Key Takeaways
1. Unique Design: The cyberdeck is a smartphone case that integrates extra features like Bluetooth speakers and a mini keyboard, showcasing innovative use of everyday components.
2. Power and Flexibility: It is powered by a 10,000 mAh battery, offers a clamshell design for easy use, and includes a USB-C hub with extra ports and a side handle for portability.
3. Inspiration: The creator was inspired by the Atari Portfolio, aiming to combine multiple devices into one compact and easy-to-carry package.
4. Sound Quality: The device features impressive sound quality with 5W stereo speakers, significantly better than standard phone speakers.
5. Future Enhancements: The modder plans to upgrade the cyberdeck with more powerful 20W speakers and an improved keyboard layout.
The cyberdeck community has come up with some really creative DIY projects, but one particular device truly shines among them. Known as ‘High Tech \ Low Life’, this modder has created a cyberdeck that takes a unique approach to what a portable computer can be.
In a Reddit post, he mentioned, “This took a while to build, but it has a lot of features.”
A Unique Design
Unlike a conventional self-contained computer setup, this creation is actually a smartphone case that has been cleverly designed to include some extra features. The cyberdeck makes use of everyday components in an innovative way. It comes with a Bluetooth amplifier connected to two 5W stereo speakers, delivering impressive sound quality. Additionally, it has a mini tactical keyboard, along with a touchpad for easy navigation and typing.
Power and Flexibility
Powered by a strong 10,000 mAh battery, the device ensures that users can enjoy extended gaming or movie watching without worrying about running out of juice. The cyberdeck unfolds in a clamshell style, reminiscent of a laptop, and can open up to an impressive 180 degrees.
Moreover, it includes a USB-C hub with extra ports for accessories, magnetic attachments for quick phone swaps, and flip-out feet to stabilize it on uneven surfaces. Since portability is key, the modder has added a side handle for easier transport.
Inspiration and Future Plans
So what inspired him to create this cyberdeck? The modder credits the Atari Portfolio, a mini-computer from the late 80s, which also appeared in Terminator 2, as his muse.
In a YouTube video, he explained: “I’ve been wanting to make this for a long, long time. I essentially wanted to combine a computer, a keyboard, a boombox, a hub, and a battery into one small and easy-to-carry package.”
However, the project wasn’t quick to finish. He began from scratch, using Fusion 360 to design the phone mount. He obtained hinges from an old ThinkPad and crafted speaker enclosures to ensure everything fit well without sacrificing usability.
Sound Quality and Future Enhancements
He noted, “The speakers are amazing for their size, and while they’re only 5W each, they are an insane upgrade over the phone’s speakers.”
Yet, he’s not finished with the cyberdeck, as he intends to upgrade to 20W speakers and improve the keyboard layout.
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