Raspberry Pi has published a step-by-step guide for building your own cyberdeck, or a computer in a briefcase. Written by maker Brian Corteil, it walks through building a complete portable computer inside a rugged, weatherproof Pelican-style case.
"The case defines the cyberdeck," Corteil explains, noting that previous builds have used everything from old pocket computers and briefcases to mint tins, wooden boxes, and prop replicas.
Popular Now: ASUS cancels buyer's 20th Anniversary Bundle pre-order despite paying $10,350 already, wants even more moneyRaspberry Pi's cyberdeck is built around a Raspberry Pi 5 single-board computer, paired with a 7-inch Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2, a low-profile Rii RK302 Bluetooth keyboard, a 128GB Raspberry Pi flash drive, speakers, a USB audio system, and a battery. An optional Raspberry Pi RTC battery keeps the system clock running even when the device is powered off.
According to Raspberry Pi, every cyberdeck comes down to four core elements: the computer, peripherals, a power system, and the case that brings everything together. The build isn't entirely plug-and-play, however, as internal supports need to be 3D-printed, laser-cut, or otherwise fabricated to fit inside the case, and some soldering is required.
Raspberry Pi recommends prototyping the internal layout with cardboard before committing to permanent materials. It also advises calculating the total power draw ahead of time, noting that a fully loaded Raspberry Pi 5 can pull up to 25W on its own, while the touch display adds roughly 3W at full brightness.
Despite the extra work, the guide is designed to be approachable, with a full parts list and retailer links for different regions. The suggested components add up to around $250, and Raspberry Pi also encourages builders to customise the design with additions like extra displays, LEDs, sensors, or even a Raspberry Pi Pico.
That said, Raspberry Pi is getting in on the "homemade cyberdeck" trend at a time when getting a Raspberry Pi isn't quite the cheap, fun DIY project it once was. The company recently raised prices on several boards due to rising RAM and component costs, including a $100 hike for the 16GB Raspberry Pi 5.
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The full guide is featured in issue 168 of Raspberry Pi's official magazine, which is available to read online for free.
