Amstrad PPC 640 cyberdeck gets a Raspberry Pi makeover (www.raspberrypi.com)

Mikey Damager has transformed a broken Amstrad PPC 640, one of the first portable IBM PC compatible computers, into a modern cyberdeck powered by a Raspberry Pi 4. Rather than restoring the original machine, which had extensive damage, he embraced a creative upgrade, enabling the device to run an interactive fiction project for his master’s degree. This project explores themes of AI and machine learning while satirizing corporate ethics through a narrative involving pseudo-sentient technology. The revamped cyberdeck retains its original floppy disk drive and keyboard, with a new eight-inch LCD display connected to the Raspberry Pi. Mikey developed a custom front end using a React app to create a visually engaging user experience. The Raspberry Pi operates as a kiosk, managing display and user interaction while leveraging cloud-based resources for the backend. The project highlights the fusion of vintage computing with contemporary technology and serves as a testament to creative coding in the AI/ML space, making it a significant example of DIY innovation within the community.