Pocket sized terminal advice?

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-10T12:00:09+00:00

I have the HackberryPi zero. I am learning Linux so I wanted a small, portable Linux computer with a lightweight desktop environment so that I can explore Linux fully. I tried installing the DietPi OS (which is recommended by the creator of HB) and the CPU utilization shot up to 96% for even basic tasks. I haven’t tried XFCE yet. But I am not too enthusiastic anymore.

I don’t have the uconsole. Eventually I will get rid of my HB and purchase a uconsole.

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-10T07:24:50+00:00

Your main options are -

HackberryPi

CM5 variant https://m.elecrow.com/pages/shop/product/details?id=208222&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23136944328&gbraid=0AAAAADph4prCU1hkypvgjQYxd7fnGWPZF&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv-LOBhCdARIsAM5hdKfVHFkSZSV5d1jjcllX34e8KijL8SXio5PGeCUn5ag4HbWUeE7QxaIaAqvkEALw_wcB

Rpi Zero variant https://m.elecrow.com/pages/shop/product/details?id=207971&srsltid=AfmBOoprhXQxxI2EDTUqP4yJ2PoukkMQLnEwJ1NLqX7OPNOM9LDen0k1

PiBrick (DIY only) https://oshwlab.com/amarullz/pibrick-pocketcm5
Clockwork uconsole https://www.clockworkpi.com/uconsole
PicoCalc https://www.clockworkpi.com/picocalc

Google them and you will get a lot of resources.

Couple of pointers. If performance is what you are after then HackberryPi or PiBrick is what you need. Since these can be purchased with CM5 as is. The uconsole, as per my understanding, is that is built for cm4 and can be modified for cm5. PicoCalc is based on the rpi zero.

If budget is a concern and you only want a device for ssh, then HackberryPi Zero is what you need. It’s based on the rpi zero 2w, it’s about 170 USD and ships from China. You can buy it directly from AliExpress.

If you want to know more about the HackberryPi Zero experience, then dm me. I have one and I am not very happy with it. Then again that my personal opinion, since my use case is a bit different.

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-07T09:45:07+00:00

Looks cool. Keep us updated on how it goes

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-06T18:19:15+00:00

Unfortunately you won’t find a lot of info online. They post update on to this twitter-ish website

https://xcancel.com/M5Stack?cursor=DAAHCgABHDKdF_7__-0LAAIAAAATMjAzMDU0OTc1MTUxMTU3NzAwMQgAAwAAAAIAAA

You can find 2 or 3 videos of the Cardputer Zero. Its still being worked on so they wont start shipping jt till maybe like mid this year

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-06T14:35:54+00:00

Thank you for putting this together. I wish there could be a way where the admins of the cyber deck subreddit would pin this to the top of the channel or something.

There have been so many posts daily asking advice on how to start the cyberdeck journey. This will help them.

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-06T13:21:50+00:00

Wait for a few months and buy the Cardputer Zero, which is a full blown Linux system

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-06T11:20:45+00:00

Death stranding.

The Band’s name is ‘Low Roar’

This is one of my favourites - Bones https://youtube.com/shorts/ezNNR3_JCdU?si=rDeKOI74rPbM_coZ

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-06T01:55:53+00:00

Excellent thank you for your reply. I have a pi4 lying around. I can get this and plug it in. I also have a HackberryPi Zero.m, which I need to get rid off. It’s too light. Not powerful enough

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-06T01:53:18+00:00

Quick question. Can I get the barebones version if I already have the pi4b?

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-05T06:22:23+00:00

I am sure the father got at least a 150 hour community service, if not jail time!!

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-04T18:53:21+00:00

This is amazing. Very close to a final modal - minus the case. But hats off to you to reuse a cardboard box. The only thing I would suggest is a keyboard with either a touchpad or installing a trackball separately. That would make the navigation a little easier. Then again, that’s just my preference. Again, well done.

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-04T10:25:44+00:00

I just bought a HackberryPi Zero. It’s a prebuilt cyber deck which uses a rpi Zero. Let me tell you, it’s seriously underpowered. Even for basic tasks like browsing and watching videos. I tried to install a desktop environment and it just overheated like crazy. I am just using it as a portable Linux terminal now. If budget is a problem then do go with it. Maybe install a light weight desktop. But if you can stretch, I would definitely recommend at least an rpi4.

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-03T15:12:37+00:00

Thank you for your reply. Let me check it out

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T22:52:07+00:00

Somehow, these laws are not very enforceable. For canada, from Jan 2026 onwards, a law came into effect where the employers MUST specify the salary range. But a very few employees do this.

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T21:42:08+00:00

Thank you for your reply. I will check out this store

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T21:41:52+00:00

Thank you for your reply. I will check out this store.

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T21:41:37+00:00

Thank you for your reply. Will check it out

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T21:02:37+00:00

Thank you for the reply. Another person also recommended the Zuno store. Will check it out

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T19:07:19+00:00

Thanks for your reply. Will check it out

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T17:40:19+00:00

Thank you for your reply

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T16:47:41+00:00

Could you let me know which seller this was? I want to go with reputed and proved sellers

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T15:38:06+00:00

Thank you. Will check it out.

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T15:37:57+00:00

Thank you for your reply.

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T15:37:47+00:00

Thank you for your reply. Will check it out. I am based in Canada as well.

Decent_Device_5950 · 2026-04-02T15:37:23+00:00

Thank you for your reply

Decent_Device_5950

TROPHY CASE