I replaced my Apple TV with a Raspberry Pi, and the apps I use no longer cost me anything

Raspberry Pi has released a detailed tutorial on how to construct your very own cyberdeck computer within a waterproof briefcase, costing around $250. A cyberdeck refers to any custom-built device created to fulfill specific needs that traditional tablets, phones, and computers cannot meet. The tutorial, featured in the Raspberry Pi Official Magazine, outlines the step-by-step process of building this unique device.

The cyberdeck in question employs a Raspberry Pi 5 device coupled with a Bluetooth keyboard, encapsulated within a Pelican-style hard case, ensuring both portability and protection from environmental factors.

Brian Corteil, the creator of this guide, highlights that past cyberdeck builds have utilized a variety of materials, from pocket computers and briefcases to mint tins, wooden boxes, and prop replicas. The construction process involves attaching additional peripherals, such as a display and a built-in power supply, to the Raspberry Pi 5, case, and keyboard. The guide provides clear instructions and a list of necessary components, including cabling and 3D-printed, laser-cut, or hand-made supports for the Pelican case.

Despite a learning curve for beginners in Raspberry Pi systems and cyberdeck building, the instructions are designed to be easily comprehensible. The total cost of acquiring all the required parts, including links to retailers in your region, adds up to approximately $250.09, which is roughly £184 or AU$348. This guide is an excellent resource for those looking to embark on a DIY computing project, with the added benefit of portability and durability.

For those captivated by the project, there are numerous other cyberdeck builds available, ranging from those housed in clamshell phone form factors to multi-screen configurations.