In William Gibson’s 1984 novel Neuromancer, a burnt-out hacker named Case takes on one last job for a client who turns out to be an AI. In this world, “console cowboys” use a hardware known as a “cyberspace deck” to project their consciousness directly into the digital world. Role-playing games shortened the name to “cyberdeck”, and the cheap single-board computer Raspberry Pi made it something you could build at home. For years, the do-it-yourself crowd mostly stuck to the script: Pis packed into rugged cases, ready for hacking or doomsday prep. Then, in 2026, Annike Tan reached for her purse.
Better known as Ube Boobey on TikTok, the London-based creator built her first cyberdeck into a vintage pearlescent clutch she already owned, after weighing up tool boxes, jewellery boxes, and compacts. She had no previous tech experience. Gold shell hardware outside, a working computer inside. Wired covered it within weeks, and her DIY tech videos have since passed 32 million views, with an audience that is roughly three-quarters women.
For Tan, the seemingly impractical accessories are a playful way to resist the idea that femininity is incompatible with tactical tech.
Read below to find out more about Annike’s thoughts on the internet.
Your first viral deck was a mermaid-inspired clutch. What’s the most unlikely object you’ve eyed as a potential cyberdeck case before settling on one?
I always wanted to build it in my purse ever since I remembered I owned one! Before that, I was looking at toolboxes, jewellery boxes or small compacts.
You’ve said you’re always anticipating the end of the world. If everything went down tomorrow, what’s the one thing on your offline drive you’d be most relieved you saved?
Offline Wikipedia and medical documents. Also, of course, entertainment like video games and music!
What’s the most ridiculous internet rabbit hole you’ve ever fallen on?
I love falling down Internet beef. I recently really got into this bird beef of bad owners arguing about how to ethically look after their birds.
A lot of cyberdeck tutorials still default to the tactical look. What did you have to unlearn to make yours feel like yours?
I didn’t have to unlearn anything, actually. I believe the tactical look is actually rooted in the patriarchy. When women create things that have glitter or are in pastel colours, they are automatically perceived to be less functional. Meanwhile, the more military and utilitarian aesthetic is seen as the more ‘tech-savvy’ or serious one. I’ve always been a feminist. I have grown up in feminism, and so I knew I wanted to make a cyber deck in my own aesthetic, and I knew I didn’t have to compromise on functionality.
What’s the hardest part to source second-hand, and where do you actually find it?
I would say the hardest part of sourcing secondhand things would be knowing what you can use. Sometimes you source a lot of junk that you end up not using, which can end up being a hoarding issue.
What’s the last thing you took a screenshot of, and do you remember why?
Someone made a table out of glass blocks, and I really wanna make one. They’re so brutalist, but also very nostalgic because glass blocks remind me of leisure centres and swimming pools from the 2000s.
What’s the weirdest thing an algorithm has recommended to you?
Healthy brownies, they suck. I’ve tried ’em, I hate ’em.
@ubeboobey Built it because I wanted to learn tech and plus, it’s fun ^.^ #technology#electronics#futuristic#fy#fyp♬ Counting All The Starfish – Kitty
What’s a recent meme that resonated with you?
People making fun of Ed Sheeran because he kicked Macklemore off of his tour for supporting Palestine. The memes that came out of it were funny, and it backs up my belief that celebrities and influencers sometimes chase money more than morals. Sometimes it can be harmless, sometimes its just straight up shameful.
Do you have any tricks or methods you use to prevent going on your phone when you don’t want to?
I count down from 5 so that, when I reach the number 1, I have to get my body moving. It is so hard to get out of my bed because it’s so comfortable but as soon as I get my body moving, it’s a positive outcome!
What content urges you to close an app?
Brain rot and influencers who seem completely out of touch. Overconsumption, adverts, and fear-mongering content.
How many browser tabs do you have open right now (and what for)?
I have a few pinned browser tabs: one is for Pinterest, one is for my email, one is for Canva, and one is for YouTube!
What’s a digital tool everyone should know about?
The Kiwix library and also the free Internet Archive. Sooo useful for free media, and virus-free from my experience.