[Typhus]

I love that wearable RCC idea. 

[Finstersang]

5e described it as a deck-like thing that's the size of a briefcase. The 'captain's chair' thing is probably metaphorical.

Read it that way as well; they had the same size in 5th Edition too.

That being said: Size, Style and Portability of RCCs, Decks and Commlinks offers a lot of untapped potential to tinker around in future supplements or for homebrew gear options. I´m not just talking about miniaturization, but also about deliberately buying a bigger and "clunkier" setups: "Commlinks" the size of actual laptops, RCCs and Decks that are employed like a Desktop PC setup, or even an updated version of the Echo Mirage-age VR-hacking booths, with loads of cables and a sensory deprivation tank. In return for the limited portability, these could offer better stats or other perks for Hackers/Riggers that prefer to stay in the Van (or in their home) anyways.

Sure, most Hacker/Rigger players prefer to stay fleetfooted, but some actually like the cliché "Hacking Van" or even the "Basement dweller" from the movies so much that they might take the deal. Also, these are great for NPC like security spiders or even GOD agents. 

I love that wearable RCC idea. 

Me too, hits the same spot from a different angle. In 5th Edition, there were only "form factors" as a means of conceilment. A more diverse setup of interfaces and form factors would be terrific.

[Xenon]

Commlink is basically a smartphone

Cyberdeck is basically a tablet

RCC is basically a laptop

[penllawen]

Cyberdeck is basically a tablet

No, it's a Nintendo PowerGlove now.

[Stainless Steel Devil Rat]

From 5e CRB:

[penllawen]

From 5e CRB:

From 6e CRB pg 267: "When the corps cracked down on the Matrix, working hard to prevent illicit use of their pretty new system, the cyberdeck re-emerged as the tool for messing with innards of the Matrix. They are powerful devices in the hands of a skilled decker. The newest models look something like medieval bracers, only less bulky. They’re worn on the wrist and can project keyboards (or whatever interface the user prefers) onto the user’s arm, a nearby surface, or just the air around them."

(Edit - and this is a 6e-specific thread.)

[MercilessMing]

The cyberjack does not share functions with the commlink except for also providing (superior) Data Processing and Firewall Matrix attributes. It is more like an extremely advanced data jack. ... the cyberdeck still provides the same functionality of a commlink as well as allowing the decker to hack the Matrix. It just no longer provides the Data Processing and Firewall attributes.

This is just backwards, intuitively.  I think it's a bad idea.  Whatever device has the DataProc and Firewall should also have the commlink functionality. Commlinks have D/F, cyberjacks have D/F, cyberjacks should be beefed up commlinks.

pg. 247, describing the PAN: "These are networks composed of a commlink and/or a deck, with a small number of devices slaved behind it. "
You can't even create a PAN with a cyberdeck alone, without doing an attribute swap first.  It would have max slaved devices of 0 and 0 defense. 

Even this has to be inferred:
Cyberdecks are listed as having A/S
Elsewhere it says "If a device doesn't have an attribute, treat it as 0." 
So really cyberdecks have A/S/D/F, but D/F are 0.
Then it says "Deckers can rotate all attributes through their persona"
and then we have to infer Decker = cyberdeck user, so cyberdecks let us rotate attributes, else anyone could get A/S, it's a legal action.
So a cyberdeck could go from ex. 7/8/0/0 to 0/0/7/8, and make a PAN.
Whew.

This is why the OP's question comes up.   Cyberdecks as presented make more sense conceptually as something that weaponizes a computer platform, not being the platform itself.  It's even worn as a gauntlet.  If that's not a weapon metaphor I dunno what is.

[Plan_B]

The cyberjack’s function is to offload the Data Processing and Firewall functions by utilizing the superior power of the human brain to more effectively, efficiently, and rapidly respond to the demands of Matrix protocols and encryption methods. This is what allows a decker to take Matrix Edge actions, just like a technomancer. The cyberjack is built on research of technomancer brains and is a beefed up datajack. Like a datajack, it allows for DNI but is also not a commlink-like device. That a commlink also has (inferior) Data Processing and Firewall functions doesn’t matter. Normal Matrix user utilize a commlink to access the legal functions of the Matrix. The cyberdeck can perform those same legal functions, in addition to also allowing for illegal hacking actions. You can utilize a commlink with a cyberdeck to hack the Matrix but to be actually good at it requires a cyberjack. The three devices all share certain traits but they each serve different functions and purposes and should not be seen as interchangeable.

[Banshee]

The cyberjack’s function is to offload the Data Processing and Firewall functions by utilizing the superior power of the human brain to more effectively, efficiently, and rapidly respond to the demands of Matrix protocols and encryption methods. This is what allows a decker to take Matrix Edge actions, just like a technomancer. The cyberjack is built on research of technomancer brains and is a beefed up datajack. Like a datajack, it allows for DNI but is also not a commlink-like device. That a commlink also has (inferior) Data Processing and Firewall functions doesn’t matter. Normal Matrix user utilize a commlink to access the legal functions of the Matrix. The cyberdeck can perform those same legal functions, in addition to also allowing for illegal hacking actions. You can utilize a commlink with a cyberdeck to hack the Matrix but to be actually good at it requires a cyberjack. The three devices all share certain traits but they each serve different functions and purposes and should not be seen as interchangeable.

Well said

[MercilessMing]

Thank you Plan_B, I understand what cyberjacks are but it’s helpful to have a good explanation of them. I want to let you all know that I had the same question as the OP when I read the chapter, as did the decker at my table, as have other other people looking for help online, even those not new to SR. I had to read it twice and then talk the whole thing out with a friend for us to understand it. I wasn’t the only one who looked at cyberdecks and jacks and saw two halves of a whole, where the jack could be replaced with a commlink for lower power games.  D/F are the attributes associated with a computer system, the cyber deck doesn’t have them, ergo, cyberdecks are simply the most badass dongle for a commlink ever.

Like I said, I grok what it actually is, I just don’t think the book reads that way because of the cyberdeck stat line and I don’t blame the people that don’t get it.

[Banshee]

Well as I've said many times in several places ... a cyberjack is by no means necessary and you can use a commlink +deck just fine ... but you probably won't want to if hacking is your primary role and you all you can get out if it. 😉

[Plan_B]

Like I said, I grok what it actually is, I just don’t think the book reads that way because of the cyberdeck stat line and I don’t blame the people that don’t get it.

If I were feeling generous, I would say that I can vaguely see how the distribution of information might be difficult for someone to follow but I didn't particularly find it very difficult. As for how it all works, I like the distribution now over previous versions. Admittedly, it did take me a moment to adjust my own expectations when I saw that the cyberdeck was now exclusively a wireless capable attack device with the off-loaded functions. For me, and I think this was also Banhee's goal, this is an increase in player options. If you want to be a hacker, you can be with minimal investment. While this might not be ideal, it certainly works for runners at the very start of their careers rather than those created at the default level.

In terms of mechanics, and this is solely a matter of person preference, I like the idea that the investment required to be a top notch decker is not just cash. The Essence cost of the cyberjack works as a limit regarding other enhancements the decker can get. My adding this limit, it keeps the decker more function focused and reduces the capacity for one high end character to "do it all" in terms of being a hacker, a combat monster, and a smooth operator. Maybe you don't dig this limitation, and that's cool too, I just really like the idea that a serious decker now has to put their body into their job, just like everyone else. They aren't just paying cash for their function, they are paying with their own body and humanity. This is very much in keeping with the theme of everything having a cost that is inherent to the game.

[Banshee]

Like I said, I grok what it actually is, I just don’t think the book reads that way because of the cyberdeck stat line and I don’t blame the people that don’t get it.

If I were feeling generous, I would say that I can vaguely see how the distribution of information might be difficult for someone to follow but I didn't particularly find it very difficult. As for how it all works, I like the distribution now over previous versions. Admittedly, it did take me a moment to adjust my own expectations when I saw that the cyberdeck was now exclusively a wireless capable attack device with the off-loaded functions. For me, and I think this was also Banhee's goal, this is an increase in player options. If you want to be a hacker, you can be with minimal investment. While this might not be ideal, it certainly works for runners at the very start of their careers rather than those created at the default level.

In terms of mechanics, and this is solely a matter of person preference, I like the idea that the investment required to be a top notch decker is not just cash. The Essence cost of the cyberjack works as a limit regarding other enhancements the decker can get. My adding this limit, it keeps the decker more function focused and reduces the capacity for one high end character to "do it all" in terms of being a hacker, a combat monster, and a smooth operator. Maybe you don't dig this limitation, and that's cool too, I just really like the idea that a serious decker now has to put their body into their job, just like everyone else. They aren't just paying cash for their function, they are paying with their own body and humanity. This is very much in keeping with the theme of everything having a cost that is inherent to the game.

You seem to be in my head on this topic 😉

[Plan_B]

You seem to be in my head on this topic

You just made my day! 

Also, you forgot to turn wireless off.

[Macbrea]

If I  understand the essence loss correctly, a newly created decker should buy the most expensive deltaware cyberlink they can afford. Even at the cost of not having a deck. Then run the first few missions as just a tech. Because you cannot regain missing essence.