# K501U Cyberdeck

A cyberdeck built from salvaged ASUS K501U laptop components and Orange Pi 5 SBC.

## Project Status

**Phase:** Component acquisition andplanning

- [x] Salvage analysis (K501U components)
- [x] Display identification and controller board ordered
- [x] SBC selection (Orange Pi 5 16GB)
- [x] Storage architecture planned
- [x] USB expansion design
- [ ] Case design
- [ ] Power system (battery, charging)
- [ ] Fabrication
- [ ] Software configuration

## Components

### Salvaged from ASUS K501U

| Component | Model | Status |
|-----------|-------|--------|
| Display | Innolux N156HGE-EAB (Rev. C2) | Controller board ordered |
| Hinge mechanism | Original K501U | Available |
| Webcam | K501U module | Available |
| WiFi antenna | K501U | Available |
| Cooling fan | K501U | Available |

**Not reused:**
- RAM (DDR3L soldered, incompatible with modern SBCs)
- SSD (owner repurposed)
- WiFi card (Intel 7265NGW, no E-key slot on OPi5)

### New Components

| Component | Selection | Status |
|-----------|-----------|--------|
| SBC | Orange Pi 5 (base, 16GB) | eBay bid pending |
| Display controller | 30-pin eDP to HDMI | Ordered (~$24) |
| Storage (boot) | MicroSD 64GB Endurance | To purchase |
| USB hub | Powered 7-port USB 3.0 | To purchase |
| Storage (data) | USB 3.0 SSD enclosure | To purchase |

## Documentation

- [Salvage Analysis](docs/salvage-analysis.md) - K501U component breakdown
- [SBC Selection](docs/sbc-selection.md) - Orange Pi 5 details and rationale
- [Storage Architecture](docs/storage-architecture.md) - SD card + USB storage plan
- [USB Expansion](docs/usb-expansion.md) - Hub selection and port allocation
- [Parts List](docs/parts-list.md) - Bill of materials with costs

## Quick Reference

### Display

- **Panel:** Innolux N156HGE-EAB (Rev. C2)
- **Size:** 15.6" 1920×1080
- **Interface:** 30-pin eDP
- **Controller:** Standard 30-pin eDP to HDMI (~$24)

### SBC

- **Board:** Orange Pi 5 (RK3588S, base model, 16GB RAM)
- **Storage:** MicroSD slot + USB 3.0 external
- **USB:** 1× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0 native
- **Power:** 12V 2A barrel or USB-C PD

### Cost Estimate

| Category | Cost |
|----------|------|
| SBC | ~$104 |
| Display controller | ~$24 |
| Storage (SD + hub + enclosure) | ~$35-50 |
| Power supply | ~$10 |
| **Subtotal** | **$170-190** |

(Excludes case materials, battery, misc hardware)