Saving With Cyberdecks

by Street

I used to pay separate bills for cable TV, the Internet, and mobile phone service.  It felt like money was just vanishing into three different bills for the same thing.  Access to data.

If you're like most people, you're probably facing a similar situation.  With family plans, media subscriptions, and bundled services, the costs can pile up quickly.  While bundling cable, Internet, and phone services might seem like a good deal initially, the average monthly bill still hovers around $100 or more.  That's money you could be using elsewhere.

I decided to rethink things, and so I switched to a 5G unlimited mobile plan for just $15 a month.  This plan provides everything I need for streaming, browsing, and staying connected.  I can even download media and transfer it to my PC, eliminating the need for a separate home Internet connection.

Some people use mobile hotspots as a workaround, but these often come with data caps of 5 GB to 10 GB.  This is fine for checking emails or occasional browsing, but it becomes a real problem for regular streaming or working with large files.

To cut costs, I turned my phone into a cyberdeck.  Cyberdecks are DIY, portable computers made using compact devices like smartphones or Raspberry Pis.

Cyberdecks allow users to perform tasks traditionally reserved for larger computers, such as coding, gaming, or even media consumption, without the need for a bulky desktop.

By pairing it with a Bluetooth keyboard which also acts as a mouse, my phone turns into a tiny computer.  When I need a bigger screen, I simply cast the phone to a smart TV.  That way, I do everything without needing a separate Internet connection.

The beauty of a cyberdeck is its portability and adaptability.  Since it's built around small, lightweight components, users can easily carry their entire setup in a bag or backpack.

Once paired, a Bluetooth keyboard lets you edit documents, respond to emails, or work on spreadsheets directly from your phone.  Streaming or browsing the web is also much easier with a keyboard, especially if it has a built-in touchpad.  Developers can even write and edit code directly on their phones.  I connect to my Linux shell, and have a full terminal with its own Internet connection.

By connecting your phone to a Bluetooth keyboard and casting it to a smart TV or monitor, you can effectively turn your phone into a full computer.  Some mobile games also support keyboard inputs, improving the gaming experience with more precise controls.

I also avoid paying for cable TV and movies.  I use a seed box service called Seedr, which streams torrents directly in a web browser for free.  This gives me access to media without subscribing to expensive streaming services.

By rethinking my approach to technology, I've managed to cut out unnecessary expenses, saving hundreds of dollars a year.  This setup could work for you too, helping you save money while simplifying your tech use.