DIY modder turns smartphone into full-fledged cyberdeck with dual 5W speakers and tactical keyboard
The cyberdeck community has created innovative DIY solutions, but one particular piece of gear stands out from the rest. This cyberdeck was built by a modder known as ‘High Tech \\ Low Life’, and takes a rather strange twist on what a mobile computer can be.
He shared his creation on Reddit with the caption, “This took a while to build, but it has a lot of features.”
Instead of being a self-contained computer rig, it’s actually a DIY-crafted smartphone case that packs in some extra goodies. The cyberdeck ingeniously uses everyday components. It features a Bluetooth amplified wired to two 5W stereo speakers for booming audio. Furthermore, it features a mini tactical keyboard, complete with a touchpad for navigation and easy typing.
It’s all juiced by a robust 10,000 mAh power bank to keep things charged during long gaming or movie sessions. The cyberdeck unfolds via a hinged clamshell design, similar to a laptop. It can also fold open to an impressive 180 degrees.
The cyberdeck also sports a built-in USB-C hub with additional ports for accessories, magnetic phone attachments for quick swapping, and flip-out feet to prop it up on uneven surfaces. Portability is a concern, so the modder installed a side handle to make it easier to carry.
So, how did he go about creating the Cyberdeck? Well, modder ‘High Tech \\ Low Life’ states that he owes his inspiration to the Atari Portfolio, a mini-computer showcased in the late 80s and featured in Terminator 2.
In his YouTube video, he detailed: “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, it wasn’t a quick project, as he started from scratch, using Fusion 360 to develop the phone mount. He sourced hinges from an old ThinkPad and speaker enclosures to ensure everything fit snugly without compromising usability.
He further explained, “The speakers are amazing for their size, and while they’re only 5W each, they are an insane upgrade over the phone’s speakers.”
However, he’s not yet done with the cyberdeck, as he plans to upgrade it to 20W speakers and refine the keyboard layout.
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