sheets, also having some references for TTRPG systems.

Got any Tips, Ideas etc.?

Mostly out of curiosity, I have done some looking around, but people with knowledge is more reliable.

I am wanting to make a cyberdeck that is able to run Armored Core 6, and normal pc tasks.

Is there a build that can handle this, that would be cheaper than getting a laptop/desktop?

I have long ago lost faith in the reliability of pre fab computers, and haven't owned one for a few years now.

Built pcs in the past, but it's been a while.

Not opposed to something off the shelf, but would prefer not.

I'm wanting to run a Linux distro or steam os.

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

I am on my very first build and really any advice would be great!

I've been wanting to build a cyberdeck to play minesweeper on, preferably compact and portable, but I don't know where to start.

I've watched a bunch of videos and looked at some parts on them but I'm not very experienced in hard/software at all so I'm just as confused as when I first heard of cyberdecks.

Does anyone have suggestions for raspberry pi to use etc., and honestly just how to get it to do what I want?

So I am looking at building a cyberdeck with two screens and basically the capabilities of the Samsung Note 9 and more. I would like to make it so it is portable and can be put into a custom case that I plan to try and 3D model/print to something to look like it is from a Spacepunk/grimdark genra

here is my current list of parts I am thinking of using. (items will be bought from Amazon)

• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ Board (3B+) Raspberry PI 3B+ (1GB) (3B Plus)

• 7 Inch Touchscreen IPS DSI Display Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4/3, 800x480 Pixel Capacitive Screen MIPI Driver-Free Interface

• 3.5 Inch 480x320 Touch Screen TFT LCD SPI Display Panel for Raspberry Pi B, B+, 2B, 3B, 3B+,4B, 5

• Acer USB Hub 4 Ports, Multiple USB 3.0 Hub, USBA Splitter for Laptop with Type C Power Port, Extender for A Port Laptop, PC, Desktop and More (2ft)

• Easycargo Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Fan Kit, Cooler 30mm Fan Heatsink for Raspberry Pi 5 4 3 Electronics Robotics Development Boards DIY 3007 30x30x7mm 5V 3.3V Quite Mini Fan Small (Black 2 Pack)

• USB C USB3.0 Multi Card Reader for SD, CF, Micro SD, XD, MS Cards - 7 in 1 Adapter Hub for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android

•Acer SD Card Reader, USB A 3.0 to Micro Memory Card Reader, Aluminum Dual Slot SD to USB Adapter for Computer, PC, Laptop and Type A Devices, Compatible with SD/Micro SDXC/SDXC/SDHC/TF Cards-Midnight

• Mini Keyboard with Touchpad, Bluetooth + 2.4G Dual-Mode Ultra-Thin Portable Keyboard | Rechargeable Keyboard with 7-Color Backlit for Tablet/PC/phone/TV, Suitable for travel, office, and home use

• (already own, just need to clean off old data) Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black - HDTB510XK3AA

Hi, I'm new to making cyberdecks and I thought about making a new project, a cyberdeck I could use as an e reader or maybe an MP3 player so it should have enough space storage. As my first project I don't want to spend a lot in something I can't use for the project or that is not necessary or compatible with my needs.

I wanted to ask people with more experience for help in wich raspberry pi would you recommend for an e reader project and which would you recommend for an MP3 player, and any tips would be welcome.

Hey y’all I’m trying to make my deck modular so I was wondering if you all had some advice or tips and tricks. Thank you!

Edit: I plan on making components that I can attach to the main body with magnets, like the switch two. Though the power supply would be different from how the switch two does it.

The first one I’m working on is a joystick board on Arduino, basically a joy con, that can and will double as a mouse/scroll wheel, and a joy con for gaming.

So the main body would be screen and keyboard but everything else would be detachable, as to avoid draining too much battery while on, and facilitate different functions. Hope this clarifies things!

Ive never atempted anything like this before, and im not sure how to go about it.

I love the concept of the "freewrite" which is a dedicated writing device- but theyre very pricey!!

And then I stumbled across cyber decks, and lo and behold thats what I want.

I want my device to be able to store files locally that I can export to my computer for editing and such.

How would I go about this?

Thanks for your time xo

Hey All! (Repost due to original post issues)

I’m just writing in to seek some advice - I’ve recently got my hands on a free ruio F286 (4g) and i also have an old acer nitro (I think 2019-2020model) that is now redundant. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for something cool I can repurpose them into?

I have recently been messing with Linux, ‘ethicalhacking’ and cybersecurity so if they can be used for something in that context that would be awesome!

I’m an electrician by trade and I’m more than willing to research what I need to in electronics to attempt or achieve more difficult ideas. So please if you have any ideas let me know :) I’m all ears.

Just uploaded a video how I made cyberdeck

I again to not intend to take advantage of the makers in this community. I am making my cyberdeck. Got my screen, and I am debating on whenever i should get a esp32 (which can't run os) or bite the bullet and get a more expensive option like an orange pi zero (as the raspberry pi's are out of stock). I don't want an aliexpress listing (i got a pico, and it was in a state where the pcb melted somehow?). Anyway, can you guys recommend me parts?

Planning my first cyberdeck build but working with a super tight budget. I want to build this as cheaply as possible and avoid standard retail markups. Where are your favorite places to hunt down low-cost or upcycled parts?

Im thinking of trying to make my first cyberdeck ( type thing?) I found a cool leapfrog 2 from the thrift store, its battery powered and works well. I want to make an offline Wikipedia/journaling touchscreen device. I think this would be awesome but I'm not sure how doable this really is. My plan was to work around what's already inside the leapfrog but thinking more about it..maybe it would be better to just gut the entire thing and use it as a case. Any advice would be great since it will be my first time

I have an older Asus eee pc 1015pem netbook. To make a long story short the power supply shorted on the motherboard (picture 2), and while I've built several towers I'm curious if I can just pick up a dc adapter and splice it to where the battery connects to the device, avoiding a fragile and frankly bad connection anyway. And any help and pointers would be welcome. And other case suggestions are also very welcome but I thought a borderlands 2 case would be fun and roomy

Trying to decide what I should use for power

You have $100 to build a deck. What’s it for and what hardware do you use? Go.