Turning an old phone into a pocket-sized workstation is something that never gets old for DIY enthusiasts. If you have a Google Pixel 3 XL lying around, there’s a clever way to bring it back into daily use. By combining it with Kali NetHunter, a Linux distribution famed for its security features, and a Bluetooth keyboard, you end up with a compact tool that’s perfect for those who enjoy tinkering, hacking, or just having a portable command center at their fingertips.
The real beauty of this project is how it transforms a familiar smartphone into a fully functional palmtop device. With a custom 3D-printed clamshell case, the Pixel 3 XL now pairs up with a folding keyboard for a setup that’s both portable and practical. It feels like carrying a mini laptop, but it’s far easier to slip into a bag or even a jacket pocket, making fieldwork or on-the-go troubleshooting so much simpler.
Designer:
Even though the Pixel 3 XL isn’t the newest phone on the block, it’s still got plenty of power for the tasks at hand. Installing Kali NetHunter opens up a world of network analysis and penetration testing, turning this old handset into a valuable gadget for security experimentation, among other things. The folding case design means you can pop it open, start typing, and get to work almost instantly, which is great when you need to act fast.
The first version of this build focused on a tough, rugged look, but assembling all those pieces could get complicated. While it definitely stood out with its two-tone color scheme, the original design had a fair share of parts to put together. For anyone who loves customizing their gear, it was a fun challenge, but there’s always room to make things easier without losing that cool factor.
When designing the next version, the aim was to keep assembly as straightforward as possible. By reducing the number of 3D-printed components, it becomes much less of a puzzle to put together. The updated panel shapes not only keep things looking sharp but also provide handy spots for attaching external cards and accessories, so you can expand your setup whenever you want.
One of the best tweaks in the latest design was moving the phone right to the center of the lid for better balance. The sections meant to tie down cables or cards with plastic have been removed, which helps streamline both the look and the build process. The newly modified upper panel gives the device a cleaner appearance, and it’s now well-suited for printing with durable PETG filament.
Another improvement worth mentioning is the upgraded lock slider, which addresses earlier issues where the sliders would sometimes fall out when opening the device. That little upgrade makes the entire deck feel sturdier and more reliable. With these refinements, the Pixel 3 XL NetHunter C-deck is not just a neat weekend project, but a genuinely useful pocket computer that’s easy to build and even easier to take anywhere.
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