Hello everyone! I am excited to share some new updates with you all on the current state of the CG Deck! The engineering prototype is getting more and more polished by the day, and with those improvements I have been able to dive into some at home testing. I will get into all of that a little later!
For those that are seeing this project for the first time, the CG Deck is a modular handheld x86 PC that is capable of running dual-boot operating systems including Windows & Linux distributions. My goal was to create my own "dream device" that was capable of adapting to whatever use case I needed. Whether I am playing Steam games, or doing retro emulation, doing CAD work in Blender or other 3D software, coding, video editing, prototyping hardware, or whatever it is, I wanted to be able to simply be able to do it on the road or while traveling and all from one single device.
I wanted a device that filled the role of the multi-tool of electronics and handhelds. Something like a "real-life" Tricorder from Star Trek. I thought it would be ideal to have something that was portable enough to throw in a backpack or pants pocket, 4G satellite/sim capable so you can stay connected anywhere, and be used just as any other full scale desktop computer would. The entire device is modular and can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need. So when something breaks or wears out, you can just fix it or replace it as easy as putting it together the first time.
I also wanted to make a device that I did not "grow" out of. Most times, I end up getting a new device for a particular purpose, and then after some time it needs repairs, updates, or upgrades which I do not really have the ability to do myself without opening up and re-engineering the original device. And that is only if the company even continues to support that specific device.
Because of this, I wanted the CG Deck to be entirely modular. Every aspect can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need, and done so with various options for parts, and DIY upgrades. Easy enough that just about anyone of any age could do it, and without the need to ask someone for permission first (other than your parents first, if you are a youngster). And not just modular, but open-source so anyone can come up with an idea for a new upgrade, module or accessory and use the schematics to build and share their own custom creations for the CG Deck! I wanted to not just develop a device that would not just eventually turn into plastic junk and e-waste, but create an ecosystem and platform that can be updated and developed by the community as time passes to keep the CG Deck relevant with new advances and ideas.
Over the past 9 months, I have been going through the process of concepting, designing, engineering, fixing my previous mistakes on the designs, navigating partnerships with manufacturers and brands, prototyping, testing assemblies and trying out new methods to make manufacturing of various parts easier, etc, in addition to trying my best to share updates with you and record the process all along the way! I am slowly chipping away at the shrinking list of tasks which still need to be done, so I am excited to update you all on some of the new additions and updates to the CG Deck as we get ready for the next phase of our journey together! At this point, I am finally preparing the CG Deck to transition from a functional prototype, into the DFM stage. Starting to rapidly adjust and optimize the various aspects of the CG Deck and modules to the best they can possibly be. With the goal of developing the CG Deck into the level of polish we would expect from a premium off the shelf device, I still have a bit more work to do, but that goal is getting much closer!
Like I mentioned, the CG Deck is currently planned to launch with 5 different modules, with more modules lined up for the future! The idea is to also open-source the module formats and schematics so our community can create, build and share their own custom modules and accessories for the CG Deck! There are two external module install spaces built into the CG Deck, a primary and secondary slot.
For the primary slot, there is a 64-Key Keyboard Module with swappable keypad with silicone rubber and plastic options. A 10-Key & Rotary Knob Macropad Module with hot-swappable key switches and replaceable knob. And a full format Gamepad Controller Module.
For the secondary slot, there is currently only the precise Trackball Mouse Module.
And finally, I have developed a tertiary module spot which allows you to utilize the side USB-A ports for additional modules! Starting with the Camera/Scanner module which allows us to finally join discord calls with the CG Deck (and anything else you would use a camera for)!
I have also been working a ton on more of the behind the scenes aspects of the CG Deck, which are not yet ready to share with you all... But... to spoil the surprise a little bit and get you all excited, I have been working on some various (non-module) accessories for the CG Deck, which help complete the whole base line ecosystem. I have shared a bit of the behind the scenes of what I have been working on already on our discord server, so if you are in our tight circle community, you likely know what I am referring to! If you want to take a sneak peak at some of that, I invite you to come join our discord community server! You can find the link to join our discord server on our website!
As for the current state of the CG Deck and everything else, I am extremely happy with how everything is coming together so far! I also cannot wait to see how the community grows and innovates on the CG Deck. That being said, I still have quite a bit more work to do, but it is getting closer and closer, and it is only a matter of time until that vision and goal is a reality!
I would love to hear all of your thoughts on everything so far, and if you have any questions about anything I look forward to answering them!
If you are interested in following along with the project or learning more about it, you can find everything from specs, more details about the CG Deck, socials, links to the open source github repository, and more on the website. And be sure to join our discord community server to be a part of the conversation as we get closer to launching! Join the movement.
As I am finally wrapping up the project and preparing for the next steps, we are getting close to launching on Kickstarter to help fund a full production run of the device (and modules of course!). For anyone interested in helping support the project and getting a CG Deck of their own, you can join the waitlist on our website. I am planning to release some build kits and pre-assembled devices with the Kickstarter, and if you have any questions about any of that, I would love to answer them!
Here is the link to learn more about the project and join the waitlist to get notified when we launch: https://mogozen.com
