Michael Picks' Nomad Computer Is an Ultra-Portable Cyberdeck with a Massive 30" Display

Maker Michael Pick has showcased a cyberdeck build with a difference: the Raspberry Pi-powered Nomad Computer folds out to reveal a massive 30" display screen — driven by a projector mounted on a telescoping arm.

"The goal of this project was to make an ultra-portable/low-energy computer that didn't feel like a desktop compromise," Pick explains of the Nomad Computer's origins. "I wanted to make a computer system that I could see being used by campers, or people who needed a large computer screen (30") but could not take a traditional computer with them."

"How the Nomad works: A telescoping arm is stored in the main body of the Nomad. Once removed and rotated 90 degrees, the arm can be locked into place with a hitch pin. This places the projector arm in the perfect position to utilize the 30" fold-out projector screen, which is roughly 36in from the projector. A Raspberry Pi 4 powers the Nomad, and a full-size keyboard and mouse can be removed from the storage compartment on the side of the Nomad."

It's a bold concept, with the majority of rival portable builds focusing on small-scale displays — or, at most, featuring an integrated projector for use with an external display. The Nomad Computer, by contrast, has everything it needs to run in a single package — including a folding keyboard, folding mouse, and a USB battery pack which offers an impressive eight-hour runtime.

While the project is fully functional as-is, Pick has ideas for improvement. "One thing I'd like to do in future models," he notes, "is to make the main tube of the Nomad out of carbon fiber. I used PVC for this build, but carbon fiber would save on a lot of weight."

More details are available on Pick's project page.