For my part I tend to agree with @dianus on this for three reasons:
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Trackpads
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Ubiquitously crumby keyboards
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Lack of modularity/upgradeability
Now, cyberdecks don’t always fix #1, but they do tend to make them less prominent features (in other words, they tend get them out of the way and focus on the keyboard). #2 is definitely an area where cyberdecks can shine, as they tend to be very friendly form-factors for the inclusion of one’s choice of keyboard (without a more undesirable keyboard getting in the way).
#3 is pretty obviously the main point of cyberdecks and and actually includes the other two, although here I’m referring to everything else, particularly the screen, battery, and computer components. The benefits of the screen and battery being properly modular is, I think, self-evident, but when it comes to computer components, the situation seems a bit more complex: Generally, small-form-factor computers make it impossible to upgrade most parts because of the demands of the form, and so, instead, the computer itself becomes a module.
This last bit is of particular interest to me given the approach I’ve been contemplating of late regarding a portable setup focused mainly on running a text editor (well, emacs). I’ve been ambivalent on whether to rely on my phone as the computer (with a small USB-C hub and Termux, given the inadequacy of Android for this purpose, otherwise) or a Raspberry Pi 4 with a battery; luckily everything I’m considering for this purpose (a portable multi-touch monitor with its own battery, my Planck Light keyboard) has uses for me beyond this (I can hardly say the same for most of the several laptops of which I’ve come into possession over the years, and not for lack of trying).
My difficulty with this approach compared to a laptop is the sheer number of loose items, the necessary cables, and the constant plugging and unplugging that would be required to stow them properly between uses. I have to imagine that any solution to this would look a lot like a cyberdeck, but that it need not be too terribly unwieldy (and indeed, not many of those mentioned in this thread are all that cumbersome). I do have to say though that I’m kind of keen to adapt an approach somewhat like this, as I am quite fond of MOLLE:
