Build Your Own Laptop?

[Scorpiоn]

Can it be done?  I hate being at the mercy of prefabricated packages, but I've never exactly seen a section for laptop cases at my local Fry's.  How on earth you would mate your screen and case together is daunting!

[ctjoyce]

Well it can be done, however if your a little scard of trying it look to the nice people at www.ibuypower.com But now that I think about it I really cant think of anywhere that sells laptop cases.....its  serchin time

[Ivan]

Flightcase computer... Not exactly a laptop but if you plan it right i think everything will fit in a carryable package. Just don't take it with you as hand luggage if you are boarding a plane

[Scorpiоn]

I actually like that idea.  Although before I plunge headlong into that, are there alternatives?

[ctjoyce]

www.ibuypower.com www.cyberpowerinc.com and god forbid www.alienware.com

[Scorpiоn]

Key words being build your own.

In case anyone is wondering, I shall probably be using this pretty much for music.

[Ivan]

Best choice in that case is suitcase system, allows for better soundcards.

With my leftover stuff, the most likely configuration will be
Main stuff: Old style P3-600 and 128MB RAM on P3B-F mobo
Devices: 30GB harddisk, CD-ROM
Audio: SB Live

Packaging: mid-size flightcase, with LCD mounted in the lid of the case and a foam cover with cooling openings on the system itself. Power and audio connectors in an opening on the side that can be closed.

Keyboard: smallest and thinnest you can get
Mouse: micro ring trackball (trackball thingie that slides over your finger). Connectors at the top of the system cover

[Scorpiоn]

Number one thing that comes to mind is the display.  I suppose the smallest LCD I can find would be the best candidate.

Flightcase computer... Not exactly a laptop but if you plan it right i think everything will fit in a carryable package. Just don't take it with you as hand luggage if you are boarding a plane

Why not?

[Saitek]

You can handbuild a laptop?! I thought they HAD to be bought.

Edit: I checked the sites though and they build them! If it is possible though I would be interested to know more.  

[Scorpiоn]

Ivan, would the carry-on problem be weight, size or something like that?  Other than that all I can imagine is the X-Ray.  But then how do normal laptops do it?

[Ivan]

Laptops have to be tested out of the case (at least with el-al)
As a flightcase computer doesn;t exactly look like a laptop, i think you will have major problems with a load of pcb boars in a suitcase

[Scorpiоn]

Well, that's no big problem to me.  So as long as I can show it's a functioning computer, I'm allright?

[the_autopilot]

Actually, you can build your own laptop:
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20050504/index.html

Although from the conclusion of that article, its more expensive to build your own laptop and it seems there is no performence gain when compared to a OEM counterpart.

[Scorpiоn]

I'm still kinda interested in the flightcase more...

The only thing that worries me here is how you would go about installing the screen.

[Ivan]

foam on the system cover, LCD screen inside the top of the case, with an external connector just in case