CyberT. – A BlackBerry-like Raspberry Pi CM4-based handheld Linux computer with Kali Linux support

Designed by Carbon Computers, the CyberT. is a BlackBerry-style handheld Linux computer equipped with a 4-inch panel built around the Raspberry Pi CM4. It features a custom QMK-powered QWERTY keyboard, a BlackBerry-style touchpad, HDMI output, microSD card slot, stereo speakers, and an onboard battery management system (BMS), packed into a compact form factor.

Compared to Clockwork’s uConsole, which features swappable CM3/CM4 SoMs, a 5-inch display, and optional 4G LTE, the CyberT. focuses on cybersecurity and portable development. While many Raspberry Pi CM4-based handheld devices like the RetroLite CM4 and ReBoi target retro gaming with joysticks or Game Boy-style enclosures, the CyberT., takes a cyberdeck-style approach and runs Kali Linux, or other Linux distributions like Raspberry Pi OS.

CyberT. Beta handheld Linux computer

CyberT. Beta Specifications:

  • SoM – Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4)
  • Storage – MicroSD card slot for OS and data storage
  • Display
    • 4-inch 720×720 RGB TFT display (ST7701S controller, TTL RGB interface – not yet supported)
    • HDMI output (default for Beta version)
  • Camera – Compatible with standard Raspberry Pi camera modules
  • Audio
    • Integrated stereo speakers
    • 3.5mm headphone jack
    • Built-in microphone
  • Connectivity – Optional, depends on CM4 variant (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
  • USB – USB-C port for charging
  • User inputs
    • Backlit QWERTY keyboard (QMK-compatible, fully programmable)
    • BlackBerry-style touch sensor (acts as touchpad/cursor)
    • Power, Volume, and Reset buttons
  • Misc
    • Battery level indicator LEDs
    • USB DRP switch (device works as a USB device when engaged)
  • Power Supply
    •  5V CM4 operating voltage
    • Battery operated with onboard BMS
    • USB-C charging port
  • Dimension – TBD
  • Form factor – Compact handheld 3D printed cyberdeck-style enclosure

CyberT. Portable RaspberryPi CM4 Handheld
CyberT. Beta PCB design (Left) and PCBA (Right)

One big issue with this device is that the built-in RGB display is not working yet. The team ran into problems writing a stable driver for the ST7701S controller used in the 4″ 720×720 TTL display from Adafruit. As a result, the CyberT. Beta relies on an HDMI output for now. They’re still working on getting the original display to work in future updates. At the time of writing, the device is in beta, and the final production version will look completely different, as we can see from the renders. In the meantime, you can check out Auspicious Machine, a similar handheld Linux PC with a built-in QWERTY keyboard and a 3.5-inch display.

CyberT. Beta final renders
CyberT. final renders

In terms of software, this handheld Linux computer can run various Linux distributions, including Raspberry Pi OS, Kali Linux, and other ARM-based operating systems. Meaning you can also use this as a portable hacking device. More information about the product can be found on the Carbon Computers’s announcement. You can also join their Discord community for the latest updates.

Beta samples of the CyberT. handheld device can be purchased for $88.97 on the Tindie store. Besides the 4-inch display not working yet due to WiP drivers, this handheld device currently only works with the Raspberry Pi CM4, and the CM5 is not compatible, since the beta units do not output enough power.

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3 Replies to “CyberT. – A BlackBerry-like Raspberry Pi CM4-based handheld Linux computer with Kali Linux support”

  1. Those displays are super simple to work with, even under linux. I wouldn’t trust the creator to have it wired up correctly if they couldn’t get it working…

    1. Exactly my thoughts, though Adafruit provides drivers that make as much sense as a sichzophrenic on crack and redbull.

  2. “Focuses on cybersecurity”, without any connectivity ? That’s a pure joke, they only mentioned this to tick the cybersec box that promotes anything nowadays, from fridges to shoes. A device focused on cybersec would at least have the ability to connect to ethernet (directly or via USB), and have at least a USB host port to control remote consoles (e.g. login prompt brute forcing) or to connect a second ethernet to insert the device as a man-in-the-middle to intercept traffic.

    As it is, it’s just yet another wireless terminal with audio, but which cannot be turned into a smartphone since missing 4G/5G, nor into a gaming console since missing the keypad arrows.

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