Cyberdecks

I really think the world needs more cyberdecks. They're cool portable computers, usually powered by slim yet capable hardware, packaged inside a case that makes you feel like some sort of hacker as you use it.

Well, if hacking was actually a thing in the 80s, I'd imagine the computers they'd use would look as slick as the Typeframe PX-88. It has an amazing retro look that defined an entire era of information technology, and the cherry on top is that you can absolutely build one from the ground up.

So I've firmed up some part selections and elements of the design, enough to start dropping things into CAD for some rough sketching.

I have a gen 4 ipad display I can salvage, which was the original "iPad with Retina Display". 9.7", 2048x1536 resolution, and it seems a good number of available driver boards for it. Haven't selected one yet, but there are loads of options:

What isn't clear is if any of these support the digitizer. I'm assuming not, but thats the next bit to look into.

That said, the sizing and res is great for what I want, so I think thats settled.

Next up: inputs!

So I really like the MNT Pocket Reform, but I'd like to go a bit different in the design. I think their keyboard layout is straightforward, and I've got plenty of switches and caps for that. Since its all open hardware, the design is here and the repo is here.

For the mouse input, I was thinking something a bit different. Taking some inspiration from ploopy, I was thinking it would be neat to have a combo of the trackpad and the knob. If I get creative, I could set it up so the trackpad can be inserted into the bottom, and removed for cabled use. Or give the option to make it modular with a small version of the trackball (or the MNT designed trackball). The other idea I like is maybe sticking in a thinkpad style trackpoint, which I also really like as a concept. There was a ton of great info up on deskthority, but the wiki is dead - it seems they were bought and the new owners don't actually care about it. Thats ok though, the wiki is dead, long live the archive of the wiki!

I was considering grabbing a Framework motherboard, but the recent shenanigans there ruled that out for me. Still would really like to use something like a 3588, but with Vulkan support. It seems there has been movement there with Mesa and Vulkan 1.4 support, so I'm going to be looking at it more closely to see what I can do.

Going to be sketching the rough shell this out this weekend (as long as the children cooperate enough to let me do it).

Edit: Almost forgot! Given the size I think there will be room for a meshstick to bring in some meshtastic to it is well. Should I consider a more modular base so I can make this more flexible in the future? Probably. Is it maybe worth it to take from framework? Definitely! This is why I like open hardware designs. Even if the company is going down a path I don't like, that doesn't mean everything before is ruined.

I think its going to be repo time pretty soon, will have to set it up on codeberg.

And I use the word "compact" with a degree of flexibility.... I'm looking to put something together in the roughly 10" x 7" territory. I'm not in a rush, but I figured I could start off with some thoughts and ideas here.

Some thoughts on design / what I'm going for:

• MNT Pocket Reform
• GPD MicroPC
• GPD Win Max 2
• GPD Pocket

Though obviously a good bit less... finished in that regard. The pocket is pretty close to what I'd want in terms of layout, offering a tablet mode and a laptop mode, though it also has quite a bit more in terms of hardware than I need.

In terms of core hardware, I'm thinking an OrangePi 5 or similar. My only concern is mixed comments on linux support, especially around the GPU. With that in mind, maybe something like the n100? With the number of mini PCs with an n100 out there (wish there was an AMD option readily available), I'd mostly just pull the case and add a display to get 90% of the way there.

While I really like the hinged design of the Pocket noted above, it adds some real complication. So what I'm considering is more of a tablet-style design with a position or two for usb accessories instead - this would let me treat it like a clamshell, use it like a tablet, and simplify things a bit.

Display would be a nominally 7" to 10" diagonal touchscreen. I'd like to keep a minimum res here of 1280x800. Given that its the steam deck res, its a well supported resolution, and won't break the bank. Even with 10 point touch and an open frame, there are plenty of options (from a nice MIMO to whatever random named product on AliExpress).

Between the SBC and a touch display, thats the bulk of the job done in plug and play fashion. Not exactly portable though....

To go on battery power, ideally it would be something I could swap. Doesn't have to be overly capable here, but should be uninterruptible. I'm thinking something along the lines of:

• 2S or 2S2P for the 18650s w/ BMS
• Charging module - there are some nice and cheap PD charging modules out there now, that would make it really flexible, also allow me to use the battery bank I already carry everywhere
• Buck to bring it down to 5V (probably XL4015 for that 5A peak option)
• Pair of Schottky diodes for switching

Well that should hit tablet level! (more slab than tablet, but hey).

For 5G access, what I'll need is an m2 slot to use, so I can populate with a SIMCom SIM8200/SIM8300 or similar. Unfortunately, the OrangePi5 Max only has one m2. So do I drop cell for now? Use a usb modem? I don't know just yet.

Keyboard accessory to make it a clamshell? Well, there I'm not sure. Simple clips and a cable off the side is easily doable, though. I really don't know yet what the right answer would be, whether pogo, or usb-c connection only like framework does, no idea. I think the best route here would be to basically set it up like a dock, route the cable through the hinge portion to pogo. If anyone has another idea, please share!

Software:

• Debian
• KDE Plasma Mobile

I don't think I really need more than that - between PWAs, QMLKonsole, Phone, Okular, Marknote, NeoChat, etc. I've got everything I need for on-the-go. My bank (credit union) doesn't have any stupid requirements, works just fine on linux.

So, thats the first batch of brain dump going on for this. I'm exploring options here before designing the case for somewhat obvious reasons, and open to thoughts / ideas / hate mail / fun cyberdeck pictures that fit the clamshell concept.

EDIT:

I have absolutely no idea why I didn't just think to look for replacement swivel hinges for older 2-in-1 laptops.

There are plenty of options. Ok, so not helping with the thickness, but drastically cooler imo. And maybe I'll relocate hardware to the keyboard side, making that more sensible, and the top just becomes a display. Going to mull that over for a bit (and maybe think on some 60%ish kb designs I could work with here).

EDIT 2: I'm just going to go ahead and update this thread here as I go.

Display-wise, I'm going to do this one (or something like it). 10.1" diagonal, ~10" wide, 6.25" high, just the right specs for the dimensions I was going for. Though I realize that might put things just outside of pocket range for my big ole back pocket once its in a case, so maybe I'll drop down to an 8" or 9" if I can find something that works. Suggestions welcomed.

Edit 2 Part 2: Hello 9" nominal diagonal! 9.7" width, 5.5" height, a perfect size to jam into a case and keep under 7" total to slip into a jean pocket!