DIY enthusiast and YouTuber “High Tech Low Life” (HTLL) has built a fully functional, portable “cyberdeck” computer—inspired by the tech seen in movies like Terminator 2—by integrating a smartphone, a wireless keyboard, speakers, and a power bank into a custom 3D-printed foldable case. The project, which took considerable design iteration, packs the functionality of a compact workstation into a single, retro-futuristic unit that can be carried with a built-in handle.
The build centers on a Rii wireless keyboard with an integrated touchpad, chosen for its size and usability. Because the keyboard only connects via a 2.4 GHz dongle, HTLL added a three-port USB hub to the design. Power comes from a substantial 10,000 mAh battery, while audio is delivered via a Bluetooth amplifier and a pair of 2-inch, 5W speakers—selected after testing smaller drivers that lacked sufficient “oomph.” The smartphone, which acts as the deck’s brain, is held in a magnetic USB-C mount that allows for quick docking and charging.
Two of the toughest design challenges, according to HTLL, were the phone holder and the metal hinge. Without a 3D scanner, perfecting the phone mount required multiple test prints to balance a snug fit with easy insertion, while also aligning the magnetic charging port. For the hinge, he sought a robust, adjustable mechanism akin to those found on ThinkPad laptops, ultimately incorporating a metal hinge that allows the deck to fold securely like a compact briefcase. The final form factor, when closed, resembles a 1980s multi-cassette case, albeit half the size.
READ ALSO: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/mg-begins-delivery-semi-solid-state-ev/
Though fully functional as a portable media, coding, or light productivity station, the creator sees room for enhancement—like adding a VR headset interface to mimic the cyberpunk aesthetic of William Gibson’s Neuromancer. The project demonstrates how accessible technology—3D printing, off-the-shelf electronics, and thoughtful design—can be combined to create custom, practical tech that feels pulled from science fiction. For tinkerers, it’s a blueprint; for everyone else, it’s a glimpse into a future where personal computing can be as unique and modular as the user imagines.
