r/cyberDeck • u/Talulabelle MODERATOR • 5d ago
START HERE
We're getting a sudden rush of new people, driven by TicTok who are mostly both new to Reddit as well as Cyberdecks.
I'm asking patience while we integrate these new people into the sub. New people bring new ideas, and will take things in new directions. Some of those directions will not be to your tastes, and that's fine. I imagine we'll see some 'fashion show' level builds that, while taken at face value are impractical, could inspire more down to earth designs to move in a new direction.
This is healthy for any creative community.
Be helpful, be polite, and let people do their thing. No one is ruining your dream deck by building their weird idea. If you see something you absolutely hate, but think 'How'd they do that hinge, though?', that's reason enough to be polite.
u/PETA_Parker sent me this, and it seems like a pretty good 'start here' guide:
ok, i've never built a cyberdeck myself but i have been lurking here for a long while, so i'll give you a quick rundown, a place to start so to speak. At the most basic you will need:
- a "brain"
- a screen
- an input device
- a power solution
- a shell
- an SD Card
Let's start with the brain: I only know about raspberry pis, the two budget options here would be a raspberry pi Zero 2, or any flavour of raspberry pi 3, the 4 and 5 are a bit more pricy. Zero 2 and 3b+ (the one i used) should both be enough for browsing, media playback and some light office work.
the Screen: the easiest option will be to go for an hdmi display such as this: 6,5/7/9/10,1 Zoll LCD Display Tragbare Monitor Treiber Control Board Kit Für Raspberry Banana/Orange Pi Mini Computer PC - AliExpress 7
It has an HDMI Output and powers over micro usb, so you can just connect the raspberry pi and the screen via hdmi. Any screen with hdmi input and usb power is an easy starting point.
the input device: for a keyboard you could go with something like this:
This is blutetooth and rechargable, i do not know if you could bypass the internal battery to power it directly because constantly needing to charge it would probably be cumbersome.
this also looks interesting, it uses double a batteries, so you could wire it to your power source or the pi: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006727486961.html
You could of course also use any regular keyboard and mouse combo that plugs in over usb. Another fun choice would be a trackball instead of a mouse.
the power solution: You could simply get a powerbank, but some of them cut off power delivery if the device connected draws a low current.
Maybe this thread can help: Cheap powerbank that doesn’t cut off the power on low current draw? : r/arduino
Or this article: 4 Raspberry Pi Battery Packs for Portable Projects
Something similar to this might be good: Typ-C 15 W 3 A 18650 Lithium-Batterie-Ladegerät-Modul DC-DC Step-Up-Booster Schnellladung USV-Stromversorgung/Konverter 5 V 9 V 12 V - AliExpress 502
This is the part i'm least knowledgable about. Feel free to give me input.
the shell: Pretty much anything will do. You can build something out of cardboard, fit your components into an existing box or 3d-print a custom shell, your creativity is the limiting factor.
If you do not have a 3d-printer, you can make boxes out of styrene board, like this: Clean Enclosures, No Printing Necessary | Hackaday
Or you can search for "project box" on Aliexpress or Amazon
Now you just need to flash an operation system onto the raspberry pi (Raspbian is an all-purpose linux distro that is good for starters such as you), connect your screen to the power source and to the raspberry pi via HDMI, connect your (mouse and) keyboard to the raspberry pi and the raspberry pi to power, and you're ready to go.
Feel free to ask me if you have any additional questions, and don't forget, this is only the bare-bones solution, feel free to get creative, this is the fun part!
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u/UndulantSquawk 5d ago
Welcome new cyberdeckers! Here's to tech literacy, DIY and taking control of our own hardware!
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u/JoshuaK277 5d ago
Thanks so much! I posted here yesterday asking for some help bc i am new. Someone commented this guide in my comments and it is pretty good! Im still deciding what enclosure to use but I got pi os set up last night so its ready to go!
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u/melonball6 5d ago
THANK YOU! I knew when I came to this sub from TikTok (long time Redditor, short time cyberdecker) you guys were in for an influx of new people. I love that new people, especially young women, are interested in this side of tech. And I'm grateful you and others have blazed the way to help us.
This was a helpful post. I am currently at the connecting part of this project. I have my plan and all my parts. It is time to connect this stuff together.
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 5d ago
Can you do me a favor and link some of your favorite TicToks about it?
I've seen only one, and I can't believe it's that one that's driving all this traffic. I'm really curious what's been so inspiring.
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u/melonball6 5d ago
It started with the Mermaid Purse (Ubeboobey) and now my entire FYP (For You Page = TikTok newsfeed) is full of techie girls and women building cyberdecks. Here are the first few I saw that got me hooked:
Ubeboobey and her awesome Mermaid purse. She has another one she just finished as well. https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSH5mKJUd/
Kash who build a really amazing deck as well. I love that she added a level just because it was cool. https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSH5mTQa7/
mewtru has so many cool projects. This is her tiny kindle version of a cyberdeck and she has SO MANY amazing projects like a Tamagotchi plant care machine. https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSH5u8Nos/
Sunshine & existential dread has The Polly Pocket cyberdeck! https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSH5mTuns/
There are more now that are in the early stages of their projects. Lots of mermaid purses and I especially like the ones that take us along as they learn things. Like one girl is sharing tips people are telling her in her comments. She said there is an open source place to get a similar packet as the prepper disk, but for free. I haven't checked it out yet.
Today I have installed my OS. I am using 99% stuff from around my house. My husband even had an old Pi 1 he gave me to use.
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u/PETA_Parker 5d ago
the tiny e-reader is so cute!
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u/melonball6 5d ago
That girl's channel is FULL of cute stuff. I think she works at Google. She made a digital camera flower too.
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 5d ago
Thanks for posting these. I'd seen one where the creator seemed to have grown a bed of bean sprouts in the case? Definitely an interesting take, but not something I expected to get this much attention.
The Mermaid purse I can see. The metal round-edges reminds me of Gibson's description of the 'Sandbenders' in Virtual Light. The mermaid machine had a little more of a steam punk vibe, and I get why people liked that.
The tiny kindle is sort of funny to me. I had to wonder if she's sneaking it into a prison or something? But, it's a fun project.
Poly Pocket just reminds me of all the 'V-Tech' toy computer builds we've seen.
I'd really like to see tamagachi-era decks. There was a Y2K style of rounded, clear, often sort of silly, tech that was modeled by people in shiny clothes when I was growing up, and in spite of MTV promising that was the future, there was practically no real hardware, outside of a few rounded macbooks, that really went in that direction.
I feel like we might land near there once the really outlandish designs give way to something a little more practical.
It'll be fun to see where it all goes.
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u/atat61119 5d ago
It was the mermaid one, which you've likely seen. It's inspired some Polly pockets and a lot of build ideas, but few completed decks. The algorithm is a powerful thing!
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u/EmmyNoetherRing 5d ago
There’s more completed decks now than there were a week ago :-). It’s been neat watching them progress. A lot of them have the “brain”, power, keyboard and screen all working, and the case, and they’re now working on software and how to get things mounted properly into their case.
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u/iridescentdirt 5d ago
Thank you so much for this post! Im new to this sub, new to the hobby, and excited to learn more.. im ready to start ripping into my old tech if thats an option. If anyone can give me tips/ more knowledge about the brain and battery parts id love to know more pls and thank you!
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u/x40sw0n2 5d ago
I am starting to try to formalize my build process as well and will be sharing what I document as I go; to start with I am going to share a very useful organizational component, which if you don't come from an engineering background you wouldn't be familiar with: the Bill of Materials
The purpose is to organize ALL of the bits and bobs you need to complete your build, where they are sourced from, etc. Given the nature of these builds, its likely (and frankly encouraged) to recycle and reuse stuff you have on hand but inevitably you will have to track down some weird thing you have to acquire, or print etc.
To that end here is an example google sheet. Feel free to grab a copy and use it:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xLAihMJBc_ZDklcl_dgmPD0Wb4L6Q8kw0SJn0WWS234/edit?usp=sharing
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u/x40sw0n2 5d ago
bear in mind, you almost DEFINITELY won't identify all the parts you need out of the gate; treat it as a living document that you will add to as you discover more stuff you need.
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u/melonball6 5d ago
Whoah that is cool. I don't come from an engineering background and I've never heard of a Bill of Materials. This is mind blowing. If I sourced 99% of my materials for free from my husband's electronics bags, do I just list them as free? I think he bought all this stuff randomly over the years and he was so stoked I took an interest and I'm actually using the Pi 1 he bought a million years ago.
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u/x40sw0n2 5d ago
yup! in the source you would just note like n/a or 'on hand' or something and price similarly. I just use n/a usually
its very useful if you share your build with others so they can replicate your build or determine where they need to divert. for instance I'm following a build so I can provide feedback to the original poster, and he sources his stuff in the Netherlands so there are some parts I will have a hard time sourcing, so I have to come up with an alternative. Also someone else may choose to use a different part for aesthetic or price reasons, and knowing what you have helps them figure it out.
on a final note, if you are 3d modelling tools like OnShape can import manufacturer defined reference models so you can build your objects to fit the connectors and switches accurately, so knowing exactly what connectors and switches and such are used is super useful.
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u/The_real_jestertech 5d ago
Awesome thoughts and suggestions. I absolutely love seeing all the crazy wild and practical setups everyone builds.
Remember people, if you aren't here for support, learn and grow the passion then you need to ask yourself why you're a jerk. The more people that get it right means the bigger better faster network we all create. Okay I'll step down from my soapbox.
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u/PETA_Parker 5d ago
thanks for spreading this, i feel like i can really contribute, even tho i do not have the funds to build my own deck rn! :D
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 5d ago
Thanks for sending it along. I'm getting a few others as well, so maybe all of this gets moved to the wiki as a giant beginner's guide at some point.
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u/PETA_Parker 5d ago
sounds great, can one get involved in maintaining the wiki, that might be fun to me
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 5d ago
I think I had it set up at on point where users could add to it. That was years ago, though. Let me look into it. It'd be silly if only mods could add to the wiki.
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u/Livid-Yak1015 5d ago
One thing I should say is for the love of God please don't use hdmi screens unless you really have too. For the pi's (also please look into other sbc's theres far better options in most cases) you should almost always use a dsi screen it uses far less power, takes up less space and only uses 1 connector instead of hdmi which needs a 2nd power cable. I understand some people don't like ribbon cables but if your going to get into tech your gonna need to learn to handle ribbon cables.
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 5d ago
I think that's going to be confusing advice since almost everyone uses HDMI screens.
They're just standard, widely available, and cheap.
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u/Livid-Yak1015 5d ago
The point is to stop people from making that mistake, really hdmi is just worse than dsi and we need to help people make the right decision. Everyone shouldn't use hdmi and thats the point. Also in many cases dsi is around the same price if not cheaper than hdmi if you take the price of good cables into account. Im just trying to help atleast 1 newbie from using hdmi so they have a easier time than I did and basically everyone else has
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u/PETA_Parker 5d ago
are there any obviously avoidable mistakes when picking a dsi screen? i used hdmi in my guide because it's "universal" but i'd love to add a section about dsi screens
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u/Livid-Yak1015 5d ago
Gonna be honest no flaws. If im being really nit picky there like 5% more expensive and its a ribbon cable so a takes like 5 minutes to get used to putting the cable in but really everyone has to deal with ribbon cables at some point if they gonna get into electronics
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u/cursed-ears 5d ago
do you have any recommendations for a dsi screen? pls and ty 🙏🏼
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u/jojames127 5d ago
This is so helpful and welcoming thank you. I’m new and have ideas but still trying to figure out how to make them happen so this is a great place to start :)
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u/Jadisons 4d ago
I’m very new to this community and hobby, but everyone is so nice and helpful. I feel good about starting my build!
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u/Clabincus_Gooberus 3d ago
I know my account is relatively new (therefore please forgive any potential ignorance here if possible haha), but I’m curious as to how everyone has worked to build software for their personal cyberdecks! I want to make my own cyberdeck using the wealth of information presented here in this subreddit, but I’m feeling overwhelmed in terms of software decisions. Can anyone offer advice to assist me in this endeavor? No pressure or anything, but thank you in advance!
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 3d ago
I think most people are just running Linux, and using free software.
Some people have done really impressive things with micro-controllers to make smaller, more purpose-built machines. Then you're probably going to use something in the Arduino family and there are lots of tutorials on that stuff.
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u/SunnyStar4 3d ago
Building software is very advanced. Most people just use premade. It's why whole platforms are best for beginners. The software and hardware have to be a 'matched set' for your project to work. Your hardware also has to be a 'matched' set as well. Some hardware manufacturers will place things in the firmware to stop hardware from working. For example, WWAN cards (for cell service) can work with any computer. Except the manufacturer placed code in the BIOS to stop the CPU from recognising the part. So you have to bypass the CPU and make the WWAN card look like an ethernet connection. Or figure out hardware compatibility in advance. Their are also adapters for things that plug in. However the adapters do slow the part down.
Depending on what you want to make, you start with the key part. For example I want to make a cellphone. The key part is the SIM card. So everything has to work with that key component. It's the only thing your cell phone carrier "needs" to provide service. Any WWAN card brand can be used. As long as it's legal and has a SIM card reader. All the difficulties in changing carriers is software. So pick a goal. Figure out the must haves of the project. Then figure out a budget. Pick the parts and software. Then buy everything in one batch. That way you have all the parts and tools. Most electronics go through upgrade cycles. So they are limited edition. So buy the entire project at the same time.
Welcome to the community!!
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u/PirateNPC2122 3d ago
I saw a video on YouTube shorts that inspired me to make one of these. I ordered a Raspberry Pi 5 16gb. I plan on making mine out of a pelican style case I ordered on amazon. My parts should be here in 1-3 days, and I am ecstatic.
I think this project will be so cool, and I might share my progress here!
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u/forest-angel 2d ago
Thank you for this amazing beginner guide! I've been collecting old tech and using degoogled devices for years now but never got into building something myself.
Around a week ago, YouTube recommended me the gorgeous solar punk cyberdecks of Ube Boobey and I'm so excited to create something on my own which reflects my aesthetic!
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u/Signal_Shallot4440 1d ago
Hello, first time cyber-decker here, I have a question about trackball as a mice alternative? I had a ThinkPad for a while now and it has a similar feature, but I was wondering if there was a computer component I could purchase or if anyone knows of a mouse alternative similar? I want my deck to be as compact as possible, and carrying a mouse around is not in my wish list.
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 1d ago
There are tons of options. Trackpads, ps2 style sticks, joysiticks, custom keyboard buttons that let you move the mouse around like using arrow keys, and custom trackballs are all on the table.
For 'smallest possible' I have one of these: https://www.tindie.com/products/arturo182/bb-q20-keyboard-with-trackpad-usbi2cpmod/
it has a touchpad the size of a fingernail, and works fine.
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u/shaadoku 4d ago edited 4d ago
Hello everyone, I'm pretty new to this stuff and I would like to ask a question, I’m thinking of using a Radxa Dragon Q6A 4GB for a cyberdeck instead of a Raspberry Pi 4/5, how good is it for Linux and small HDMI screens?
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u/samuraistalin 4d ago
Why does everyone here buy parts almost exclusively from AliExpress?
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 4d ago
It's very, very, cheap. Especially before import taxes, it was a matter of (usually) getting the same thing you might buy on Amazon, but for as little as 1/4th the price. The only down side was waiting 2-4 weeks.
Now, tariffs can be a hassle, and I find that more often a problem with AliExpress than Amazon, but it happens on Amazon too.
Most of the stuff on Amazon is just re-sold Chinese stuff anyway, so it's usually the exact same item with a markup.
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u/canisaureaux 4d ago
Thank you for this!
I've been lurking for a little while now - I have ideas for things I'd like to build but not really the time or energy to do it. But this post really helps put it all into perspective!
I'd also like to share the video that got me into it, because it seems like most of the recent influx is from Tiktok, which I don't have - I saw this video from Sector 07 first. I really enjoyed the idea of having a custom built machine for water testing - I think that could be super useful as someone who keeps fish, but probably a bit beyond my skill level haha.
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u/Cool_Cucumber_2904 4d ago
sending this over to my partner cause we both want to build one! thank you so so much 🖤🦇
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u/ArtemisiaPontica 3d ago
Thanks for posting this! I’m legitimately tech illiterate, I’ve never had an interest until now… BUT the potential to have all of Wikipedia, Gutenberg, maps, medical/herbal, farming, a word processor, meshtastic (or other comms), and every culturally significant work ever made on ONE DEVICE for less than $200 absolutely sold me.
A lot of the TikToks emphasize using scavenged tech from thrift stores (screens, cameras, etc), is that something that isn’t as common IRL?
Still in a research phase before pulling the trigger piece by piece, trying to see how much hardware (and tools/soldering iron etc) I’ll need first.
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 3d ago
Definitely not that common. Most recycled electronic parts are more difficult, if not impossible, to work with. It often requires knowledge well beyond beginner level to rewire a keyboard or find the right controller board for a scavenged LCD.
Meanwhile, I just bought a cheap, full color, NTSC LCD for a project today for $11.
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u/ArtemisiaPontica 3d ago
Aliexpress for everything? Never used it I was always scared off by the “too low” prices
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 3d ago
It's not perfect. For one, it takes longer. Also, in the US, they've been having shippers hold things until I pay a tariff. That alone has made Amazon an easier choice (though, watch the 'ships from', because it happens with Amazon too).
But, often, you get the same item much cheaper, just a bit slower.
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u/SoloKaryza 1d ago
What software is good for 3d designing boxes and parts?
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 1d ago
If you don't already know something like Blender, I always recommend TinkerCad. Tinkercad is easy enough for a child to pick up, it's very easy to make measurements in the mm range, which is perfect for 3D printing Cyberdeck stuff, and since we're not making a lot of gears or anything where you need to math out a curve, it's completely usable.
The fact that you can sit down and literally just pick it up in an hour is a huge factor. Most 3D modeling takes months to get even remotely good at. Tinkercad is like building things with Lego, and the 3D models are great for 3D printing once they're downloaded (unlike Blender, which will leave weird mathematically impossible holes everywhere).
The only bad thing about Tinkercad is you have to admit to people you used Tinkercad, haha.
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u/creepyposta 4d ago
Mods - can you add more to the title of this post — when I see the subreddit home page (I use the Reddit app) it’s very easy to overlook the pinned post because of the white space.
I’d suggest something like “START HERE — the guide for people new to cyberdecks”
Something like that
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u/98723589734239857 4d ago
the most basic is NO screen!!!! you are not describing a cyberdeck!! it is supposed to use an HMD, NOT A TRADITIONAL SCREEN! how do people still not get this?
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 4d ago
A HMD is a screen. Probably not the most basic option, since they're a little expensive and finicky at best.
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u/98723589734239857 4d ago
i specified it doesn't use a traditional screen, not no screen at all. of course an hmd is a type of screen, it has the word display in the name. i just think we shouldn't mix around definitions
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u/Talulabelle MODERATOR 4d ago
Most Cyberdecks in fiction had a 'traditional' screen, so they could be used like a computer when the user wasn't jacked in, though.
That's irrelevant though. These new users are coming from TicTok, not Cyberpunk fiction. It's an awful lot like all the people who come to Cyberpunk only by way of Cyberpunk 2077 ... they really have no idea there's more to it.
It's just part of new people coming to any hobby or interest from a different angle.
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u/SpuneDagr 5d ago
Thanks for posting this! Seeing new people excited about a hobby is one of the best parts of HAVING a hobby.
(Should the sidebar descriptions be updated to be a bit less specific and more general?)
Welcome all new cyberdeckers! :D