This DIY Writer Deck Removes All Distractions for a Focused Productivity Session
Summary
- This DIY writer deck eliminates distractions for focused productivity sessions.
- EposVox used a Raspberry Pi, a Keychron K3 keyboard, and a Waveshare screen to build it.
- There were issues with screen hinges, but the writer deck is still effective for writing.
It is really easy to get into the mindset that the more you have going on, the more productive you are.
You have your laptop with all of your social apps up, ready to answer any direct messages or questions that come your way. Your phone is beside you, on standby in case a notification comes in.
Before you know it, you spend more time checking your apps than you do working.
That is where a writer’s deck comes in. These are designed to cut out all the chaff and leave you with a keyboard, a blank page, and nothing else.
One person set out to make their own, and while it did not tick all of their personal boxes, it is indeed still a really nice motivational piece for people who want to build the perfect writing companion for themselves.
The Inspiration Behind the Writer Deck
EposVox on YouTube, frustrated by the constant barrage of notifications, sought to regain control over his digital habitat. He aimed to practice digital minimalism by creating a writer deck that offered only the essentials: a keyboard and a writing surface.
EposVox was frustrated that he didn’t really have control over the notifications that his devices served him, and it was very easy to get sucked into a black hole of endlessly checking things. In this very way, he wanted to practice digital minimalism and create a writer deck that gave him a keyboard, something to write on, and that’s it.
Building the Distraction-Free Device
EposVox utilized a spare Raspberry Pi 3B, a keychron K3 Ultra Slim wireless keyboard, and a Waveshare 11.9-inch screen with a 320×1480 resolution for the project. The unconventional screen size was intended to allow it to fold down over the keyboard, similar to a laptop.
Challenges and Imperfections
The project encountered some setbacks. The hinges did not allow the screen to fold correctly, causing the top half to press against the keyboard’s function keys. This affected the device’s portability. Despite these issues, the writer deck remains a valuable tool for distraction-free writing.
Regrettably, things didn’t go perfectly as planned. EposVox notes that the hinges don’t really allow the screen to fold properly; instead, the top half is mushed into the function keys along the keyboard. As such,it’s not as portable as he would like. However, even if he doesn’t fold it, it’s still a great way to get some writing done without all the digital prodding.
Similar Projects
This project echoes a similar endeavor where an M4 Mac Mini was transformed into a portable computer. That project also aimed to match the monitor size to the keyboard, and the hinges used appeared to be more effective. there is hope that EposVox can resolve the issues and create the ideal writer deck.
The project reminds me of when we checked out someone converting their M4 Mac Mini into a portable computer a few days ago. They, too, had the idea of matching the monitor size to the keyboard, and the hinges they used seemed to do the trick. Hopefully, EposVox manages to iron out the issues and builds the writer deck he deserves.
FAQ
- What is a writer deck?
- A writer deck is a device designed to minimize distractions and provide a focused writing environment.
- What components were used in this DIY project?
- A Raspberry Pi 3B, a keychron K3 keyboard, and a Waveshare 11.9-inch screen were used.
- What were the main challenges faced during the build?
- The primary challenge was the screen hinges not allowing the screen to fold properly.
