Cyberdecks gain popularity: tech enthusiasts have had enough of big tech

DIY hardware communities have experienced explosive growth in recent months as people showcase their handmade devices on social media. The movement is partly a reaction to surveillance and data collection by large technology companies.

The do-it-yourself electronics community has experienced a genuine boom in recent months – enthusiasts around the world proudly share their handmade devices on social media, ranging from solar-powered game emulators to pocket-sized e-readers and strikingly elegant portable computers.

Why cyberdecks are having their moment

The cyberdeck movement – named after William Gibson's cyberpunk classic – is not entirely new, but the current surge in popularity is remarkable. Many creators argue that their projects stem from a desire to escape surveillance and data collection by major technology companies. A self-built device means complete control over what software it runs and what data it collects.

From pocket computers to solar devices

Popular projects include solar-charged gaming consoles that emulate vintage games; compact e-ink screen readers optimized precisely for their creators' needs; and shell-shaped miniature computers that look like something from a cyberpunk science fiction film. The common denominator is that each device is unique and reflects its creator's values and preferences.

The movement demonstrates that consumers have alternatives to commercial technology – even if those alternatives require significant technical skills and time. The cyberdeck community is a living example of how open-source software combined with affordable hardware enables anyone to create personalized digital solutions, independent of Silicon Valley's major corporations.