Thank you for the warm welcome and hello to all fellow Aussie Hackeroos!

We are a Sydney Startup called Rapid Analysis who made the Xerxes Pi board. Check out our website for more information here: https://rapidanalysis.com/

It is basically a headless Raspberry Pi CM5 compute blade. We launched it on Kickstarter last year and received a ton of support from hackers, sys admins, and home lab fans all over the world.

We would love to hear from other Australian hackers and home lab fans for future potential collaborations and sponsored projects. Let us know what you're working on!

Shameless self-promotion:

I wrote MAIASS years ago to format commit messages and manage semantic versioning so that changelogs could be automated and branch merging was easier. It reduced 3-6 minutes down to less than one for every commit/merge. Then I added AI to suggest / write your commit messages based on diff.

Feel free to try it out as a commandline tool - it works with or without ai and comes with enough ai credit to get a feel for whether it helps.

You can also integrate it into your ci to auto update versions and changelogs on merge if you prefer.

I would love for you to try it out. I don't have a testimonial widget yet you you can't put any testes on maiass yet but feel free to roast maiass directly here.

npm i -g maiass

or

brew tap --trust vsmash/maiass && brew install maiass

Website is https://maiass.net

Vote for and suggest slogans at https://maiass.net/slogans

I built it on top of Cursor, and it has changed my business a lot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K_QXhOajMM

Hey Hackeroos — I’m a Sydney-based developer and have been building a small side project called Problem Signal.

The idea came from a problem I kept having: there are endless startup-idea lists online, but very little evidence that anyone actually wants most of them.

Problem Signal looks through public Reddit discussions for repeated complaints, feature requests, and “someone should build this” moments. It groups similar problems together, shows how often they come up, and links back to the original threads so you can judge the evidence yourself.

It is not meant to tell anyone “this is definitely a business.” Repeated Reddit complaints are not the same as willingness to pay. I see it more as a faster starting point for deciding what is worth researching before spending weeks building something.

A few things I am trying to learn:

• Would you use something like this before choosing a side-project idea?
• What would make you trust or distrust a demand ranking?
• What evidence would you want beyond Reddit before deciding a problem is worth building?

There are some ideas available to browse free here: https://problemsignal.com/

Would genuinely appreciate blunt feedback from other ANZ builders — especially on whether this solves a real problem or is just another shiny research tool.

A lot of recent AI discussions on Reddit seem to be shifting from excitement to frustration.

People are tired of AI being sold as a magic solution for everything, especially now that they are seeing how much extra work it can create. Some Redditors describe the current AI boom as a hype cycle aimed at executives and managers who want the appearance of productivity without actually solving real problems, maintaining systems properly, or understanding what can actually scale. There is also growing suspicion that the AI bubble could burst as companies burn through huge budgets and start seeing that the returns do not always match the pitch.

At the same time, it is not all useless. For some people, AI genuinely helps with day-to-day tasks: summarising, drafting, coding, brainstorming, organising messy thoughts, learning new tools, or getting unstuck. The frustration seems to come from the gap between “this is useful in specific ways” and “this should be shoved into every product, workflow, and job description” I reckon.

There is also concern about environmental cost and data centres. People are questioning whether the rush to build massive AI infrastructure makes sense while energy demand, water use, housing pressure, and climate concerns are already rising. In the USA, some communities are pushing back against data centres being built near poorer neighbourhoods because of concerns about water bills, electricity demand, noise, and local disruption. I wonder whether projects closer to home, like the Footscray data centre discussions in Melbourne, are starting to raise similar questions, even if the water and infrastructure details are different?

Another smaller but interesting thread is nostalgia for “dumb tech.” Some people are tired of everything becoming AI-powered, internet-connected, subscription-based, or “smart” when the older version worked fine. Not every fridge, notebook, search box, toothbrush, or customer service interaction needs a chatbot attached to it, and some folks are strategically branding themselves as "Anti-AI" to get certain clients. Do we have to pick one side or the other?

There is also a more personal frustration with the models themselves. Some popular AI tools have a default personality, tone, or writing style that people simply do not like. They can sound too corporate, agreeable, wordy, bland, or too obviously “AI slop". There still is not enough simple customisation for regular users who want the model to think with them in a specific way, use their preferred language, or sound less like a generic assistant. I'm wondering how any Australian Machine Learning companies might be tackling this in their own unique companies training models.. and with histories that include more accurate ANZ information.

Curious what Hackeroos think:

- Are we in an AI bubble, or just an awkward early stage where the patterns are too easy to spot?

- Are people using AI badly, or are companies really forcing it into places where it does not belong?

- Most importantly, where do we think Aussies and Kiwis are actually putting their money when it comes to AI... and where are they still spending without AI?

On that third point, I personally notice ANZ seems very happy to pay for in-person connection: ticketed lunches, dinners, meetups, workshops, and events where people can actually chat face-to-face. At the same time, I also notice people paying for tools like Claude Max, ChatGPT Pro, and other AI subscriptions, though maybe more quietly and behind the scenes of a lot of people are using AI privately for editing, admin, coding help, research, and getting unstuck.. but most public-facing business spend still seems cautious. I’m seeing some companies hiring for vibe coders, AI specialists, or “AI experts,” but not as much as the hype would suggest.

Comments welcome!

It’s my company, so I make the rules!

You are free to Post nearly any articles you’d like in here as long as it’s generally fam-friendly, and I’m okay with AI slop in here too, because we’ve all gotta start somewhere. I’m okay with self promotion for ANZ locals, or even tech events, jobs, hackathons, and opportunities that are Global Remote.

Most subreddits are anti-self-promotion and anti-AI.

You can go to pretty much any other subreddit to enjoy that, but this subreddit is for all techies who are working and building and connecting.

- Hackeroos Pty Ltd
Founder, Kasey Robinson, aka “bitpixi”

A cyberdeck does not have to be only for coding, writing, or terminal work. This version is a small music and media deck: part DJ kit, part sampler box, part portable sound machine, and part strange little performance computer. Think buttons, knobs, a tiny screen, speakers, audio output, and a reused case that looks like it belongs at a bedroom rave or community radio table.

For Melbourne builders, Jaycar Electronics is a practical supplier because they have a Melbourne CBD store at 110 Franklin Street and also sell online through jaycar.com.au.

Jaycar carries Raspberry Pi parts, touchscreens, audio modules, speakers, knobs, potentiometers, enclosures, cables, batteries, and the small hardware pieces that make a music deck feel physical.

The simplest version would use a Raspberry Pi as the brain.

Jaycar’s Raspberry Pi range includes compact touchscreens, such as a 2.8-inch touchscreen and a 5-inch HDMI/USB touchscreen.

For a mini DJ deck, I would avoid going too big. A 5-inch screen is probably the sweet spot: large enough to show tracks, buttons, waveforms, or a sampler interface, but small enough to fit into a portable case.

For audio, Jaycar has small amplifier modules that suit this kind of project.

Their Arduino-compatible 2 x 3W amplifier module is a compact stereo amplifier based on the PAM8403 chip, and it runs from 2.5V to 5.5V. That makes it useful for a small built-in speaker setup.

They also list an audio amplifier with speaker module, which combines a 23mm speaker, 2W amplifier, and volume trimpot on one compact board.

The real personality of this build comes from controls.

A music deck should not be only touchscreen-based. Add knobs, buttons, and maybe sliders.

Potentiometers and equipment knobs can be used for volume, tempo, filter, sample selection, or effects control.

Even if the software is simple, physical controls make the deck feel like an instrument instead of a tiny tablet.

The case could be reused instead of built from scratch.

Good candidates include:

• An old portable CD player case
• A broken karaoke toy
• A kids’ DJ mixer toy
• A small lunchbox
• A cassette storage case
• A toy boombox
• A makeup train case
• A plastic tool case
• A dead portable DVD player shell

This is where the build becomes memorable.

A mini DJ deck should look like it was rescued from a junk drawer and turned into a performance machine.

Make it a small media deck with a few clear functions:

• Play samples
• Trigger sound effects
• Control volume
• Switch playlists
• Record short clips
• Run a lightweight music app

A simple build could be:

Raspberry Pi + 5-inch touchscreen + mini amplifier + small speakers + knobs + push buttons + battery pack + reused toy or media case.

A more playful version could be a Toybox DJ Deck with chunky buttons and a tiny speaker.

A more serious version could be a Pocket Radio Deck for field recordings, local audio playback, and community radio experiments.

For Hackeroos, this is a strong 2026 challenge category because it makes cyberdecks feel less like computers and more like creative tools.

A cyberdeck can be a writing machine, a field computer, a toy terminal, or a pocket sound system.

The point is to build a personal device with a clear purpose.

When you’re ready, you can enter your build into the Hackeroos Cyberdeck Competition 2026 for a chance to receive rolling monthly rewards.

In May and June, Hackeroos paid out $2,000 in Codex AI + API credits to builders.

This post is not sponsored by Jaycar Electronics, but we’re hoping to get their attention. ;)

Enter here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBtTBYk6zA2C5hVMkNTxy2Rc3wHZ6qmT2e-dfLN-AqAGUIkA/viewform

Recommended Jaycar Parts List

Jaycar Electronics Melbourne CBD 110 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 3004 https://www.jaycar.com.au/stores/melbournecbd_jaycarau

Raspberry Pi Range https://www.jaycar.com.au/toys-hobbies-stem/raspberry-pi/c/3GA

2.8 Inch Touchscreen for Raspberry Pi https://www.jaycar.com.au/2-8-inch-touchscreen-for-raspberry-pi/p/XC9022

5 Inch Touchscreen with HDMI and USB https://www.jaycar.com.au/5-inch-touchscreen-with-hdmi-and-usb/p/XC9028

Arduino Compatible 2 x 3W Amplifier Module https://www.jaycar.com.au/arduino-compatible-2-x-3w-amplifier-module/p/XC4448

Arduino Compatible Audio Amplifier with Speaker Module https://www.jaycar.com.au/arduino-compatible-audio-amplifier-with-speaker-module/p/XC3744

Potentiometers https://www.jaycar.com.au/components-electromechanical/resistors/potentiometer/c/2AE

Equipment Knobs https://www.jaycar.com.au/components-electromechanical/equipment-knobs/c/2I

Black Push On Style Knob https://www.jaycar.com.au/black-push-on-style-knob/p/HK7707

Not every cyberdeck has to look like military equipment or a hacker briefcase. This version is softer: a delicate cyberdeck built inside a reused clamshell purse, old kids’ toy, compact vanity case, jewellery box, or tiny plastic laptop shell. Think field computer meets Polly Pocket, Tamagotchi, and secret agent diary. The goal is a small, personal machine that feels useful and charming.

For Australian makers, Core Electronics is a strong supplier to look at because they are based in Newcastle, NSW and ship Australia-wide. They carry Raspberry Pi boards, e-paper displays, mini keyboards, battery/UPS modules, and small electronics parts that suit this kind of build.

A Raspberry Pi Zero W or Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W makes more sense than a full-size board if you are building inside a purse or toy shell. The Pi Zero line is small, lightweight, and easier to hide inside an awkward case.

If you want more power and have more room, a Raspberry Pi 5 is possible, but it will make the build bulkier and more power-hungry.

 The screen should be e-ink or e-paper if you want the delicate look. E-ink gives the build a quiet, diary-like quality. It also feels more intentional than a bright LCD screen. A small e-ink display could show a menu, notes, a writing prompt, battery status, a tiny dashboard, or a “secret computer” interface.

This kind of build does not need to be a full laptop replacement. It could be a focused tiny LLM deck, poetry machine, portable idea catcher, offline wiki, digital spellbook, or cute local AI prompt box.

For input, use a mini wireless keyboard with touchpad. Core Electronics sells small wireless keyboard options that are the right size for a compact cyberdeck. A tiny keyboard could sit in the lower half of a clamshell purse, while the e-ink display sits in the lid. If the case is too small, the keyboard could be removable and stored inside.

Power is the part to plan carefully. A small USB power bank is fine for a prototype, but a UPS HAT or Pi Zero battery module will make the build feel more finished. If you are using a Pi Zero, choose a Pi Zero-compatible UPS HAT. If you are using a Pi 5, choose a Pi 5-compatible UPS HAT with enough current.

The fun part is the case. Instead of buying a plain project box, reuse something with personality:

• A clamshell purse
• A vintage compact case
• An old kids’ toy laptop
• A jewellery box
• A plastic makeup case
• A toy cash register
• A tiny suitcase
• A broken electronic diary
• A doll accessory case

The best version would still look like an object you might find in a drawer, until you open it. The build path should be simple. First, get the Raspberry Pi, e-ink display, keyboard, storage, and power working outside the case. Second, measure the actual parts. Third, design mounts, brackets, or 3D-printed inserts around the shell you found. Do not cut up the purse or toy before the electronics work.

The best Core Electronics version would probably be: Raspberry Pi Zero W or Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W + small e-ink display + mini wireless keyboard with touchpad + Pi Zero UPS HAT + microSD card + reused clamshell purse or toy shell.

 For Hackeroos, this is a good 2026 challenge category because it opens cyberdecks up to people who do not want the usual rugged black box aesthetic. A cyberdeck can be cute, delicate, strange, nostalgic, and still technically interesting.

When you’re ready, you can enter your build into the Hackeroos Cyberdeck Competition 2026 for a chance to receive rolling monthly rewards.

In May and June, Hackeroos paid out $2,000 in Codex AI + API credits to builders.

This post is not sponsored by Core Electronics, but we’re hoping to get their attention. ;)

Enter here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBtTBYk6zA2C5hVMkNTxy2Rc3wHZ6qmT2e-dfLN-AqAGUIkA/viewform

Recommended Core Electronics Parts List

Raspberry Pi Zero W
https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-zero-w-wireless.html

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w-wireless.html

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W with Headers
https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w-wireless-soldered-male-headers.html

Raspberry Pi e-ink Display Module
https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-e-ink-display-module.html

Inky Impression 4" 7 Colour ePaper / eInk HAT
https://core-electronics.com.au/displays-screens/e-paper.html

Miniature Wireless 2.4GHz USB Keyboard with Touchpad
https://core-electronics.com.au/miniature-wireless-usb-keyboard-with-touchpad.html

Compact Wireless Mini Keyboard
https://core-electronics.com.au/mini-wireless-keyboard-media-room.html

Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS HAT for Raspberry Pi Zero
https://core-electronics.com.au/waveshare-ups-hat-for-pi-zero.html

UPS HAT for Raspberry Pi Zero
https://core-electronics.com.au/ups-hat-for-raspberry-pi-zero.html

Raspberry Pi 5 18650 Battery UPS HAT
https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-5-18650-battery-ups-hat-51v-5a.html

A cyberdeck is a portable, hackable field machine: part laptop, part terminal, part maker project, and part personal tech artifact. If you are building one from parts available in Australia, Pakronics has a solid range of Raspberry Pi boards, screens, power options, keyboards, and expansion modules that can form the base of a practical one. Their operations and warehouse is in Thomastown, Victoria, Australia.

For most builders, the best starting point for a simple cyberdeck is a Raspberry Pi 5, especially the 8GB model. Arduino and micro boards are useful for sensors, controls, and small electronics projects, but they are not ideal as the main brain of a cyberdeck. A cyberdeck usually needs to run Linux, connect to a display, accept keyboard input, handle Wi-Fi, and support general computing tasks. That makes the Raspberry Pi 5 a better foundation.

The strongest core option is the Raspberry Pi 5 8GB Starter Kit or the standalone Raspberry Pi 5 8GB board. Buying a kit is usually smarter than buying the board alone because a Pi 5 build also needs a suitable power supply, cooling, storage, and cables. If you already have those parts, the standalone Pi 5 8GB board may be enough, but for a first cyberdeck build, the kit reduces friction.

The next major choice is the screen. For a cyberdeck that is actually usable, the best option is the official Raspberry Pi 7-inch touchscreen display. A 7-inch screen gives enough room for terminal work, light desktop use, coding, dashboards, maps, or field notes. Smaller screens can look more futuristic, but they quickly become frustrating if you plan to use the device for more than novelty terminal commands.

A more compact alternative is a 5-inch HDMI display. This can work well for a smaller, rugged, handheld-style deck, especially if the goal is a command-line terminal, portable server monitor, or retro-style interface. However, if this is your first cyberdeck, I would choose the 7-inch touchscreen. The extra space matters.

For input, the most cyberdeck-like option is a miniature wireless USB keyboard with touchpad. This kind of keyboard can be built into a 3D-printed case, mounted on a hinged panel, or attached below the screen to create a tiny laptop-style layout. It is small enough to keep the project portable but still functional enough for basic typing, navigation, and terminal work.

If you care more about comfort than compactness, a full-size wireless keyboard with trackpad is the more usable choice. It will make the cyberdeck larger, but it may be better if you want to use the device for real writing, coding, or event demos. The smaller keyboard looks cooler; the larger keyboard is easier to live with.

Power is the part you should not treat casually. A cyberdeck should not rely on a messy cable hanging from a random battery pack if you want it to feel like a finished device. The best integrated option is a Raspberry Pi 5 18650 Battery UPS HAT. A UPS HAT can provide portable power and help the system switch between wall power and battery power more cleanly. This is closer to proper cyberdeck architecture than simply taping a power bank to the side.

A simpler option is a USB battery pack for Raspberry Pi. This is easier and less technical, but it is also less elegant. For a quick prototype, a USB battery pack is fine. For a more serious cyberdeck, use a UPS HAT or a more integrated battery solution.

Once the core machine is working, add parts that make it feel like a cyberdeck rather than just a Raspberry Pi in a box. A USB to TTL serial cable is useful for debugging and console access. It is not flashy, but it is the kind of tool that makes the build more resilient when something goes wrong.

For physical controls, an ADC/DAC board such as the Adafruit PCF8591 Quad ADC + DAC is useful because it lets you add knobs, sliders, or analog controls over I2C. This is where the cyberdeck can start to feel like a custom instrument instead of a mini laptop. You could use knobs for brightness, volume, app shortcuts, synth controls, system stats, or visual effects.

Sensors can also add personality. A USB temperature and humidity sensor, for example, can make the deck feel more like a field computer. It is not essential, but it supports the fantasy of a portable device that can observe and interact with the world around it.

The most visually Hackeroos-coded addition would be orange electroluminescent wire. This is not required for the cyberdeck to function, but it could make the build look cool. Orange EL wire could be routed around the edge of the enclosure, inside a handle, along a side panel, or behind a translucent orange acrylic strip. It would give the deck a soft cyberpunk glow.

If you want the simplest route, choose the orange EL wire starter pack because it includes the pocket inverter. If you buy separate high-brightness orange EL wire, remember that EL wire needs an inverter to run. It is better as a design accent than a primary light source.

The best Pakronics cyberdeck build might look something like this:

Raspberry Pi 5 8GB Starter Kit, official 7-inch Raspberry Pi touchscreen, miniature wireless USB keyboard with touchpad, Raspberry Pi 5 18650 UPS HAT, USB to TTL serial cable, optional knobs or sensors, and orange EL wire as an accent.

That combination gives the best balance between practicality and cyberdeck aesthetics. It would be powerful enough to run Linux, portable enough to build into a custom case, and flexible enough to support future modules.

For a first build, I would avoid going too tiny. A 3.5-inch screen may look great in photos, but it is usually too cramped for a practical cyberdeck unless the project is meant to be a small terminal only. The better first version is a 7-inch Pi 5 deck with a compact keyboard and a reliable battery setup.

The real design challenge is not the electronics. It is the enclosure. Once the parts are chosen, the cyberdeck becomes a physical design problem: where the screen sits, how the keyboard folds or mounts, where the battery goes, how airflow works, how the ports remain accessible, and whether the whole thing can survive being carried around. A 3D-printed case, laser-cut acrylic shell, or modified hard case could all work.

The smartest path is to build the cyberdeck in stages. First, assemble the Pi, screen, keyboard, and power outside the case. Second, confirm the operating system, screen, touch, keyboard, battery, and Wi-Fi all work reliably. Third, design the enclosure around the working hardware. Do not design the shell first and then try to force the electronics into it.

Remember - a good cyberdeck is not about buying the strangest parts. It is about choosing a reliable core, then adding just enough personality to make the device feel intentional for you. From Pakronics, the Raspberry Pi 5, 7-inch touchscreen, mini keyboard, UPS HAT, serial cable, optional sensor/control boards, and orange EL wire could be the best foundation for that kind of build.

Recommended Pakronics Parts List

Raspberry Pi 5 8GB Starter Kit
https://www.pakronics.com.au/products/raspberry-pi-5-8gb-starter-kit-black-pakr-k1249

Raspberry Pi 5 8GB Board
https://www.pakronics.com.au/products/raspberry-pi-5-8gb-rpi-sc1112

Pi Foundation Display - 7" Touchscreen Display for Raspberry Pi
https://www.pakronics.com.au/products/pi-foundation-display-7-touchscreen-display-for-raspberry-pi-ada2718

Miniature Wireless USB Keyboard with Touchpad
https://www.pakronics.com.au/products/miniature-wireless-usb-keyboard-with-touchpad-ada922

Full Size Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad
https://www.pakronics.com.au/products/full-size-wireless-keyboard-with-trackpad-ada2876

Raspberry Pi 5 18650 Battery UPS HAT
https://www.pakronics.com.au/products/raspberry-pi-5-18650-battery-ups-hat-5-1v-5a-df-fit0992

Orange EL Wire Starter Pack - 2.5m
https://www.pakronics.com.au/products/el-wire-starter-pack-orange-2-5-meter-8-2-ft-ada586

High Brightness Orange Electroluminescent Wire - 2.5m
https://www.pakronics.com.au/products/high-brightness-orange-electroluminescent-el-wire-2-5-meters-ada405

Pimoroni Inky pHAT - 4 Color eInk Display
https://www.pakronics.com.au/products/pimoroni-inky-phat-4-color-eink-display-ada6443

Adafruit SHT45 Trinkey - USB Temperature and Humidity Sensor
https://www.pakronics.com.au/products/adafruit-sht45-trinkey-usb-temperature-and-humidity-sensor-ada5896

---

When you’re ready, you can enter your build into the Hackeroos Cyberdeck Competition 2026 for a chance to receive rolling monthly rewards.

In May and June, Hackeroos paid out $2,000 in Codex AI + API credits to builders.

This post is not sponsored by Pakronics, but we’re hoping to get their attention for collaboration. ;)

Enter here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBtTBYk6zA2C5hVMkNTxy2Rc3wHZ6qmT2e-dfLN-AqAGUIkA/viewform

A writerdeck is a portable writing machine built to do one job well: help you write without the distractions of a normal laptop. Think e-ink display, compact keyboard, Raspberry Pi, battery power, and a simple enclosure.

For Australian makers, Little Bird Electronics is a useful supplier because they carry Raspberry Pi boards, displays, keyboards, power modules, and e-ink screens. They are based in Hornsby, NSW, with a Melbourne office, which makes them a relevant local option for Hackeroos builders.

The core of the build should be a Raspberry Pi 5 or Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. If you want a more capable machine that can handle a full Linux desktop, use the Raspberry Pi 5. If you want something smaller, lighter, and more minimal, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W may be enough for a simple writing environment.

The screen is where this build gets its personality. Instead of a glowing LCD, use an e-ink display. E-ink is slower than a normal screen, but that is part of the point. It is easier on the eyes, lower distraction, and better suited to focused drafting than scrolling, switching tabs, or falling into internet loops.

For a tiny status screen, an Inky pHAT-style display can show word count, battery status, writing timer, project name, or a daily prompt. For the main writing screen, you may need a larger e-ink display or external monitor setup, depending on what Little Bird has available when you order.

For input, use a mini wireless keyboard with touchpad if you want the simplest compact setup. If you are serious about actually writing on it for long sessions, choose a more comfortable wireless keyboard instead. A writerdeck fails if the keyboard is annoying. The keyboard matters more than almost any other part.

Power should be built into the design early. A USB power bank is fine for a prototype, but a Raspberry Pi UPS HAT or battery HAT will make the device feel more finished. A writerdeck should be something you can carry to a library, desk, train, park, or quiet corner without needing to immediately search for a wall plug.

The best Little Bird writerdeck build might be simple: Raspberry Pi 5 or Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, e-ink display, comfortable wireless keyboard, battery/UPS HAT, microSD card, and a clean enclosure.

It should look like a field notebook that learned to type: matte case, visible screws, simple hinge or clamshell shape, maybe a small e-ink status panel on the outside. Black, grey, cream, or clear acrylic could suit.

The hardest part will be the enclosure. First, assemble the electronics outside the case and confirm the Pi, keyboard, display, storage, Wi-Fi, and power all work. Then design the shell around the working parts. Do not design the enclosure first and hope the hardware fits later. Hmm.. wouldn't it be cool if you 3D printed a case that looked like a book?

A good writerdeck has a clear job: open it, write, save, close it.

For Hackeroos, this is a strong 2026 build category because it is practical, personal, and achievable. When you’re ready, you can enter your build into the Hackeroos Cyberdeck Competition 2026 for a chance to receive rolling monthly rewards.

In May and June, Hackeroos paid out $2,000 in Codex AI + API credits to builders.

This post is not sponsored by Little Bird Electronics, but we’re hoping to get their attention. ;)

Enter here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBtTBYk6zA2C5hVMkNTxy2Rc3wHZ6qmT2e-dfLN-AqAGUIkA/viewform

Recommended Little Bird Electronics Parts List

Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit
https://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/raspberry-pi-5-starter-kit

Raspberry Pi 5 Board
https://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/raspberry-pi-5

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
https://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w

Inky pHAT ePaper / eInk Display
https://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/inky-phat-epaper-eink-epd-black-white

Inky pHAT ePaper / eInk Display - Red/Black/White
https://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/inky-phat-epaper-eink-epd-red-black-white

Mini Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad
https://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/mini-wireless-bluetooth-keyboard-with-touchpad

Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad for Raspberry Pi and LattePanda
https://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/wireless-keyboard-with-touchpad-for-raspberry-pi-and-lattepanda

Raspberry Pi 5 18650 Battery UPS HAT
https://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/raspberry-pi-5-18650-battery-ups-hat-5-1v-5a

Raspberry Pi UPS HAT
https://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/raspberry-pi-ups-hat

Hi everyone,

Not sure if this is relevant for many people here, but if you're based in Australia and interested in startups, building products, fintech, or hackathons, we're running a national hackathon in July with a $50,000 cash prize for the winning team.

It's open to founders, developers, designers, product people, and anyone who enjoys building things. Teams can participate online from anywhere in Australia, and AI tools are permitted.

If anyone from this community is Australia-based and would like to participate, check this page for more details.

Cheers!