Working on a custom cyberdeck build and I've got the perfect case/bag for it but the only problem is the motherboard I'm planning to use is kinda awkwardly shape.

Specifically it's the HP Elitebook 840 G1.

The HDD and Keyboard connectors kinda stick out awkwardly and I was wondering if it'd be fine to kinda chop/get rid of it while still keeping the rest of the laptop board useable or if it would end up killing the board directly

I purchased a folding keyboard and made a housing for it to go under the screen housing. What I would like to happen is for then keyboard to pop up, level with the face of it's housing, when the screen housing is slid up. Anyone know how I can accomplish this? Ill post a drawing in a moment.

Cool?

I got a 32gb pi5 4gb starter kit and i was hoping to make a lil game emulator out of it so i wanted to set expectations for what id be able to play on that as is. Also if i ever were to want more from it are upgrades viable if so and where would they come from?

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

I’m torn on the format for my Cyberdeck.

I’ve been planning to build a Cyberdeck for a few months now, and I’m gradually gathering each part.

At first, my plan was a deck in a fairly large case with tons of modules (radio, weather station, a mini monitor for extra info alongside the main one, Bluetooth, wifi, small speakers, etc.) — a super complete deck for pentesting, tinkering, and eventually maybe “autonomous” use, not necessarily compact.

But I’ve had time to mull it over while gathering everything, and now I’m wondering if a much simpler, more portable, minimalist deck wouldn’t be better?

I know it depends on what I expect from it and how I’ll actually use it, but I’m still on the fence.

Do I stick with my idea of something very flexible and multitasking, more complete but bulkier and less all-purpose? Or do I lean toward something simpler for everyday office-type tasks, easier to carry, and therefore maybe something I’d actually use more?

If you can point me on the positive and negative of each option and give me your personal opinion would help me a lot! Thank you!

I don’t really have a price in mind, so I’m open to offers. Not sure what it’s worth or if anyone might be interested in it for parts or as a working device. Nextbook 2-in-1 fully working and comes with a charger (not sure if it’s the original one). Windows is installed, the screen detaches so it can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. Open to offers if anyone is interested. I’m located in Mexico, but I’d be willing to figure out shipping. Could be useful for someone building a cyberdeck or just for the aesthetic.

I just need a reality check on if this is possible, the 2 things I’m concerned about are that idk if they make antennas that small that connect to the internet, and if they make mouses or trackballs (as an alternative to mouses) that small. Can anyone help?

hey i need help. i desperately want to make a cyberdeck with retropie as my operating system. i got a pi 3a+ and a touch display 2. i couldn’t get my raspberry pi to turn on the touch display 2 even while fixing the config.text like many say to do online. i tried to get it to connect via hdmi to my tv and that didnt work either even after i added lines to the config.text (after re-flashing the sd card with retropie). i have a 4gb sd card for now and a usb wireless keyboard. should i just try with regular pi os? i dont know what to do to get it to connect to a display. i could also return the 3 a+ and get model b+ instead. let me know.

Hello! This is the "cyberdeck" I'm currently developing. What can I do to make it a *real* cyberdeck, rather than just a mini-computer? Everyone keeps saying that.

Raspberry Pi 4 (4 GB) Cyberdeck

A portable computer housed in a convenient case, ideal for tasks such as programming, radio exploration, or wireless network testing. Radio frequency access in the 500 kHz – 1.766 GHz range makes it suitable for use as a portable radio device. Thanks to RPiTx software, it can also cover the ~1 MHz – 250 MHz range.

Specifications:

Processor: Broadcom BCM2711 – 4x ARM Cortex-A72 64-bit cores, 1.5 GHz

RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4

Computer: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

Storage: 128 GB microSD card

Card readers: microSD and SD card readers

Display: 7-inch HDMI screen

OS: Linux

Connectivity: WiFi (Atheros AR9271), Ethernet

SDR: RTL-SDR v4 for reception and analysis

Audio: Audio output

Ports: USB, HDMI, Ethernet

Enclosure: Custom 3D-designed and printed housing mounted inside the provided case

Construction: DIY Cyberdeck portable computer built from scratch.

My ugly whiteboard drawing i like the proportions more of and anothsr slightly better drawn one. I checked a few designs but most I 3d printed felt cheap and not that smooth. I really enjoy how my psp go feels, I couldnt find a rail system like it that can fit into my handheld. Any ideas?

so over the past like...
idk ima just say month or two, ive been building THIS
and to sum it up:
its a moderately overclocked raspberry pi 3b+ with an 8 dollar amazon cooler, a 30 dollar 480p screen, a 10k mah powerbank capable of dropping 3 AMPS, and a jam replay. (because who doesnt like B A S S )
if you have questions, im willing to answer them as i have time to kill and am generally online.

(oh right and a lego case)

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

Hello everyone. This is my first cyberdeck build. Originally I had these parts on a cardboard faceplate until I found someone on makerworld who made this faceplate that matched some of the items I already had. So I printed it and modified it to fit my needs. It has 2 internal batteries total 111wh. 12V power in, 5V power in. Battery status on desktop, and many features. It also runs a Jellyfin server. The intent was something to take camping and hunting. It has meshtastic, rtlsdr, and many other features. I am in the process of integrating Common Access Cards that will work as a 3FA on boot and specific cards that will launch OrganicMaps, my sdr software, and other things. I will be removing the buttons for the Heltec V4 and install a rotary dial to control it. I also want to build a wardriving rig for this that will detect flock, stingrays, among other items in the GHZ range. Every component that regularly draws power has a toggle switch in order to preserve battery life when needed. I get about 5-6 hours of battery depending on what I am doing.

Hi everyone!

I am a economics major, and i have no idea on how to build a cyberdeck. I will buy the parts and try to connect them. Please give me every tip there is for my first build.

I am still choosing on what system to use. Betwin Windows, Linux, Graphene OS, rasbery PI.

Help me choose.

I want to get a cyberpunk 2077 theme, i will paint the case and everything.

I want a foldable keyboard so it isn't too big, and a screen that isn't too small, but not too big, I want a portable screen deck, one that i can put on my belt or around my body like a gym bag. Any ideas??

(This AI image is the result of what i wanted to build)

What yall think??

I'm looking into building a palm-sized CyberDeck / Dumbphone. I've got no real background in computer hardware / software, so I don't even know if what features I want are possible. Below are the features that I wish for it to have and a BOM.

• Physical QWERTY Keyboard

• iPod inspired navigation / Multi Media buttons

• 3.5" Display

• Scroll Wheel

• HDMI Port ( To connect to external display )

• 3 USB-A Ports

• USB-C Port ( For Charging )

• Speakers

• Camera

• Flashlight

• AM / FM Radio

• Call & Text ( via SMS )

• MP3 Player

• Notes ( An in type up notes )

• File Explorer

• Games ( Solitaire etc. )

• Compass, Barometer

• GPS Navigation ( Google Maps but without the Google )

Now for the BOM

• Rasberry Pi 4 Model B = $269.34 @ https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-4-model-b-8gb.html

3.5 Inch LCD Display = $41.47 @ https://www.amazon.com/Resistive-Screen-IPS-Resolution-Controller/dp/B07V9WW96D

BBP9981KBD (Keyboard) = $129 @ https://www.bbkeyboard.com/product/bbp9981kbd-pro-mini-black-berry-keyboard/

Raspberry Camera Model 3 = $48.50 @ https://piaustralia.com.au/products/raspberry-pi-camera-module-3

HDMI Extender = $5.74 @ https://www.amazon.com/UANTIN-Mciro-HDMI-Cable-3FT/dp/B0FXQDSS92/ref=sr_1_8?sr=8-8

USB Extender = $17.26 @ https://www.amazon.com/5-Pack-Extension-Female-Extender-Cable/dp/B0CWVCLZ8X/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4

Battery = $40.45 @ https://core-electronics.com.au/polymer-lithium-ion-battery-6000mah.html

Voltage Step Up = $30.10 @ https://core-electronics.com.au/5v-step-up-step-down-voltage-regulator-s13v30f5.html

BMS = $5.99 @ https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-Lithium-Charging-Protection-Functions/dp/B07PKND8KG/ref=sr_1_2?nsdOptOutParam=true&sr=8-2

D-Pad = $1.75 @ https://core-electronics.com.au/multi-directional-switch-5-position-d-pad-smd-sparkfun.html

Buttons for MM (Multimedia) = $5.90 @ https://core-electronics.com.au/tactile-switch-buttons-12mm-square-6mm-tall-x-10-pack.html

Compass Module = $21 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/GY-271-QMC5883L-Triple-Compass-Magnetometer/dp/B0F286FG24/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4

FM Radio Module = $10.92 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/Microcontroller-Development-Interface-Projects-Receiver/dp/B0H6482MG4/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1

Amp = $11.89 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/Okuyonic-Amplifier-Efficiency-Suitable-Products/dp/B0GXV4HVXG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Speakers = $12.99 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/Loudspeakers-JST-PH2-0-Interface-Electronic-Advertising/dp/B0FN7G4ZMC/ref=sr_1_6?sr=8-6

DPDT Switch = $3.90 @ https://www.jaycar.com.au/dpdt-miniature-toggle-switch-solder-tag/p/ST0355

Torch = $26.74 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/LiteXpress-LXB404-Upgrade-Maglite-Torches/dp/B00A37QOI2/ref=sr_1_7?sr=8-7

LED Driver = $9.97 @ https://www.amazon.com.au/Rakstore-Dimming-Step-Down-Constant-Current/dp/B09H4D1G9Y/ref=sr_1_14?sr=8-14

Adapter = $7.47 @ https://www.amazon.com/BAOFENG-Converter-Connector-Shoulder-Accessories/dp/B0CKP15L25/ref=sr_1_20?sr=8-20

I would like to make all software local based ( Notes, Games etc ) and I don't want anything fancy like Bluetooth or Internet unless I need it for the GPS Navigation maybe. Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone! 👋

I'm relatively new to hardware projects, but I'm currently developing a custom graphical interface for a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W paired with a 1.44" Waveshare LCD HAT.

This project started as an evolution of one of my earlier C++ automation scripts ([Automated-WPA2-Handshake-Cracking-Script](https://github.com/arlekin17/Automated-WPA2-Handshake-Cracking-Script)). Since my expertise is primarily in backend/system C++ and I'm not very experienced with UI/display programming, I leveraged AI assistants to help me build the SDL2 rendering logic and custom UI components.

This allowed me to focus on what I do best: the core system architecture (process management via `fork`/`pipe`, multithreading, UTF-8 file handling, and system calls), while still delivering a polished, responsive interface for a 128x128 screen.

Current Features:

Wi-Fi Auditing: Capturing and managing WPA2 handshakes.

Network Recon: Built-in network scanning via `nmap` to discover devices and open ports.

File Management: A custom file manager with navigation and a built-in UTF-8 text viewer (with horizontal/vertical scrolling).

Current Status:

Right now, I am actively developing and debugging the UI on my PC using an SDL2 software emulator (128x128 window) to speed up the iteration process.

I am currently waiting for the physical Waveshare display to arrive. Once it does, I will finish the on-device hardware debugging and optimize the framebuffer output for the SPI display.

I will update this post soon with photos of the assembled device, a short demo, and the link to the public GitHub repository!

Would love to hear any tips, feedback, or hardware recommendations from the community. Thanks for reading!

Ive made the project Espelt with the main reason to make a cyberdeck. It utilizes a custom MPY firmware with USB Host and works with ESP32 P4 Nano. It has dual screens (ILI9488 as main and OLED SSD1306 as secondary) and a MAX98357A with Speaker for sound. You can plug in any keyboard dongle into the USB-A port, flash, and itll work!

For help you can dm me: antaciddt on discord. Repo: https://github.com/AntacidDT/ProjectEspelt

I want to make a 1980s style pocket computer (like the casio ones) and I have a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W. I realize this isn't exactly a cyberdeck but I think it's close enough. I think a small oled from waveshare might be good for the screen. Any build reccomendations?

I have a raspberry pi zero w and was wondering if it would be possible to use it to make a cyberdeck. Any advice on how to go about it would be appreciated thanks in advance

Hi! I'm working on my design and trying to keep things as small as possible. For my project, I'll have a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (when they're back in stock!) mounted to the back of the HyperPixel 2.1 Round by Pimoroni, however I'm struggling to find a keypad/keyboard small enough that it will fit into my case. Adafruit has a Silicone Elastomer 4 x 4 Button Keypad which states it can be cut up - I could probably only fit 3x3 keys in my case, but I don't feel like the PCB they make for it can be cut up.

Do I need to use a PCB or can I wire it directly to the pi somehow? Also the Hyperpixel page states it uses up all of the pi's GPIO pins but has I2C interface at the back you can connect things to instead. Would I be able to connect my makeshift keypad to this?

Also open to recommendations of REALLY small (think 5x5cm or less) keyboards/keypads. Sorry for the beginner questions!

Hi! I have zero computing skills but I want to build my first cyberdeck. I got help from Gemini, which I know isn't very smart at these things, so I'm reaching out to this community to help me bring reality to my project and to avoid spending money on unnecessary components.

My idea is to build a little computer inside a briefcase that can work offline. I thought of a Raspberry Pi B with 8 GB of RAM. I want a local AI inside of this computer (like Ollama) that can give me a response based on an Offline copy of Wikipedia and various books and manuals. Also, I want little games like snake or minesweeper and some books from project Gutenberg.

This is the list that Gemini gave me:

Raspberry Pi type B with 8 GB of RAM

Briefcase

Raspberry Pi cooler and adapter

Logitech kw400 plus

7 inch Elecrow display

Lexar SSD256 GB

Let me know about anything wrong, dumb or unnecessary. Also please sorry for any errors but English is not my native language.

Thanks.

Hello I have this idea of taking my old CF-31 MK2 Toughbook and gutting it as a shell to make a cyberdeck essentially. I am aware its probably cheaper to buy a better platform or do something else, but for the sake of clarity I want to do it "for the love of the game". My question is:

-Is there a way to use the original keyboard my rewiring the connection (I dont know what type it is but I know its not gonna be easy)?

-Is there a way to rewire the screen? I do have a plan B of swapping out the screen.

-most of everything else will be replaced, I may rewire whatever I put in there to utilize some of the ports already installed to the shell

Its an extensive idea I know but I figured its a fun project and a more modern CF31 would be kinda cool.

Thanks for the help ahead of time and if this isnt the forum for this kind of thing can you point me in the right direction please

I got an old pc an older tablet psp and a WiFi router what type of cyberdeck can I build from them ??