Centrally Controlled Digital Picture Frame

Step 3 Where to Begin?

You have two options to consider on where to begin.

Option 1 - Build the Hardware
You could start by building the hardware first.  This consists of  dissecting the laptop and putting it in a frame.  Why would you want to do this?

• There is an obvious risk that you might destroy the laptop while transforming it into a picture frame.  Why continue with the software build (the most complex part) if you end up with hardware that won't work?

Option 2 - Build the Software
You could start by building (and testing) the boot CD first. 
Why would you want to do this?

• You can test the frame functionality while the laptop is still together.  In "laptop form", it's easier to insert the CD over and over again while testing, type on the laptop or external keyboard, etc.
• If you can't get the software to work properly, why bother with the rest of the project?

Which route you take is up to you. I chose to build the hardware first because I was quite confident that I could get it working one way or another with software.  I have a fair amount of experience in that area.  I was more concerned about damaging the LCD while dissecting the laptop.  I wanted to make sure I could fully disassemble the laptop and still have it booting from CD when I was done.