Build a Kitchen PC

After listening to my wife tell how hard it is to keep track of recipes I decided to build a under the counter PC as a Kitchen PC. But I put some restrictions on the build.


-Keep Build cost to minimum
-Use Parts from around house when possible
-Keep Counters clear of Clutter

Step 1: Monitor

 Use LCD monitor. Cost $0

Comments

[greenguy27]

 An even better keyboard space saver would be the Logitech diNovo Mini. Super small size except for the price! 

[eight]

I own one of these. They are no fun to use.

[greenguy27]

Alot has changed since I posted this. I would just use a cheap tablet now.

[eight]

Hi Mr Green Guy, Very valid point.
No offense meant.
:P

[greenguy27]

None taken

[natrinicle]

Try instead a Playstation 3 Keypad for around $40.  They are basically the same thing as the Dinovo, use bluetooth, and have a touchpad mouse built in with the press of a button.  I'm using one for my media center pc currently and it works great!  The only downside that could easily be fixed with a dremel and a few minutes would be the connector at the bottom that holds onto a controller.

[macwhiz]

How about this keyboard? http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Multimedia-Remote-with-Keyboard/dp/B0036VO67I

[lemonie]

That's nice, I like the build-for-function aspect.

L

[greenguy27]

 I'll admit that these plans are a little old and alot has change in the last year since I made it. Thanks Karossi and ironsmiter for some great ideas! I would of used an old laptop if I had one available to save space. An old tablet PC would of been perfect since the screen flips around and could flip up when not in use. If I was building new then I think I would of used the Dell Zino HD for its small size and price tag. HD Nation did a great review in episode 38. A touch screen monitor would be great but I dont know where to find one and how much it would add to the price tag. As for a good keyboard and mouse combo I would like the Logitech diNovo Edge-2.

[karossii]

Great idea!

A couple of suggestions for others looking into a similar cuisine console...

> A touch screen eliminates the need for mouse and keyboard.
   > Short of that, a combo mouse/keyboard could be used, to save one wire (if you're not going with wireless) and the counter space.
   > Another mousing option to reduce countertop clutter; build a trackball into the countertop - much more work, but not a lot of cost.

> If you can handle the space requirements, and your mini PC is not prone to overheating, storing it in that cabinet above the monitor could help reduce cable clutter; drill a hole in the bottom or side of the cabinet and run the monitor cable (and keyboard/mice cables) up along the wall and into that. Power cables still need to go somewhere; the same hole could be used - it would be a great position if there was a free wall socket on the backsplash area very near the monitor.

[ironsmiter]

I worry about putting a trackball into the counter. Unless you can find a good, sealed, industrial model. It is a kitchen after all, and eventually SOMEONE is going to spill something near that trackball. Better option might be to mount the trackball onto a bracket, under the cabinet, next to the screen. Touch screen, while more expensive, might work better for SOME people, But I would worry, if it weren't a sealed touchscreen. Again, this is a KITCHEN pc, and inevitably, wet dirty fingers will be used.



"> If you can handle the space requirements, and your mini PC is not prone to overheating, storing it in that cabinet above the monitor could help reduce cable clutter; drill a hole in the bottom or side of the cabinet and run the monitor cable (and keyboard/mice cables) up along the wall and into that. Power cables still need to go somewhere; the same hole could be used - it would be a great position if there was a free wall socket on the backsplash area very near the monitor."

Or, even better, if you're handy and have a few tools.
   Mount the Monitor to one side of the computer case.
Mount the pc/lcd combo onto the monitor mount (if it will handle he extra weight).
Now you have good ventilation, and easy access for thy optical drive and usb ports.