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| The feature-packed Cyberdeck on display |
The DIY cyberdeck scene is a constant source of ingenuity, where makers fuse retro-futuristic aesthetics with modern functionality. While many builds focus on standalone portable computers, one creator has reimagined the concept entirely, turning an ordinary smartphone into the beating heart of a feature-packed mobile command center.
The project comes from a modder operating under the alias ‘High Tech \ Low Life’, who recently unveiled his latest creation to the delight of the online maker community. This isn't just another Raspberry Pi in a briefcase; it's a remarkably comprehensive DIY smartphone case that packs a shocking amount of tech into a clamshell form factor.
Sharing his work on the popular r/cyberDeck subreddit with the simple note, “This took a while to build, but it has a lot of features,” the post quickly garnered attention for its clever and practical design.
So, what exactly is this cyberdeck? At its core, it's a modular enclosure that transforms a smartphone into a multifunctional powerhouse. Instead of building a separate computer, the modder brilliantly augmented the device most of us already carry.
A Feature-Rig for the Mobile Enthusiast
The attention to detail is what sets this build apart. The deck boasts a suite of user-friendly upgrades:
- Immersive Audio: Say goodbye to tinny phone speakers. The deck integrates a Bluetooth amplifier wired to two 5W stereo speakers, providing a serious audio boost for gaming, movies, or music.
- Tactical Input: For precise control, a mini tactile keyboard with an integrated touchpad is built right in, offering a physical typing and navigation experience.
- All-Day Power: A hefty 10,000 mAh power bank is embedded, ensuring both the phone and the deck's accessories stay powered through long sessions.
- Smart Design: The hinged clamshell opens a full 180 degrees like a laptop. It includes magnetic phone attachments for easy device swaps, a built-in USB-C hub for expanded connectivity, flip-out feet for stable placement, and even a side handle for true portability.
Inspired by the Past, Built for the Present
The journey to this build was a long one. In a detailed YouTube video breaking down the construction, ‘High Tech \ Low Life’ cited a classic piece of tech cinema history as his muse: the Atari Portfolio from Terminator 2.
“I’ve been wanting to make this for a long, long time,” he explained. “I essentially wanted to combine a computer, a keyboard, a boombox, a hub, and a battery into one small and easy-to-carry package.”
The project was a true from-scratch endeavor. He designed the custom phone mount in Fusion 360, sourced robust hinges from an old ThinkPad laptop, and carefully crafted speaker enclosures for a perfect, rattle-free fit. Of the audio upgrade, he raved, “The speakers are amazing for their size, and while they’re only 5W each, they are an insane upgrade over the phone’s speakers.”
The Evolution Continues
True to the maker spirit, this cyberdeck is not finished. The creator already plans to upgrade the speakers to a powerful 20W system and refine the keyboard layout for an even better user experience. This iterative process is a hallmark of the DIY community, where a project is never truly "done."
For those inspired to start their own journey into hardware hacking and coding, beginning with a dedicated learning kit is a great first step. A product like the CyberPi coding kit from Makeblock, available on Amazon, provides an all-in-one platform to grasp the fundamentals of electronics and programming that power creations like this cyberdeck.
This innovative smartphone cyberdeck proves that with creativity and skill, the most powerful computer in your life can be transformed into something even more versatile and personal. It’s a testament to the cyberdeck ethos: building the future you want to carry, one component at a time.
Sources & Links:
- See the original Reddit discussion and images on the r/cyberDeck subreddit.
- Watch the full build process and tutorial on the High Tech \ Low Life YouTube channel.
- Interested in learning to code for similar projects? Explore the CyberPi Coding Kit on Amazon.