A device, the entire x86 ecosystem in your pocket: PC, console, or emulator, Windows or Linux, with modular components

Today we discuss a project that has recently appeared on Kickstarter, featuring a truly interesting device: CG Deck. It is a rather unique handheld computer because, unlike all of its competitors, it adopts a completely modular design. It has been developed by Mogozen, a small startup that has just two team members – a Boston Terrier and a fish, according to their website.

The device is equipped with an Intel N150 processor, a solution designed for embedded systems and mobile applications. The chip integrates four x86 cores with a frequency of up to 3.6 GHz and an integrated Intel GPU with 24 execution units and a 1 GHz clock. There are also configurations available with 8 or 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory, the latter reserved for the CG Deck Max variant.

The hardware includes a 5-inch IPS touchscreen display, NVMe storage, 4G LTE Cat 4 connectivity, and a declared battery life of up to eight hours. The goal of the project is to offer an extremely versatile x86 system, capable of running both Windows and Linux, with support for virtualization and different firmware configurations.

As mentioned at the beginning, one of the most original aspects of CG Deck is its modular structure. The basic configuration includes a 64-key QWERTY keyboard, but the user can quickly swap it out for other dedicated modules. Among the options are a module with 10 keys and a rotary knob, a gamepad, a trackball, and additional input systems. All modules are plug-and-play, allowing for quick replacements without tools.

Mogozen aims to build an entire ecosystem of expandable accessories. The system indeed supports the addition of elements like external antennas, a 4K camera, and other peripherals that can enhance the functionality of the device.

Even more interesting is that the project is entirely open-source. The developers plan to distribute technical documentation and hardware schematics under the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. The material is not yet available on the official GitHub repository, but it will be published alongside the launch of the Kickstarter campaign.

This means that anyone can develop custom accessories, from the most complex to those that can be made at home by anyone with a 3D printer. In short, an entirely open ecosystem that immerses CG Deck in a sea of opportunities.

According to the development team, CG Deck is designed to provide a portable x86 computer suitable for various use scenarios, from light gaming on Steam to programming activities, and for workloads such as CAD and video editing. Naturally, emulation is also considered to turn the micro PC into a small retro handheld console.

The current prototype weighs 590 grams, a value still far from the initial idea of the project, and it is quite "bulky," deviating from the notion of a "pocket PC." However, the developers aim to reduce the weight to about 100-150 grams by eliminating some elements deemed non-essential in the engineering phase.

If the project manages to keep its promises, CG Deck could carve out an interesting space among portable devices based on x86 architecture and attract both handheld enthusiasts and users looking for an alternative to traditional laptops.