Modifying my old laptop's case? - Hardware Hacking General

Alright, So I've got an old Compaq Presario v5000. The hinges are broken on it. I've been debating whether to get a new laptop for X-mas or build a good PC for the same price. I've come to the conclusion of disassembling the laptop, and creating a case from a good material, possible a sheet of aluminum. I know a welder, and I can get him to weld the case together wit an opening and a mount to put the motherboard and screen in. After doing this, I could have something like a portable All-In-One PC. Does anyone have some feedback, advice, or resources for me? Also, I'd be taking the Touchpad and Keyboard away from the motherboard and putting in a USB hub or buying the wireless Logitech Keyboard/Mouse to control it.

It's not worth it. I would honestly just pick between the new desktop or the new laptop because what you're going to be building will most likely end up being immobile anyways. So you could get a new laptop and then go ahead with this idea and instead put it in a casing like a desktop computer for home. That's what I would do.

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Active Mount Wishlist for Fuze / Touch Pro

I have an AT&T HTC FUZE, and this is the car mount I wish existed. If it does exist, can someone tell me where I can get it? If it doesn't exist, can anyone with the right connections recommend it? (*cough* Brodit?)
I would love an active car mount that mounts into the cigarette lighter. I've seen one universal cigarette lighter mount, but it doesn't actually function as a charger. I would also love it to have a 3.5 MM jack, so I can plug it into the AUX of my truck and listen to music as well.
Anyone think this will get made? Seems like a very logical design, so you don't have to mount it to a windshield, and it can be easily transferred to other vehicles.
Here is a link to the passive version as an example. Obviously it doesn't have a 3.5 MM jack either.
http://store.everythinghtc.com/igrip-universal-fit-cigarette-lighter-mount/3A78A1740.htm
On a side note, what's with there being no desktop cradles that give you a 3.5 MM jack? If you put the phone on a cradle, it's impossible to hook it up to speakers without it.
Is there anyone else that would want a mount like this? If no one replies, I guess there is no market for it.
Desktop charger here: http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-Desktop-Bat...14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:1|65:12|39:2|240:1318
kennyb123 said:
Is there anyone else that would want a mount like this? If no one replies, I guess there is no market for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont see a huge market for it since many people like there phones at vent level (think nav), not near their knees.
I would like such a car cradle. It eliminates the unsightly wire to a distant lighter port. If the neck were long enough, it could extend to vent level. Somebody please make one for the Fuze!
Have you checked http://www.proclipusa.com/? They have several options for the Fuze. You then pair it with the vehicle mount designed for you vehicle. I have a Ford E-150 full size van and the vehicle mount for my vehicle puts my device at the perfect location. The vehicle mount snaps in place. They do not have a custom vehicle mounts for every vehicle, but if they do, it is normally in a good location.
Proclip USA carries them. They have several options available. Check the link in the post above.
You mean like this: http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/tuneflexaux
Since looking for one like this for my wife's iPhone (which they didn't have at the time but now there's a few) a while back I wanted to get it for my iPod but now I'm badly wanting one for the Fuze. I've searched high and low since getting my Fuze but I just don't think it's out there or is going to come out. I think I might settle for the console mount Proclip since it mounts right in the area I like, near the power socket.
SH06UN said:
You mean like this: http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/tuneflexaux
Since looking for one like this for my wife's iPhone (which they didn't have at the time but now there's a few) a while back I wanted to get it for my iPod but now I'm badly wanting one for the Fuze. I've searched high and low since getting my Fuze but I just don't think it's out there or is going to come out. I think I might settle for the console mount Proclip since it mounts right in the area I like, near the power socket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EXACTLY LIKE THAT!!! Well, it's good to know the idea has been designed and sold for the Iphone, but unfortunately, they get all the accessories in the world to choose from, and the Fuze gets very few. Here's to hoping someone snatches up this idea for the Fuze.
FUZE Active Mount w/3.5mm out AND Open/Close Keyboard
I would like to add the capability to flip the phone horizontally and open the keybaord while not having to take the phone out of the mount. Does anyone think there could be such a thing? Can there be if not?
Chris

[Q] Attaching a flash drive to Kin Onem

I am wondering if it would be possible to attach a flash drive to a kin onem using a microUSB to standard female USB adapter. I was thinking of buying one but thought i would ask here before blowing the 3 bucks because i doubt it will work. Would the software somehow support the mass storage device?
DOubtful
I highly doubt this will actually work. The most practical way would just to be to take the files off the phone via computer and and transfer from there. But you can go ahead and try this if you want; it's only three dollars anyway. It could come in handy in some other place, too.

[Xoom 2] Hardware hack - adding microSD via USB hard-wiring?

I'm just contemplating whether it would be possible to hard-wire a MicroSD card reader into the Xoom 2.
I've seen threads about trying to add the oem reader onto the motherboard, but what I'm thinking is (firstly testing) that a 2-way usb splitter will allow a usb microSD reader and a sync cable to work at the same time.
If they work fine, then surely splitting open the housings of the splitter and card reader, and soldering all connections instead of chunky usb plugs, then breaking the connection from the MoBo to the current usb out and instead connecting it to one of the splitter's outputs?
Perhaps behind the void microSD port cover would be just enough space to fit the circuitry?
Anyone's thoughts?! I know it's far easier to brainstorm something like this than it is to actually do such a fiddly job, but would it be possible? I saw on the Advent Vega forums (A crappy tablet I also have) the same thing has been done to hardwire a USB modem. Apparently the case of that device has just enough space to squeeze it all in.
Perhaps this has already been done?
This isn't going to end well lol
Good luck though and don't forget to YouTube your efforts for bragging rights and our praises!
Sent from my Motorola Atrix 2 with AT&T 4G

Android MHL Extension Dock (Android as PC)

Hello everyone!
I just started working on a small project and would like to hear what you people think about it.
The idea of the project is simple. Create a dock for your smartphone, which basically extends its usability to a full fledged laptop or PC.
All the new phones mostly have MHL (11pin) connectors which means connecting it to an HDMI screen is not a problem. Also, a use of a wireless mouse and keyboard is quite simple and very functional.
So what I am thinking of creating is sort of a laptop with a 13.3 inch screen, a keyboard (maybe even removable to use separately) and a battery to power the LCD.
I have already been in contact with producers of LCDs and control boards, and believe I should start creating the prototype soon.
So what are your thoughts about it?
Do you have any ideas?
Thank you and have a good day!
*to mod: if this is in the wrong section I apologize and kindly ask you to move it to the appropriate section of the forum or message mo to put it somewhere else. Thank you1
greaneagle
Man this is great
I have been thinking about it for some time ... to make my phone a laptop whenever i need to have me a laptop
My solution was to find a virtual machine that runs inside my phone for any type of os ... the problem is the memory !!! Also the app i didnt find it yet
Well bro good luck
If i were you i would take advantage of screen casting instead of lcd monitor so in case the user wanna use the device screen or the tv !!! You can also sell a mini hdmi thing ( the hdmi stick that lets you cast your screen into tv )
Also there is a keyboard and mouse as one piece and their small and great could take them with you everywhere in ... i saw it amazon for 35$ or less something like that with Bluetooth connection. ... im sure you can find a way to do some mod for those keyboards and make them yours ... good luck and keep us posted
A great idea!
WHATSAMATTA U ALUMNI
lapdock is the answer
hi dudes
lapdock is the answer but the ld has only 11,6' screen. very suitable and light weight. a lot of mods on youtube.
http://www2.robpol86.com/lapdock/Atrix-Lapdock-Other-Uses/
cheers

Looking for ideas to make Z3 Compact with a broken touch screen usefull again

Hi,
I have a Z3 Compact with a broken screen. It displays everything all right, but the touch is pretty much dead. Shame, I loved that phone.
Thus I am looking for interesting ways to make it useful again. It runs Android 6.0.1 right now.
I have an OTG connector, so I am still able to use the device with an USB mouse - BT controller is an option as well. My most basic options are:
- emulation-handheld for old consoles like PSX and SNES
- PC Camera (with apps like DroidCam, IP Webcam)
But before that my most basic question would be:
Will I be able to use the mouse after reseting the device to factory settings? Seems like the easiest way to clear all the data.
Also, I know there are unofficial Android ROMs available - is it possible to install and use them without the touchscreen, only with USB mouse?
And now to some wishful thinking...
Are there any Linux roms for Z3C akin to Raspbian for Raspberry Pie? Z3C most likely has enough power to act as a simple desktop PC for internet and youtube, it also has peripherals (was it called MHL?) to connect it to a monitor via HDMI that should be dirt cheap by now (the question is, is it still possible to connect K&M at the same time? Is USB-hub enough?), so... maybe?
Any other ideas are welcome!
*useful, my bad
A handy accessory
torrentius said:
Hi,
I have a Z3 Compact with a broken screen. It displays everything all right, but the touch is pretty much dead. Shame, I loved that phone.
Thus I am looking for interesting ways to make it useful again. It runs Android 6.0.1 right now.
I have an OTG connector, so I am still able to use the device with an USB mouse - BT controller is an option as well. My most basic options are:
- emulation-handheld for old consoles like PSX and SNES
- PC Camera (with apps like DroidCam, IP Webcam)
But before that my most basic question would be:
Will I be able to use the mouse after reseting the device to factory settings? Seems like the easiest way to clear all the data.
Also, I know there are unofficial Android ROMs available - is it possible to install and use them without the touchscreen, only with USB mouse?
And now to some wishful thinking...
Are there any Linux roms for Z3C akin to Raspbian for Raspberry Pie? Z3C most likely has enough power to act as a simple desktop PC for internet and youtube, it also has peripherals (was it called MHL?) to connect it to a monitor via HDMI that should be dirt cheap by now (the question is, is it still possible to connect K&M at the same time? Is USB-hub enough?), so... maybe?
Any other ideas are welcome!
*useful, my bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you have one of the magnetic charging cables so you can at least keep the mouse plugged in at all times AND keep the battery charged Keyboard & mouse possible IF you use something like the OLDER Logitech models with the proprietary dongle. The newer "unified" stuff won't work. BT keyboard / mouse too sluggish in my experience. If you are feeling courageous, and especially if you don't need it as a daily driver, a replacement screen is something like 25 dollars USD on eBay - get the one with a frame unless you are experienced in replacing screens - the replacement screen only units are somewhat FRAGILE.
nezlek said:
Make sure you have one of the magnetic charging cables so you can at least keep the mouse plugged in at all times AND keep the battery charged Keyboard & mouse possible IF you use something like the OLDER Logitech models with the proprietary dongle. The newer "unified" stuff won't work. BT keyboard / mouse too sluggish in my experience. If you are feeling courageous, and especially if you don't need it as a daily driver, a replacement screen is something like 25 dollars USD on eBay - get the one with a frame unless you are experienced in replacing screens - the replacement screen only units are somewhat FRAGILE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Nezlek! [I pozdrawiam współ-Warszawiaka! ]
Fortunately I have the magnetic cable, so no worries there. I wasn't planning on replacing the screen, definitely not that courageous. I loved that phone, but I am just not good with tinkering inside of small electronic devices. That is why I was thinking about ways of using it with other input tools like OTG mouse or BT controler. Right now I am thinking about getting a MHL cable for HDMI output and giving it with a BT gamepad to my friends kids with some games loaded. I have no other ideas, sadly.
Do you happen to know if OTG works right away after full-reseting the devicse? This is my main concern now.
Good Question ......
torrentius said:
Thanks, Nezlek! [I pozdrawiam współ-Warszawiaka! ]
Fortunately I have the magnetic cable, so no worries there. I wasn't planning on replacing the screen, definitely not that courageous. I loved that phone, but I am just not good with tinkering inside of small electronic devices. That is why I was thinking about ways of using it with other input tools like OTG mouse or BT controler. Right now I am thinking about getting a MHL cable for HDMI output and giving it with a BT gamepad to my friends kids with some games loaded. I have no other ideas, sadly.
Do you happen to know if OTG works right away after full-reseting the devicse? This is my main concern now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume that OTG would work right after a re-set. Why not? The support is built into the ROM. As for the MHL cable, another good idea, but you could just as easily screen cast, no? But, for 5 U$D, or 18 zł PLN (take your pick) an MHL cable is a "worth it" experiment. And, if you're feeling adventurous
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Sony+Xperia+Z3+Compact+LCD+Screen+Replacement/35488
From personal experience, the only real issues with the Z3C are that the LCD panel is held in place by adhesive, so you have to position those templates rather precisely, OR use glue :crying: OR double-sided tape AND, you have to be CAREFUL re-positioning the speaker. Caution and patience is all you need.
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