FrankenBook: A Phone-turned-Linux-Laptop

Fun fact: This website is running on my 2019 Redmi 8T Android phone, and I wrote this post on my DIY laptop creation – the FrankenBook.

What is a FrankenBook?

The FrankenBook is my answer to a simple question: What if we stopped throwing away our "broken" devices and started seeing them as building blocks instead?

My FrankenBook combines a damaged 2020 Samsung Galaxy S20 (with a cracked screen) and a display from a broken 2012 Apple iPad to create a fully functional laptop. It runs Debian Linux – a free, open-source operating system – along with LibreOffice (a free alternative to Microsoft Office) and coding software for on-the-go work.

FrankenBook running LibreOffice on Debian via Termux on a rooted Samsung S20 using an iPad 3 screen...
FrankenBook running LibreOffice on Debian via Termux on a rooted Samsung S20 using an iPad 3 screen...

While you'll find plenty of sleek 3D-printed cyberdeck builds online, I deliberately chose felt cloth, plastic boards, and generous amounts of glue. Why? To prove that anyone can do this with materials from a craft store.

Imagining a Different Digital Future

What if modifying and repurposing our digital devices was normal – even encouraged? Picture this:

  1. Old smartphones become Linux laptops with just a software installation and a connection to any display (wirelessly, if you want)
  2. Tablet touchscreens can be easily removed and repurposed as extra monitors, smart home displays, or creative tools
  3. Community repair spaces have the tools and knowledge to help anyone breathe new life into old tech
  4. Manufacturers design for repairability instead of planned obsolescence

The Bigger Picture: Technology Independence

The FrankenBook represents more than just a cool DIY project. It's a small act of resistance against a system that wants you to consume, discard, and repeat. When you repair, modify, and repurpose your own devices, you're:

  • Reducing electronic waste and environmental impact
  • Saving money by extending device lifespans
  • Learning valuable skills that make you less dependent on tech corporations
  • Joining a community of people who believe technology should serve us, not control us

What's Next: A Polished FrankenBook?

This first build prioritized accessibility and affordability over aesthetics: repurposing a 2012 iPad display then adding some plastic cardboard and a lot of glue. My next iteration might involve a 3D-printed case, better cable management, and maybe even a custom keyboard layout.

But the core philosophy remains: Our devices should be modular, repairable, and truly ours to control

Want to comission your own FrankeBook?
Ask here!