My Case-computer projekt

Problem:

Notebook hardware is expensive and components are difficult to exchange. Good graphics performance (for ambitioned gamers like me) cost a fortune. At the end of a notebook's lifetime the display is often still fine, nevertheless You are throwing it away.

Solution:

A case-computer. A case with the dimensions as they are accepted by international airlines as handluggage, filled with conventional cheap desktop hardware.

The figure shows my prototype:

• Asus A8N-E (mainboard)

• AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ prozessor

• 2 GB RAM (Dual Channel)

• Samsung SP2504C (SATA2) Harddisc

• Plextor AT PX-716AL (Dual-Layer DVD-burner)

• Asus EN6800GT video card (meanwhile replaced by a WinFast 7900GTX)

• Belinea L 101925 (19“ screen, approximately 4 cm thick, in the lid of the case)

• The case has been crafted by Marstaller .

As one can see from the hardware details, this machine is quite fast (at least by the time it was created, mid 2006). The attachments are made from aluminum plates and profiles, attached with epoxy resin. The screen has been attached to the lid with screws.

Experiences:

I traveled from Munich to Melbourne, Australia and back with this computer as a handluggage. There was a wide range of reactions by aircraft security. I had some frightening minutes at the Dubai airport, but at the end, they let me go. The security at the Munich airport where quite enthusiastic about this work, I did not have any problems there. The worst thing happened in Melbourne on the way back: I was forced to check the case in. The state in which it arrived at Dubai was a bit worrying, as You can imagine. But it took me just an hour of work to fix everything. My conclusion is: This kind of device is quite handy at comparatively low cost. But it might be a little to heavy to go on long journeys, as it weighs about 15 kg.

I'd be happy to advise You on Your own case-computer project, please feel free to ask.

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