[Senko]

I'm just wondering why cyberdecks while smalller than RCCs don't share the same range of values? That is there's 11 RCCs ranging from scratch built junk for 1,400 up to the Triox Ubermensch for 140,00 yet cyberdecks while only having 2 fewer types are far more expensive ranging from the Erika MCD-1 at 49,500 up to the farlight Excaliber at 823,250.

Why are decks so much more expensive and why is there no scratch built junk for say 11,000 with a devicr rating of 1, able to run 1 program and with stats of 3,2,1,0 or the like?

[Michael Chandra]

Cyberdecks have Attack and Sleaze ratings and can run Agents, and they have variable attribute arrays, which means less versions are required. RCCs, on the other hand, have different versions for the attributes, you have versions that prioritize Firewall and versions that prioritize Data Processing.

Basically the RCCs have less functionality and are designed to solely be able to run Cyberprograms and Autosofts, share them and are stuck with specific hardware-designed ratings for DP and FW. A Cyberdeck can handle far more types of codes, and it has a setup that works with priorities, so some things are dynamic and not hardcoded into the hardware.

[Namikaze]

Asking why cyberdecks aren't like RCCs is like asking why a PC isn't like a mainframe.  They do different completely different things, even if the core technology is similar.  They're different because they are different.  I don't really know if you can get a better answer than the one that Michael gave, but the fact is that even his answer doesn't go into the myriad reasons why they're different.  I doubt anyone could answer your question with any greater than 50% accuracy, because Data Trails isn't out yet.  Even when it does come out, the odds are good that your question won't be answered either.

Because it's all fictional technology.

[SlowDeck]

It's like why cyberdecks aren't like commlinks.

Commlinks are specialized for general purpose communication and exist as comsumer IDs/communication devices.

Cyberdecks are specialized for hacking and feature hardware and software that aids in that.

RCCs are specialized for the control of multiple vehicles or drones at once and feature software designed to allow for the rapid management of all.

[RHat]

In addition to the above:  Design-wise, it's role protection.  Getting the best deck you can at Resources A or B consumes about 73% of your cash.  A Rigger, however, has a lot more stuff to buy, and can't spend as much on the RCC.

In an interesting consequence, it makes it a lot easier to pick up drone management as a sideline skill - you start with one or two for recon and such, and expand from there.

[Senko]

Maybe, its just the fact there's no scrap junk cyberdeck cobbled together from 2nd hand parts that bothers me most.

[RHat]

Maybe, its just the fact there's no scrap junk cyberdeck cobbled together from 2nd hand parts that bothers me most.

Yeah, but that's basically because the manufactured ones kinda hit the "as crappy as you can get" point as it is.

[Namikaze]

Maybe, its just the fact there's no scrap junk cyberdeck cobbled together from 2nd hand parts that bothers me most.

Wait for Data Trails like everyone else.