Poor Man's Portable -Build Your Own Semi-Laptop?

[2CPU]

With the ability to buy TFT screens separately now, why not build a miniature system in a super-small case that can be easily moved? Perhaps someone knows a good source for a company that builds miniature/very small CPU cases? Perhaps there are some specialized case makers who make cases for "ruggedized" or outdoor use? With IBM's microdrive or portable HDs, 815 chipset, and ATX Micro form factor, one ought to be able to build a really small sized "portable" system.

I sure would like some input on possible suppliers and any mini-ideas!

It seems doable.

Suggestions?

 

[Ginta]

Actually that sort of like this product.
To bad it's built for AT mainboards and is priced before the recent drop in LCD prices. If it was updated for ATX mainboard, came without a PS and was priced 30% cheaper it might be worth getting for a LAN machine.

 

[2CPU]

I checked your link Ginta, and that would be the concept -except- for weight and size. I'm thinking closer to almost portable size and much lower weight. Perhaps closer to this smaller case BUT still smaller than even that size. Who else carries mini-cases for micro-atx?

I'd like it to be able to run off battery power too, whether using battery back-up UPS or some portable battery for "portables".

 

[Tsaico]

I think the next cap you are gonna hit is the fact that most portables are using the low power versions of the popular chips as well as lower power consumtion on the drives. Ever think of piecing one together from scrap parts? Well good luck...

 

[BA]

Like a lunchbox? I've got one, got a AT 486-66 in it right now. The only real problem is that the LCD is monochrome. I could put a SS7 board in it, and then it would be nearly respectable.

 

[Ginta]

Well this isn't exactly minature but try here.
They are basically computers built in home audio/video "look". Not very high powered, but should be very quiet and small sized. The problem with trying to stick with micro-atx form factor is you can only get so small.

 

[smp]

okay.. look here.. and there are more in the infamous case mod gallery too.. just look around.. on this page there is a 'suitcase' mod.. so just check for it.. it's in the middle.. and yeah.. suitcase mods are cool.. I think with an lcd you could do a good one..

 

[Namuna]

smp,
That suitCASE mod is KICKASS! It looks jussssst about right (sizewise) to attach a modded LCD Screen to the side (like a Compaq TFT8000)

 

[2CPU]

Are there smaller MB form factors than micro-atx that can be bought online? Some of the cases you referred me to are using "split-mb" designs to fit/plug "L-Shaped" into each other. For instance a "pci slot/riser card" plugs into the MB, so cards don't take-up more vertical space. Am I making sense here?

Maybe I could build my own case with clear lexan/plexiglass if I could find a really small MB. Any ideas on MB designs smaller than micro-atx? Also, there still has to be an outdoor/ruggedized case maker, as there are many uses for computers outdoors.

I thought a micro-atx w/the 815 chipset and integrated video, sound, and network down on MB would be a good small-size choice, but perhaps there would be another good low-powerhog choice. (I noted the low-power, as I don't think (or know of) an AMD solution that would manage power better.)

Is there another MB form factor smaller than micro-atx available?

TIA for you ideas!

 

[Ginta]

I believe that flex-atx is at smaller form factor than micro. From the boards I've seen they only have 2 pci slots if any and those slots may or may not be full height. (meaning you might be looking for special sized pci cards) There is some info at http://www.formfactors.org/ including a database for a few manufactures that make these sized boards.

The only chipset I've seen them in is using the intel 810, thus only celeron or P3.