Framework Cyberdeck - DIY Portable PC

#diy #framework #arduino #technology #programming #3dprinting #computer #laptop #cyberdeck
I designed and built this custom Cyberdeck from Framework laptop parts. Its a fully functional windows PC, but also has some really unique features.

This video was sponsored by PCBWay. They offer rapid prototyping and production services for PCB production, 3D printing, CNC machining and more.

3D CAD files, code and parts list:

[Vermilicious]

It's an interesting idea to use Framework parts in totally custom enclosures. I, too, find Raspberry Pi and such to be a bit too limited.

[autistadolinux]

I think this shows how much framework changed notebooks in general. It doesn't have the freedom that desktop PCs have but now we can literally build our own notebooks ourselves. Hopefully something like this comes to smartphones and other devices.

[joekagerer]

This video is so great on so many levels.

As a 60 yo who's been involved with electronics since 1980, I'm amazed at what is being done today.

You have to have so many skills to not only design and build a project like this, and then your video is top notch.

Really cool, my projects aren't even in the same universe.

I feel like a team of people is behind this channel, but I trust you that it's just you.

Some people are gifted.

[Sir_Uncle_Ned]

This is the kind of custom build I think of whenever the modularity of Framework is mentioned. It shows just how versatile such a platform is, and that you don't need to be limited to just their options for the chassis the parts fit into.

And when framework releases a motherboard with a better processor, you can just swap it in knowing that everything will still be in the same place as the old one. A laptop with a practical CPU upgrade path that isn't just "buy a new one" has been needed for a long time and it's finally here.

[UntrainableWizard]

This is one of those rare examples of someone making their own system and it genuinely looking like it's come from a big manufacturer somewhere... This is impressive, in appearance and design, I genuinely love the look of this.

[yesuwu]

The framework actually uses an internal USB for the keyboard/fingerprint reader and you can get breakouts for it so you dont need to loose a usb port for input. Framework also is going to start selling an eDP cable so you dont need to give up the other port for the display.

[pwnmeisterage]

"Cyberdecks" in Neuromancer, Cyberpunk, and Shadowrun were described as basically being keyboards. Maybe a little thicker than typical keyboards. With many special function keys/controls, large (book-sized) slots for storage modules, and a phone jack. But without any kind of display - since, of course, a decker/jacker/hacker is completely immersed in some sort of virtual/cyber environment.
(You could always pay extra to install a display screen. So the rest of your team would be able to see your situation and progress.)

[artisan]

You've just convinced me that the world needs laptops with cinema wide screens. It's a little amusing that the old portable computers from back in the day got unusually close to this on accident.

[svrs]

instead of black electrical tape, because it will turn into goo over time, consider using something like 'liquid tape' or whatever brand. great build!

[stefanbehrendsen]

Your choice to put the hinge screws into the base metal just put you head and shoulders above probably 98% of laptop designs. Very cool!

[nateo]

As a kid I remember drawing what I would later learn was a cyberdeck. I was obsessed with not just the functionality but the blocky look as well. Really cool! Maybe I'll actually build one of these one day

[JGFXDK]

The aesthetics of the exposed guts on the back is absolutely approved of from here. Right on the dot with the cyberdeck theme, if you ask.
in stead of the trackball I personally would have gone for the IBM trackpoint. I'm old enough to have used and appreciated that little gem and can still this day still recommend it.
Love the energy, love the design, love the recycling!!!!1!1!11!!

Also, first vid I see and an immediate subscribe.

[qdaniele]

For scroll wheel you could use the trackball and one of the unused apple keys to switch between modes.
Or add a button to the arduino to change between scroll wheel and mouse pointer movement

[starwolf]

I would buy that if it existed as an official product. The aesthetics, design, size and mobility is spectacular.

[megsman]

You are so organized and neat. You did what probably hundreds of employees in a large company did. Genius!

[miczell]

Happy to hear an upgrade in the audio departament - your workshop medium shots does not hurt my ears anymore, like they used to in your previous videos. Important note here: I write this 'nitpicking flavoured' part of the comment solely because you asked for suggestions (mine is: keep up with the good quality audio and thank you for doing so!) But apart from that - I'm just blown away by your passion, quality control (both in product design and video production), and straight to the point attitude. Thanks for sharing all that! I love it and will stick with your channel for sure. Kudos from Poland! :)

[milescarter]

You can implement scroll with another mouse button. Hold that button and the trackball can scroll up-down *and* left-right. This is how Lenovo Trackpoint works. I would love to fork this project and design it with a Lenovo Keyboard.

The missing trackpoint is the main thing keeping me from trying a Framework TBH. I even considered an HP with a track point, but they didn't have the middle button for scroll.

Great project! I liked your useful inclusion of a dock and Arduino. You got 2 USB A, a USB C, and HDMI ports for your trouble.

[MarkyShaw]

Loved every minute of this video. Absolutely brilliant design and it was a pleasure to watch being built! I didn't know Framework sold just the boards but now I am super intrigued. Best Cyberdeck to date!

[michaelmcdougall]

I love it, Great video outlining your design process and execution.
The one feature I didn't expect and loved, the extra display inputs. Awesome idea for a potable computer!

[BigBenAdv]

This totally reminds me of the Toshiba Lbretto from the 90s! I remember seeing it as a kid and wanting one (despite not having any use for it at the time) 😅