This pocket-sized cyberdesk built inside Altoids Tin is a portable workstation for geeks

What do you do with your Altoids tins after devouring the mints? Maybe for keeping your coins, hand it over to your mom for storing the sewing accessories, for keeping handy a first aid, or perhaps keep the watercolor paint for your little niece. DIYer “Exercising Ingenuity,” however, has a very unique use for the aluminium container.

The inventive YouTuber wanted to build a fully functional Cyberdesk inside of the Altoids tin. Sounds bizarre? Surely it is, given the size of the thing. In his video, he asked himself, “That looks like a tiny computer?” It was clear from the outset that the assembly would require the utmost level of detail and sourcing all the hardware inside the tiny housing. While it might not be the most powerful machine you can own, it surely is ultra-portable and quite nice nonetheless.

Designer: Exercising Ingenuity

Normally, Cyberdesks are built inside ammo cans, rugged Pelican cases, or anything that has a boxy form factor. The machines piqued in popularity during the 1980s after the science fiction novel Neuromancer. Altoid tins have all these attributes, just the smaller size makes them a very odd proposition in the Cyberdesk world. That said, he set out anyway on putting together the hardware. For the CPU, he used the Raspberry Pi Zero W he had lying around, and a 2-inch LCD from another unfinished project. The power comes from a 750mAh lithium-ion polymer battery.

The real challenge was to find the tiny mechanical keyboard and fit it inside the small space. According to him, this was the most enjoyable part of the project, even though the video suggests it was a difficult one. It required learning how to construct the diode matrix for configuring the input, along with the assembling and soldering methodology of each of the keys. The final step here involved painting the keys with a white ink pen. Once this bit was taken care of, the DIY headed into the moderate level difficulty (at least for us). The next step was to create a 3D-printed frame to keep all the components inside the tin in place.

Wiring had to be kept to a minimum, and soldering of other components had to be done efficiently, as space was a premium. As a last step to make more room for components like the UPS HAT board and the display, the original hinge was extended with another Altoids tin hinge for a makeshift, slightly bigger replacement. Once all the hardware components were secured properly inside the tin, it was just a matter of running the system using the software. To make the thing look and feel like a vintage desktop computer, the DIYer painted the front panel beige.

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Fully working computer the size of a credit card is just 1mm thick

In the past few decades, we’ve moved from computers the size of a room to ones that sit pretty on your desk. Apple Mac mini takes all the praise for being a powerful machine without the bulk. The low-cost single-board Raspberry Pi can be categorized as a mini PC, but all the DIYers pretty well know it can do basic tasks for DIY projects.

A developer wants to hit the sweet spot in the middle, having developed a mini PC the size of a credit card. Developed by GitHub user krauseler, the fully working computer dubbed Muxcard. Unlike other single-board computers, this one factors in the thickness as well, being just 1mm thick at any point on the whole make. For the chassis of this amazingly tiny CPU, the maker uses an old plastic NFC card. Understandably, the micro-computer (as I like to denote the build) is in the prototype stage, and the ultimate goal is to make it more durable and powerful.

Designer: krauseler

At the time of making, the credit card-sized computer packs a RISC-V CPU architecture, and a Wi-Fi-capable microcontroller with 320KB of usable SRAM and 384KB ROM. The next version of the mini PC could feature the ESP32‑S3 or nRF52/53, which are more powerful than the currently installed ESP32‑C3 CPU. The display on this thing is a 1.54-inch 200×200-pixel flex ePaper screen that consumes minimal power, which is vital. There’s an LIS2DW12 accelerometer for motion-sensing applications. The thing is powered by a 1mm thick 30mAh rechargeable LiPo battery, but krauseler plans to swap this one with an even slimmer battery cell in the future.

In the plans is the scope for touch button control configuration, a USB Type-C, and a microSD card slot. Since everything is so exposed right now, it’ll take quite an effort to reinforce Muxcard’s design to make it more practical, even if the DIY community has to consider using this for their projects. According to the maker, the prototype “still feels slightly absurd every time the display updates while holding what basically feels like a normal card.” Pondering over the possible applications that I can think of with the card-sized computer could be smart home controls, security systems, or a potent upgrade to the Raspberry Pi for more flexibility in use case scenarios.

The DIY is already an open source project as the hardware files and firmware are already online for non-commercial use. That means, if you are interested, the option to make further improvements is also there, keeping in mind the project cannot be commercially used without the maker’s consent.

 

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This classic 1979 LEGO computer brick hides a fully functional Mac mini workstation inside

Retro designs often carry a sense of nostalgia, but occasionally they evolve into something more functional and imaginative. The M2x2 workstation by Watt IV is a good example with the inventive reinterpretation of a classic LEGO element transformed into a fully working desktop computer. Created by Dutch designer Paul Staal, the device takes inspiration from the iconic sloped LEGO computer brick introduced in 1979 and scales it up into a practical workstation powered by a modern Mac mini.

The DIY centers around the familiar wedge-shaped Slope 45 2×2 LEGO piece, a part historically used in LEGO space-themed sets as a representation of computer terminals inside spacecraft cockpits. Staal enlarged this element to roughly ten times its original size, turning it into a functional housing that blends retro toy aesthetics with contemporary computing power. Inside the oversized brick sits an Apple Mac mini equipped with Apple’s M4 chip, transforming the playful concept into a capable desktop system.

Designer: Paul Staal

Rather than serving as a simple decorative shell, the M2x2 integrates several practical features that enhance its usability as a workstation. A slanted 7-inch IPS touchscreen is embedded in the front face of the structure, echoing the display graphic printed on the original LEGO piece while providing real functionality. The compact screen acts as a secondary interface, often used for quick system information or dashboards. Staal, for instance, uses it primarily to monitor and control his smart home through a Home Assistant interface while working on a larger external display.

The case includes front-facing ports enabled through a USB-C hub, along with an SD card reader for easy access to external storage and accessories. This arrangement ensures the device remains practical for everyday use despite its playful form factor. The system also retains portability elements inspired by early Apple computers, including a built-in handle at the back that makes the unit easy to move around a desk or workspace. While the M2x2 works as a self-contained computer, it is typically paired with a larger external monitor for full productivity. In everyday use, the Mac mini handles the heavy computing tasks while the built-in display functions as a control panel or status screen.

Perhaps the most creative detail lies in the oversized LEGO studs on top of the case. Instead of being purely decorative, these studs are designed to perform useful functions. One of them operates as a rotary control that can adjust volume or media playback, while the other conceals a wireless charging bay capable of powering devices such as AirPods or an Apple Watch. The studs themselves remain compatible with standard LEGO elements, allowing users to attach minifigures or bricks for a playful finishing touch.

The M2x2 is largely built from 3D-printed components, making it accessible to enthusiasts who want to build their own version. Staal modeled the structure in CAD software and designed it as a modular system consisting of multiple printable parts. Aside from the Mac mini itself, the required materials are relatively simple, including PLA filament, a small touchscreen display, screws, and a USB-C hub. Assembly instructions and downloadable files are available, allowing makers to replicate or modify the design to suit their needs.

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The Vintage Apple Computer That Belongs on Every Tech Lover’s Shelf, in LEGO Form

In 1977, Steve Jobs walked through the kitchen appliance section of a Macy’s department store and came away with a vision for what a personal computer should look like. The result, shaped by industrial designer Jerry Manock and powered by Wozniak’s engineering genius, was the Apple II: a smooth, warm-beige enclosure that suggested domesticity rather than machinery. It belonged on a desk the way a telephone did. That calculated approachability helped sell millions of units across sixteen years of production.

LEGO Ideas builder BrickMechanic57 has translated that design philosophy into 1,772 pieces, and the attention to detail rewards anyone familiar with the original. The signature Pantone beige carries across the computer body, monitor, and dual Disk II drives. The rainbow Apple II badge sits front and center above the keyboard. Pull out the monitor screen and you get two display states: the authentic green-on-black DOS boot screen or a clean, powered-off black panel.

Designer: BrickMechanic57

Wozniak designed the Disk II floppy controller over the 1977 Christmas holidays and reduced the chip count from the industry standard of dozens down to six. Competing controllers from the same era used 50-plus chips and cost significantly more. Apple sold the Disk II for $495 in 1978, and the engineering inside that price point was borderline absurd. BrickMechanic57 stacks two of them beside the main unit, exactly as they appeared on real desks, and a brick-built floppy disk element actually inserts into the lower drive.

The real Apple II keyboard had no cursor keys in its original 1977 configuration, a REPT key for repeating characters, and RESET sitting exposed and dangerous in the top-right corner like a trap for clumsy typists. The close-up render of this build shows every one of those details reproduced faithfully, including the staggered layout, the CTRL and ESC placement, and the POWER button isolated at the lower left. The rainbow Apple II badge above it is sharp enough to make a vintage collector emotional.

The swappable monitor screen states are what separate a good LEGO set from a great one. The LEGO NES set had the working cartridge slot. The LEGO Atari 2600 had the joystick. This build has a DOS boot screen reading “APPLE II / DOS VERSION 3.3 SYSTEM MASTER / JANUARY 1, 1983” in green phosphor text, and that alone justifies the piece count. The monitor face pulls out cleanly, the off-state panel drops in, and suddenly you have two different display moments from the same machine’s life.

LEGO Ideas is the platform where fan-designed builds compete to become official retail sets. Any project that hits 10,000 supporter votes within its window gets reviewed by LEGO’s own designers, and the strongest candidates go into production. Previous successes include the NES, the Polaroid OneStep SX-70, and the Atari 2600. BrickMechanic57’s Apple II has 587 days left on the clock. Voting is free on the LEGO Ideas website, and if this one makes it to shelves, it will be because enough people who care about this history showed up.

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DIYer creates a retro-modern typewriter computer with moving screen on the slide

What’s the precursor of the computer? The typewriter, of course. Taking things the other way around, a DIYer has built a gaming PC inside an old typewriter for the sake of technology. First of its kind, this DIY is all about building everything from scratch to have a typewriter that works better than your average computer.

Fitting a computer inside a typewriter requires a lot of brainstorming about which components are useful and which can give way to the PC components. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? The art here is to be very careful when removing unwanted parts like the keyboard, motor, and side brackets, while still retaining the slide’s functionality via the hammers and the main movement.

Designer: Prototype

After removing the components, there is just enough space to fit in a motherboard, power supply, and a graphics card. Before sorting this bit of the DIY, the first step is to sort out the keyboard assembly by preplacing it with a modern keyboard that is made from scratch, using the keys of the keyboard to keep the theme alive. This is where 3D printing comes in by taking a 360-degree scan of the typewriter’s keyboard and modelling the desired keyboard case that has more height for fitting in all the PCB components of a modern keyboard. The hard part here is to make the PCB assembly that corresponds to the key input and send it over to a PCB manufacturer to make.

Next comes the easy bit, where the keycaps are 3D modelled and printed to test fit the adapters. Attaching them to the corresponding key strokes does the job. The backplate is a cakewalk, and the parts are done. Finally, all the parts are put together, and the keyboard for the typewriter is ready. Then it’s time to connect the keyboard to the complex working of the computer using a servo motor. To test the thing, the DIYer attaches it to his laptop, and it works all fine with the slide and the bell working perfectly.

The final part is to fit the PC mechanism and screen onto the typewriter assembly for the magic as the typing action moves the whole thing on the slide. Incredible, I must say. The final part of the build is yet to be released, but we know what to expect!

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HP Eliteboard G1a keyboard is a next gen AI PC in disguise

It’s CES time, and we’re not expecting anything short of extraordinary at the event. The other day, we saw the Pentagram x Caligra c100 keyboard, which houses computing hardware inside. Now, HP has announced its own version of a keyboard PC, and it looks even better, with practicality at the forefront. At first glance, you might not realize the desktop keyboard has computing power inside, but that’s where the surprise lies.

According to HP, the Eliteboard G1a is “the first and only AI keyboard PC,” and is capable of doing most of the day-to-day tasks you desire while being mobile. Rather than going the AIO route (slamming a PC into the screen), HP chooses a piece of hardware that goes portable with you. The screen PC idea is novel, but it restricts you to one place. A keyboard PC is a more practical idea, and I’m glad it’s here.

Designer: HP

The EliteBoard G1a keyboard is a tad thicker than normal peripherals, and it’s completely understandable as computing hardware requires space. Measuring 58 x 118 x 17 mm and weighing just 726 grams (with the battery included), the keyboard is ideal for tasks like browsing the internet, opening the odd survey form for input, listening to music, and more. The spill-proof peripheral has 93 keys, including the number pad. In retrospect, it makes the Bapco mechanical keyboard that houses a working PC inside look bulky.

If you’ve used the HP Elitebook range, the keyboard has the same tactile typing experience, with the key travel (2mm) fine-tuned for desktop space. The keyboard PC comes with the choice of AMD Ryzen AI 300 Pro mobile processors, capable of a maximum of 50 NPU TOPS, making it a Copilot+ equivalent PC. You can connect up to two 4K monitors (running at 60Hz) since it has an integrated Radeon iGPU. Memory capacity is capped at 64GB DDR5-6400, which should be enough to handle sizeable tasks on the fly. The user can install up to 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, while the Ryzen AI 7 350 SKU variant can be configured for 32GB of eMMC storage.

The Windows 11-powered EliteBoard G1a has a built-in 32 Wh battery that can be charged at speeds of up to 65 Watts. You can connect monitors via the USB4 and USB-C ports on the back, or any other compatible hardware. The keyboard has a claimed 3.5 hours of battery run time on a single charge, but that’ll vary depending on usage and connected devices. There are vents to channel airflow, and the keyboard even comes with stereo speakers for a holistic setup. The keyboard comes in two models, with the high-end version having an optional fingerprint reader and a detachable USB-C cable.

HP is slated to release the keyboard PC in March 2026, and there’s no word on the pricing yet.

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This $1,999 Computer Hides an Entire PC Inside Its Minimal Keyboard

There’s something oddly nostalgic about Caligra’s c100 Developer Terminal, yet it feels completely modern at the same time. At first glance, it looks like someone took a pristine keyboard from the early computing era, polished it up, and reimagined it for 2026. But this isn’t just a keyboard. It’s an entire computer, cleverly disguised as the thing you type on.

Designed by Pentagram’s Jon Marshall in collaboration with London startup Caligra, the c100 is what happens when you strip away everything unnecessary and focus on what actually matters for people who build things. It’s described as a “computer for experts,” which is a refreshingly honest way of saying this isn’t meant for scrolling through social media or binge-watching Netflix. This machine is built for developers, designers, engineers, and anyone whose work involves deep focus and technical precision.

Designer: Jon Marshall for Pentagram

The design itself is absolutely gorgeous in its restraint. The entire body is CNC-milled from a solid block of aluminum, giving it a weight and solidity that modern tech rarely has anymore. That bead-blasted metal finish manages to evoke both sleek consumer electronics and industrial tools simultaneously, walking a line between approachable and professional. There’s something satisfying about a device that doesn’t try to hide what it is. No glossy plastics, no unnecessary curves. Just clean geometry and honest materials.

What makes the c100 truly clever is how it solves the problem of desk space. The keyboard sits at an angle, with the computing hardware tucked into the thicker rear section, creating a wedge shape that echoes those chunky terminals from the ’70s and ’80s. But here’s the genius part: there’s a central magnetic pivot structure that lets you detach and fold the keyboard without any visible external hinges. It’s the kind of detail that seems simple until you realize how much engineering went into making it look effortless.

Open the removable lid and you’ll find tool storage built right in. It’s such a practical touch that it almost feels subversive in an era where most tech companies would rather you never open your device at all. The message is clear: this computer expects you to tinker, to maintain it, to actually use your tools. One photo even shows calipers and a pen tucked inside, the kinds of things you’d need if you’re working on something physical alongside your digital projects.

The keyboard layout itself is unusual and deliberate. Keys are grouped into separate clusters rather than the standard continuous layout most of us are used to. There’s a numeric pad on the left, arrow keys grouped together, function keys in their own section. It takes a moment to understand, but the logic becomes clear when you think about workflow efficiency. The design uses Fitts’ law to accelerate task management, meaning every key placement has been optimized for speed and minimal hand movement.

Even the mouse is thoughtfully designed, with that same geometric clarity as the rest of the system. And yes, it’s wired, which might seem retro until you consider that wireless connections mean batteries, charging, and occasional lag. For someone writing code or working on time-sensitive projects, that reliability matters more than the convenience of going wireless.

The c100 runs Workbench OS, a Linux-based operating system that Caligra built specifically for technical work. It has no decorative elements, no pop-ups, no need for “do not disturb,” which honestly sounds like a dream compared to the constant notifications and distractions modern operating systems throw at us. The whole philosophy behind Workbench is to create a clear space for deep thought, getting out of your way so you can actually focus on making things.

Under that elegant exterior, the specs are serious: an 8-core AMD Ryzen 9 processor, 96GB of DDR5 memory, and 1TB of storage. The terminal includes two USB4 ports, two HDMI outputs, ethernet, and all the connectivity a professional setup needs. The aluminum body isn’t just for looks either; it helps with thermal performance, keeping things cool without noisy fans disrupting your concentration.

At $1,999, the c100 isn’t cheap, but it’s also not trying to compete with mass-market laptops. This is a statement about what computing could be when it’s designed for creation rather than consumption. In a world where most tech products feel disposable and designed for obsolescence, there’s something genuinely refreshing about a computer that’s built like a tool, looks like an artifact, and functions like it’s been optimized for the way professionals actually work.

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Record setting Pocket Lab shrinks a full AI supercomputer into the size of a power bank

We have come a long way from the computers the size of entire rooms to the sleek personal computers that sit comfortably on our desks. The evolution of computing has consistently pushed toward smaller form factors and greater efficiency. The Mac mini, for example, illustrates how compact modern PCs have become. Yet the question persists: how miniature can a powerful computing device truly be? A recent Guinness World Records certification offers a striking answer.

Tiiny AI, a US-based deep-tech startup, has unveiled the Pocket Lab, officially verified as the “world’s smallest personal AI supercomputer.” This palm-sized device, no larger than a typical power bank, is capable of running large language models (LLMs) with up to 120 billion parameters entirely on-device, without relying on cloud servers or external GPUs.

Designer: Tiiny AI

At its core, the Pocket Lab aims to make advanced artificial intelligence both personal and private. Traditional AI systems often depend on cloud infrastructure, which can raise concerns around data privacy, latency, and carbon emissions associated with large server farms. The Pocket Lab addresses these issues by enabling fully offline AI computation. All processing, data storage, and inference happen locally on the device, reducing dependence on internet connectivity or cloud resources.

Despite its compact size, measuring 14.2 × 8 × 2.53 centimeters and weighing roughly 300 grams, this mini supercomputer delivers noteworthy computing power. The system operates within a typical 65-watt energy envelope, comparable to a conventional desktop PC, yet manages to support extensive AI workloads. The hardware architecture combines a 12-core ARMv9.2 CPU with a custom heterogeneous module that includes a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), together achieving approximately 190 TOPS (tera-operations per second) of AI compute performance. This configuration is backed by 80 GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 1 TB solid-state drive, allowing large AI models to run efficiently without external accelerators.

Two key technologies underpin the Pocket Lab’s ability to run large models so efficiently in such a small package. TurboSparse improves inference efficiency through neuron-level sparse activation, reducing computational overhead while preserving model intelligence. PowerInfer, an open-source heterogeneous inference engine with a significant developer following, dynamically distributes workloads across the CPU and NPU, delivering server-grade performance at far lower power and cost than traditional GPU-based solutions.

In practical terms, the Pocket Lab supports a wide ecosystem of open-source AI models and tools. Users can deploy popular LLMs such as GPT-OSS, Llama, Qwen, DeepSeek, Mistral, and Phi, alongside agent frameworks and automation tools, all with one-click installation. This broad software compatibility extends the device’s usefulness beyond enthusiasts and hobbyists to developers, researchers, professionals, and students.

By storing all user data and interactions locally with bank-level encryption, the Pocket Lab also emphasizes privacy and long-term personal memory. This feature contrasts with many cloud-based AI services that retain data on remote servers. Tiiny AI plans to showcase the Pocket Lab at CES 2026, but has not yet disclosed full details on pricing or release dates.

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This Fallout-inspired PC case mod looks rugged, conceals high-end computing power inside

PC case mods hold merit both for beefing up the computing power and showing off the computer’s internal hardware. While the ordinary might stop at that, a few go beyond the normal to craft case mods that turn eyeballs. The Sentinel Cypher PC case mod by AK Mod for Klevv is the latest example.

This PC case mod showcased at Computex, Taipei has a retrofuturistic vibe, themed on the Fallout world. That rustic look with the old-school PC housing is made for a post-apocalyptic bunker or an advanced space station in some other galaxy, safe from the scavengers outside.

Designer: AK Mod

The rugged look of the PC case with exposed wires, dirty panels and the jarred software interface is something straight out of a space wreck. The rustic mouse and the huge GPU fans complement the look well. This is intentional to represent the dystopian grim theme but don’t let that chalkiness fool you. Concealed hardware on the inside is as potent as it can get. It makes sense since Klevv (known for its high-end RAM and SSDs) displayed the mod at the high-tech annual event.

The water-cooled PC houses an intel 17-14700K processor, ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi motherboard, 6 TB KLEVV Genuine G650 and KLEVV Cras C925 SSD, Noctua NF A625 PWM fan, and 96 GB DDR5 KLEVV CRAS V and Urbane memory. Peripherals include a ROG Azoth keyboard and Lofree Tri-Mode Wireless mouse. As for potent cooling, the mod gets EKWB EK-Quantum Velocity² DDC 4.2 PWM D-RGB, EKWB EK-CryoFuel Clear, and EKWB EK-Quantum Torque Fittings.

The steampunk-ish monitor completely lifts like a car’s boot to reveal the motherboard for an even more industrial look, if you as a user want to show off when not using all that computing power. Sentinel Cypher PC case mod is a work of sci-fi art that packs a lot of punch in its measly abandoned computer in a space station form!

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Minisforum’s UH125 Pro mini PC packs a powerful punch in a tiny form

While laptops and tablets are the most convenient and most mobile for those who want to work outside, it’s not always the most powerful. But having those bulky computers at home or at the office may also not be that ideal even if they can sometimes be more powerful. So a mini PC can be the best thing to have if you’re looking for something compact but still powerful enough to let you do what you need to do if you’re a content creator, gamer, or a professional.

Designer: Minisforum

The UH125 Pro from Minisforum seems to be a pretty powerful mini computer that is packaged into a tiny body. It has the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor with intel 4 technology and a 3D high-performance hybrid architecture. Since it has 2x iGPU performance, you will be able to improve the running speed when it comes to tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and live streaming. It’s also perfect for watching videos and playing games as it has the Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) technology that is able to support high-performance and high-fidelity visual effects.

Even thought it is smaller than most computers, it has high-efficiency large storage for your multimedia entertainment and massive data storage needs. And in case that isn’t enough, there’s a storage expansion method as well. You can also connect up to four 4K screens at the same time since it has two full-speed USB4 ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, and one DP 2.0 port. And in case your concern is overheating since it’s small, it has a compact phase-change heat dissipation design with a large-diameter silent cooling fan and three heat dissipation copper pipes.

The UH125 Pro is small enough that you can place it on your workspace even if you have a small one. It actually looks like the old-school hard drive boxes that we used back when we needed high storage external drives. There’s a barebone version and a more expensive one that has 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Both are now available for pre-order on the Minisforum website.

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