Cyberdecks are more about the freedom of selecting exactly the hardware components you want (in the same way you can when you build a desktop computer)[0] so I don't think an average laptop would do the job.

For example, this cyberdeck has a mechanical keyboard which is quite rare on laptops.

Yesterday I was browsing a forum that shows cyberdecks built by users, and one had a circular screen! [1] You would definitely have a hard time finding a laptop with that! :-D

[0] https://cyberdeck.cafe/faq

[1] https://libredd.it/r/cyberDeck/comments/ulvl19/a_terminal_po...

> a laptop into a protective container?

the pelican laptop cases exist, the 1495 is a great product, albeit huge and heavy. you can actually fit 3 modern laptops, a satellite phone, a usb battery pack and a shitload of accessories into one.