i have questions about building a laptop

[machracer]

what is the smallest motherboard for a laptop around?

i wanna try and see if i can go and build a laptop

[theguy]

i dont think u can build a laptop from scratch........micro atx may be the smallest board?

[ECA]

you wont be able to get Laptop Mobo. they are totally custom made for each Seller, Sony, and all the rest.
To get a prototype, you would have to design your own, send it to them and pay about $10,000 for a first production.

NOW, if you are scrapping, and have alot of older Laptops(Very rare) you MIGHT have a chance.
Even most the CPU's for laptops are custom. And expencive.
Then each case is MADE ONLY for that 1 laptop, every series is a different case(most times).
Updateing/upgradeing laptops sucks. You cant change the video, audio, most drives wont inter-exchange, cant cahnge the floppy, or even the CDROM(most times).

You are going into a dead end, unless you wish to make your own and have it built for sale, which means to have about 1000+ copies made and resale for about $2-3000 each.

[machracer]

how bout those little handheld computers?

can they be used

i wanna see if i can make one cus i got a vacuum mold machine and i can make cases and stuff

[Ioman]

Some laptops share common motherboards, but the problem I see is that they are not available for retail purchase. You may have to literally rip one out of a laptop if you need it.

[ECA]

MACh,
there is something you can try.
MAKE a better case.
Learn about dispersing HEAT.
2 hottest things in a laptop is the hard drive and the CPU.
IF you make a better case, then the original, you may have a job/copyright... SELL them....
REALLY.
Strip a newer laptop down, see whats WRONG with the case, and REMAKE it.

[ECA]

I would suggest an airfoil bottom.
Like a double caseing, with groves to let air pass.
so many persons are burning there laps(and other parts) because the bottom gets VERY HOT.

[richardnovak77]

xxxx

[ECA]

Ummmm!

Look at it this way.
They already make them.
All in one units, LCD display with the comp in the back, all you have is a KB and mouse.
Has internal net and everything.
and prototyping isnt CHEAP.

[jfila]

Look on Ebay - there are people selling parts from Gateway laptops and other brands. Get what you need there and then do whatever else you can by yourself. All of the parts are available on Ebay.

[richardnovak77]

xxxx

[ECA]

I know the price sucks, but unless you have away to get past the fans, the metal bakc plane to ground the board, and the cooling issues. Hold it, let me do this the easy way.

Issues:
Metal back plane to ground mobo.
Power supply. Regular PS, with extentions?
Form factor: Standard board with everything built-in?
Cooling. fans and heat pumps?

only 1 suggestion... Find a Thin form factor Server rack mount case..... Then see about mounting the LCD on the outer side.

[richardnovak77]

xxxx

[ECA]

Generally they have the fan and PS already in them.
And if you can find one with a AUX connection for power out for the monitor, even better(they all used to be that way).

[ECA]

Then paint it any way you wish...lots of room to decorate.