Challenge. Building a Lap Desktop. A keyboard, monitor, and speakers. Built into a Laptop case, plugs into a tower.
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I've been looking at new laptops. The ones I want are way to expensive. If I had a desk top I could get a lot more computer for a lot less money.
I have 2 old laptops. I would like to gut one of the laptop cases then install a new lcd monitor into the case which will plug into a desktop. I would like to do the same with the keyboard and the speakers.
Whats the point? It won't be a lap top. This is correct. I don't want a lap top. I want a folding monitor speaker and keyboard that fits on my lap with cables that plug into a desktop that is sitting on the floor next to my chair.
I want to easily unplug my Lap Desktop, fold it up and then make it disappear. I want to sit in my comfy chair gaming talking to my wife while we both watch tv. I don't want a corner of my living room dedicated to a big old computer desk.
The original idea was to use component parts of the laptop. The monitor speakers, and keyboard. After doing some research I realize using the monitor won't work. That is ok. I will get a new one. Where to buy it? what to buy? I hope I can still use the laptop case and install the parts I want. and make it all work...
If this project seems like fun give me a hand. Help me figure out the details. I will take the pictures and make an instruct able and credit who ever has helped me... I know I haven't got a clue and I have not found this product premaid and ready for purchase....
Update
The Monitor
I found what I need for my laptops lcd conversion to desktop monitor. I will purchase the R.RT6251 from njytouch on ebay. This essentially will allow me to use my old desktop lcd as a computer/tv monitor. I hope it works. I will also be converting the montitor into a touch screen. Njytouch has lots of good feedbadk and I have seen some great videos for their products on youtube. Theoretically I have the montior situation under control.
The base.
I have given up on the idea of using the original lap top base. I still want a clamshel design. Unfortunately I cannot use my laptops old keyboard. It worked fine for the lap top but like the original road block for the LCD at present I cannot find a easy solution to by pass the proprietary element. I was hoping for another miracle solution from njytouch. Don't think it will happen though. So for my contingency plan. A weighted plexiglass base I will mount my hinged lcd on with a shelf I will set my keyboard on. I have an old logitech g15 keyboard which would be awesome to use again. It sports several usb ports easy access for my peripherals.
When finished I will have a hinged lcd touchscreen mounted on a mounted on a weighted flat lap desk surface.. It will be a lap desk with a clamshell design for easy storage that will all plug into a desk top computer.
Questions
Is Plexi glass the best building material? What would you recommend. I would like it to be inexpensive and relatively light. This set up will be on my lap for hours at a time. So far I'm looking at about $150 for this building project and I don't own a desktop yet :)
Are their any additions and improvements to this idea you guys can think of. I'm thinking monitors and speakers also... That may be going overboard though.
.
I've been looking at new laptops. The ones I want are way to expensive. If I had a desk top I could get a lot more computer for a lot less money.
I have 2 old laptops. I would like to gut one of the laptop cases then install a new lcd monitor into the case which will plug into a desktop. I would like to do the same with the keyboard and the speakers.
Whats the point? It won't be a lap top. This is correct. I don't want a lap top. I want a folding monitor speaker and keyboard that fits on my lap with cables that plug into a desktop that is sitting on the floor next to my chair.
I want to easily unplug my Lap Desktop, fold it up and then make it disappear. I want to sit in my comfy chair gaming talking to my wife while we both watch tv. I don't want a corner of my living room dedicated to a big old computer desk.
The original idea was to use component parts of the laptop. The monitor speakers, and keyboard. After doing some research I realize using the monitor won't work. That is ok. I will get a new one. Where to buy it? what to buy? I hope I can still use the laptop case and install the parts I want. and make it all work...
If this project seems like fun give me a hand. Help me figure out the details. I will take the pictures and make an instruct able and credit who ever has helped me... I know I haven't got a clue and I have not found this product premaid and ready for purchase....
Update
The Monitor
I found what I need for my laptops lcd conversion to desktop monitor. I will purchase the R.RT6251 from njytouch on ebay. This essentially will allow me to use my old desktop lcd as a computer/tv monitor. I hope it works. I will also be converting the montitor into a touch screen. Njytouch has lots of good feedbadk and I have seen some great videos for their products on youtube. Theoretically I have the montior situation under control.
The base.
I have given up on the idea of using the original lap top base. I still want a clamshel design. Unfortunately I cannot use my laptops old keyboard. It worked fine for the lap top but like the original road block for the LCD at present I cannot find a easy solution to by pass the proprietary element. I was hoping for another miracle solution from njytouch. Don't think it will happen though. So for my contingency plan. A weighted plexiglass base I will mount my hinged lcd on with a shelf I will set my keyboard on. I have an old logitech g15 keyboard which would be awesome to use again. It sports several usb ports easy access for my peripherals.
When finished I will have a hinged lcd touchscreen mounted on a mounted on a weighted flat lap desk surface.. It will be a lap desk with a clamshell design for easy storage that will all plug into a desk top computer.
Questions
Is Plexi glass the best building material? What would you recommend. I would like it to be inexpensive and relatively light. This set up will be on my lap for hours at a time. So far I'm looking at about $150 for this building project and I don't own a desktop yet :)
Are their any additions and improvements to this idea you guys can think of. I'm thinking monitors and speakers also... That may be going overboard though.
.
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Qa
Hope this helps.
Let me know if I can do anything more.
good luck
Tragic
I have a lap top i3-330 processor. can't upgrade video card. Oh and if I am to play rifts past level 50, I need a much better video card. I was pricing lap tops and desk tops and came up with this idea. I don't need a lap top, I do how ever need a set up that will not take up a lot of space or leave me in a distant corner of the house.
Base your setup on either on the width of the monitor or the width of the keyboard plus mouse, whichever is greater. BTW, use a mouse with a trackball or get a keyboard with integrated mouse/touchpad. For speakers, use the ones on the monitor.
Now, look at the monitor post as it goes into the base to determine if you can use it as the basis for a hinge. An extension hinge would probably be needed in order to make it work correctly. The tray which would hold the keyboard has to be extremely rigid and deep enough so that when you close it up, nothing contacts the monitor viewing area. Make sure the keyboard/mouse are secure. You also need to make sure that you have some sort of positive stop when you close the "clamshell", such as tabs that contact the monitor edge, on the plastic.
For hookup, get a KVM cable of a length to suit with the correct connections. TigerDirect has quite a few to choose from. While you are there, get an extension cord for the monitor's power supply. Bundle the 2 cords (KVM and AC extension) together with zip ties, velcro, tape, split loom or other type of binding.
That's the basics. The rest is up to your imagination and skills. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
Qa
P.S. - I remember seeing a very fancy USB keyboard, some years back, that had USB ports on it along with speakers built in. If it is still available, it could be a viable option. Of course, with as much as all this might cost, you may be able to get a laptop to wirelessly do what you want, but probably not at the level of the desktop's power. Price it (misc. parts plus desktop) and see.
If this works out well, I can use the pre existing hinge and monitor. I save a lot of time and effort. The next step would be to figure out whether or not I can do something similar with my pre-existing keyboard. I have not ordered the board yet as I first need to take apart my old lap top in order to find out my Monitor model. Then I contact njytouch. I will keep you all posted and lets keep on brainstorming
Hey, while you are at it, have you looked for wireless VGA gear. There are devices out there that will wirelessly send you VGA and audio to a receiver. You could pair that with wireless keyboard and mouse and only need a power cord to keep the monitor powered. It would reduce the cable clutter.
Just a thought...
Qa