Let's start off with what I don't like about cyberdecks. They are worse computers. Let's face it, they are. "Well," you say, "Cyberdecks get you out of the Apple/Windows environment, freeing you up!"
Ok, you can avoid Apple and Windows OS, but you can do that with any laptop and Linux. You don't need to build a more limited piece of equipment to move away from Big Tech.
The other issue I have with cyberdecks is that it often feels like a backward looking design. Often the looks are retro, pulling from cyberdeck media, 80s aesthetics, often times both. While, yes, I like that look. The style is cool, it feels like throwing bell-bottoms on technical garments. Interesting but now what?
I am partial to the translucent color look from the 90s. I understand that these throwback designs are not just nostalgia but commentary on the lack of design in modern products. I bought a blue Apple G3 with my high school graduation money for college. I get it! I miss the weird looks but let's move forward.
The most interesting designs have come from women building pink clam-shell cyberdecks. While not a completely new look, it does pull from influences that are often overlooked in tech, which can lead to more interesting ideas.
As mentioned in my kickoff post, I may be overthinking the need to justify cyberdeck building. The process of designing and building is the goal, even if the design is pulling from overused references.
It's just that they feel like Lego builds at this point. Fun to build but will just sit on my shelf, collecting dust when it's all said and done.
