Idea to run with.

[bustedgears]

An idea of beason's a couple of years back reappeared in my head recently. A briefcase computer. Why???

Don't they call those laptops?

By day I'm a computer technician. I also work out of my home. With the rising cost of gas it's becoming more convenient for me to fix the computer on the site, rather than take it back, then return it.

I'm not able to make my laptop capable of testing desktop computer equipment, so I'm making this.

The point is to have a complete desktop computer at my disposal without clogging up my entire trunk, nor looking like a jackass carrying around an entire computer in my car.

Here's my start:

I'm open to all ideas and input. I want to hear them.

 

[mr_bob]

I have actually made a computer in a card board box and it worked pretty well but it did have its bad points


but thats really a good idea never really would have thought about that. But I'm sure it would work all you would have to do is worry about the expansion cards. BUt it looks like you have enough room in there for them.

If i was you i would look for a gigabyte mobo they are by far the best for the price i havent had one problem with mine since expect for software issues with microsoft(damn spyware). i would also look into one of those shock resistant hard drives just cuz it will be on the go all the time.

other then that just make sure you have enough cooling and all that jazz


but I'm sure you already knew that but keep us updated it would be nice to see what it turns out to be

 

[HeartBreak]

If you get a mobo with everything built in, ie; video, you should not have to worry about the overall height. The only real concern is the power supply and drives. If you place those on the bottom of the case, then something between them and the mobo to insulate, that would give you clean access to the slots, without having to do any break-down.

I like the idea, that really is creative. You may end up needing a slightly deeper breifcase, tho. Probably something more like one of those roller toolboxes.

Board type, I would go with something like a socket-based board, since you can shave a few millimeters with the right cooler/slower cpu over a slot-based board.

Good luck on the project.

 

[Monkey Wrench]

By day I'm a computer technician.

By night, an out-of-work male whore.

nor looking like a jackass carrying around an entire computer in my car.

Ah, don't kid yourself, most folks think you're a jackass without having to carry an entire computer around in your trunk!

 

[WoodiE]

Before I took my current job I started working a lot on the side and started making plans on a computer for just this reason...one to take to the clients business/house and more or less have my entire work bench right there with me.

I found this case:

The case is a MicroATX case which would allow you to install a nice motherboard of any of your favorite companies it also allows a standard PSU to be installed...this is what sold me. I don't trust micro PSU's. My plan was to either notch out or just completely take out one side of the side windows which would then allow me to access cables such as IDE, SATA, and power without having to take apart my computer. As for a keyboard, mouse and monitor - the client would already have it there..or you could bring our own mouse and KB if you'd like. A micro mouse and fold up keyboard would work great in this case.

BTW, the case also features a carrying handle as well.




-Michael

 

[bustedgears]

My idea is to have EVERYTHING. To not rely on anyone elses stuff at all. But to have all the other good stuff there too.

I'm also going to install wifi into this thing.

 

[robriguez]

I used to carry around a Shuttle case. Looked really funky cause it was yellow and green. But it was cheap, had a handle, 1 thumb screw and the case was open, roll up keyboard, micro mouse, Xlong spare cables all fit in my tool bag in a seperate pocket. For a monitor I just used one one the clients.

I really like your idea tho, everything in one case and geeky in a very KEWL way.

Sugestions:

-Build some sort of shelf that will live just above the MB that can either be left in place while using the PC (for keyboard and mouse) or easily removed if you need access to the slots, cables, etc. (possibly a small rail all along the top edge and a plastic, lexan, or strong cardboard shelf)
-Of course you'll have to make holes in the sides for fans and air but I think you should try to incorporate a method of being able to put thin plastic covers to close up the open holes when not in use. You dont want foreign objects getting into the case.
-If not a plastic cover then a very small mesh screen. Like that of a vegtable strainer.
-a brace of some sort to KEEP the lid open when in use....wouldnt want the lid/screen come crashing down on your fingers. Something like this http://www.skullface.com/jb/jb-hinge2.jpg or mod somethign up to work like the hing on a folding table like this http://www.best-folding-tables-and-chairs.com/images/NPS_3000_BTGravtyLock_inset.jpg

 

[bustedgears]

Tonight I'm dropping in the Motherboard, hard drive, and power supply.

Hopefully it'll all go easy.

Pics later tonight.

 

[HeartBreak]

Busted, on the mainboard, I might have a suggestion. The board I have, the PCChips M950 (here it comes, hahhah), has a version that has Wifi built in. I think there's even a version with built in VGA. If not, they have a board that does.

Mine has been rock-solid, and given me zero problems. I liked it so much, I bought another one for my parents' computer.

 

[1500valk]

OK, not real hip on this, but what about liquid cooling? That way you don't need fans and such. would seem to be a little lighter. I know most of the Alienware computers use a liquid cooling system.

 

[mr_bob]

Liquid cooling is one too expensive

2 too risky

and 3 too bulky

you need a resivior a pump and then all the hoses soo it would be too much for a compact computer

fans are just a little cheaper and easy to install and protect

 

[jammin]

heres a space saver eventhough in your case a keyboard you can always use the customers since its so simple. just thought it was alittle different
http://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/

 

[bustedgears]

heres a space saver eventhough in your case a keyboard you can always use the customers since its so simple. just thought it was alittle different
http://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/

As cool as that is, I'm going to have to pass that one up. $180 is a bit out of my price range for this one.


.... back to work.

 

[HeartBreak]

Well, seeing as he has to have the lid open to view the display, cooling should not be as much of an issue as it would be "case closed". The factory coolers should be more than sufficient.

 

[bustedgears]

One picture, after the installation of the Mobo and P/S.

Notice I'm running the monitor off of the 12VDC power, connected to the power supply. (thus bypassing the external power inverter)

I'm thinking a pair of tweeters would do the trick for a set of speakers. What do you guys think?

 

[HeartBreak]

You could probably gut a cheap pair of speakers off the clearance isle at Wallymart.

It definately is coming along nicely. For connectivity reasons, you could easily make a breakout panel and cut holes for them near the top (where the handle is).

The part where the power supply plugs in, you could cut a hole for that cable too, so you can gain a little more clearance for the drives.

Definate thumbs up for the creativity.

 

[bustedgears]

Update

Installed:

HDD
Power supply
Speakers
Cabling
Power Jack
Proprietary RJ-45
Proprietary keyboard

 

[HeartBreak]

That is looking really nice. The only thing remaining is to make sure everything is secure enough to endure the day-to-day moving stresses. Are you going to slot out the case for a cd drive? or use a usb drive?

 

[bustedgears]

Finished Product!!!

At least for now. Until I find weak points, or break it.

Here it is!

Specs are:
AMD Athlon 1200 MHz
Maxtor 20GB Hard Drive
256MB RAM
Windows XP Home
Sony 15" TFT LCD Monitor
200W Power supply
Proprietary Wiring

 

[HeartBreak]

Not bad at all. I would make some sort of inlay to prevent the mouse and keyboard from jumping around. The last thing you'd need after all that work is a busted mobo.