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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => DIY Discussions ARCHIVE => Topic started by: whiskerBox on Sun, 09 October 2011, 22:02:03

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: whiskerBox on Sun, 09 October 2011, 22:02:03

So maybe I have been watching to many spy movies lately but I have been thinking of crafting up some kind of portable computer station.

This mat be a bit overkill and probably a ***** to carry, Although very cool
[ATTACH=CONFIG]28259[/ATTACH]

Another interesting one I have seen
[ATTACH=CONFIG]28260[/ATTACH]


These are both cool but neither really capture the idea of what I'm thinking.

[strike]Frankly these Pelican cases are also quite expensive and I think I can probably get a Halliburton Zero case for less or the same amount of money.[/strike]
UPDATE: I got a pelican case for $3 at goodwill see pics in discussion
Goodwill pelican case (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:22752&p=434134&viewfull=1#post434134)

As this is a Keyboard forum another main attraction will definitely be a mechanical keyboard in the contraption(not sure what yet). Definitely a blank set of keys though
[ATTACH=CONFIG]28262[/ATTACH]

As for the monitor and computer that will run the contraption I will probably use something thats laying around or I will just have connections for a laptop in a bottom compartment and have a built in monitor in the case not to sure yet. Although it would be cool to have hinges on the monitor so it could tilt.

Anyways before I get to spaced out ley me know what you think.

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: whiskerBox on Sun, 09 October 2011, 22:16:16

[ATTACH=CONFIG]28264[/ATTACH]

This is very similar to what I am talking about

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: Soarer on Mon, 10 October 2011, 07:47:12

The first one rocks! Not so much desktop replacement, as, um, desktop! I'd guess it weighs around 70 pounds...?

Decent 4:3 screens are rare and pricey these days, too :-(

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: whiskerBox on Mon, 10 October 2011, 10:38:27

The one that I saw originally that peeked my interest had two screens and a full size keyboard in what I am guessing was a gun case, but yeah the weight of thing must be killer.

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: whiskerBox on Tue, 18 October 2011, 22:14:51

So as luck would have it while at the goodwill outlet I came across a Pelican case.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]28979[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]28981[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]28980[/ATTACH]

Did I mention that they sell by the Lb. so i got this case for $2.97 lol.

After some measuring I think that I will be able to place a 17" widescreen monitor in the lid, so that will be the next piece of the puzzle.

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: simon_C on Wed, 19 October 2011, 11:27:19

remember that monitors are measured in diagonal size. looks closer to 19"

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: whiskerBox on Wed, 19 October 2011, 14:27:37

Yeah I measured it diagonally, and it is a little over 20" but I figure with the bezel around the screen and the tilt hinges I am going to put in that it will be pretty close. I guess the next step will be to go measure some monitors at bestbuy and see what will fit the best.

Once I get a monitor I will probably start figuring out the rest. I have some ideas involving small gas struts and latches/buttons - so when you click the button/latch the screen will tilt automatically and the keyboard will rise out, but of course you will have to lock them back in place manually. I better stop before I get to ahead of myself haha.

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: Lenny_Nero on Wed, 19 October 2011, 20:31:45

Quote from: Soarer;428237

Decent 4:3 screens are rare and pricey these days, too :-(

Yeah, I am really not into the silly 16by9 thing, well they are ok on their side.

Just got a pair of these 4 by 3 Quato 22'' Monitor things which are 'spose to something good, one has a screen scratch :(
but a good price so I can jive with that.
I have yet to get them setup, but with a new Sony GDM550 I've got to collect I think I am covered for some time to come.

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 19 October 2011, 21:08:19

Mmmmm, the joys of portable desktops. Hope you are going with a SSD to match the durability of the Pelican Case.

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 20 October 2011, 09:51:40

Quote from: SmallFry;434923

Mmmmm, the joys of portable desktops. Hope you are going with a SSD to match the durability of the Pelican Case.

Ha. I wish i had cash to blow on an ssd for this. this is kind of like a scrounge effort.

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 20 October 2011, 09:55:24

I think that I might use these tilt out hinges for the monitor if they will fit & spray them flat black of course.

just imagine these upside down
[ATTACH=CONFIG]29111[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]29112[/ATTACH]

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: arplod on Thu, 20 October 2011, 10:12:17

Kinda wondering why you need a mod. Unless you're hoping to get a desktop in there. (http://pelican.com/cases_detail_storm.php?Case=iM2370)

[ATTACH=CONFIG]29119[/ATTACH]

Title: Portable Computer / Pelican Mod
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 20 October 2011, 11:33:55

Quote from: arplod;435247

Kinda wondering why you need a mod. Unless you're hoping to get a desktop in there. (http://pelican.com/cases_detail_storm.php?Case=iM2370)

(Attachment) 29119[/ATTACH]

Dont need! Just seemed like a fun project!