The concept of a cyberdeck has instant appeal in the DIY space. In fact, there are almost no rules beyond portability and cyberpunk aesthetics, but even those can be quite flexible. The constant search for new designs brings us to the Vertical Runner, a cyberdeck created by Reddit user ReevesMedia, who instead of being inspired by classic terminals, adopts an appearance that reminds us of a radio control transmitter, and the motion detector from Aliens.
If we go by the huge number of projects published online, a Raspberry Pi and a mini keyboard represent "half the way" in any cyberdeck, but what can we do to cover the other half? Reusing cases is a very popular option, and we've already seen some notable examples with suitcases and old computers. At the same time, 3D printing is an essential ally, enabling all kinds of designs, and the incorporation of other components (for example, encoders) . However, today we find ourselves with the Vertical Runner by "ReevesMedia" on Reddit (real name James Reeves), and honestly I don't recall seeing anything like this in computers:
Vertical Runner: A vertical-screen cyberdeck for the "road hacker"
Reeves explains that this is the third version "that didn't end up in the trash", and it all started with the intention of building a "prop" for a sci-fi short. During the research process he became an ethical hacker, earned the CTPS (Certified Penetration Testing Specialist) title and a CompTIA certificate, and with all that additional knowledge, the prop became a cyberdeck.
Its hardware is based on a Raspberry Pi 4 8GB, a Waveshare touchscreen display of 3.5 inches, a Vilros battery pack, a Bluetooth mini keyboard, and a BrosTrend WiFi adapter with monitoring and injection support. All 3D printing was handled by Precision Additive, and the handle is part of a camera set created by SHAPE.
Reeves explains that the cyberdeck tends to heat up a bit (there's no active cooling on the Raspberry Pi), but he estimates the battery should last about four hours. After finishing the physical aspect, the most difficult part of the Vertical Runner was convincing the Waveshare screen to work in vertical mode. The available documentation is not correct, and Reeves had to create his own configuration through trial and error.
Personally, I love it, and I hope (if possible) Reeves shares the print files, maybe to create a mirrored version, add a second handle, improve cooling, and many more things.
Source: Reddit
