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Building a computer or pda

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 5:53 pm
by rl93
I want to build a computer or pda. I was wondering if anyone knew a good website has a list of parts and instructions and where i can find the parts for building one.

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 5:59 pm
by FreakyShotGlass
Building a PDA is practically imposible but building a PC is easy.
Check out http://www.sharkyextreme.com/hardware/g ... _computer/ and http://www.waterwheel.com/Build_A_PC/build_PC.htm those sites should point you in the right direction.

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 6:05 pm
by rl93
cool. thanks :D

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 6:34 pm
by COD_FILLETS
You could also try use/make smaller cases for parts for computers to have a jerry-rigged computer/(very large) PDA. Instead of using a large (and heavy) computer case, use lighter plastics and containers such as a water proof container (like this from Ranger Surplus) to hold a hard drive.

You could also try disassembling an old laptop (like the IBM ones) and make/find/use smaller cases to make it even more compact, maybe wearable.

Otherwise, build a PDA/computer from scratch is nearly impossible for the average person.

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 6:37 pm
by FreakyShotGlass
COD_FILLETS, building computers from scratch is very easy I build all mine because it works out to be around 300-400% cheaper than if you buy a fully assembled PC. PDAs would be very hard to assemble unless you can get parts for them.

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 6:40 pm
by COD_FILLETS
FreakyShotGlass wrote:COD_FILLETS, building computers from scratch is very easy I build all mine because it works out to be around 300-400% cheaper than if you buy a fully assembled PC. PDAs would be very hard to assemble unless you can get parts for them.
Not quite what I ment, when I said building it from scratch, I ment designing every component (or atleast the major ones: CPU, HDD, etc.). Otherwise build a computer from parts is very easy, almost a plug and run kinda thing.

Im also looking for new video card, I have an ATI X300SE, any recommendations for an improvement under $100.

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 6:51 pm
by FreakyShotGlass
Well building every component for a computer from scratch is practically imposible. Video cards for under $100, nVidia GeForce 6600 256MB is good so is the ATI Radeon X550 256MB.

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 6:54 pm
by COD_FILLETS
Well, my X300SE is 512 mb, but I think its DDR (2 maybe). Does the faster ram do better than more of it?

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:11 pm
by FreakyShotGlass
The card probably isn't even using all 512MB because it doesn't really have enough pipelines and other such thing to use it all.

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:26 pm
by rl93
ive been thinking about getting an old laptop or somthing to take apart and make smaller. im not sure what kind i should get. and i have like no money right now

have any of you seen the flipstart computers those are freakin small

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:31 pm
by COD_FILLETS
rl93 wrote:ive been thinking about getting an old laptop or somthing to take apart and make smaller. im not sure what kind i should get. and i have like no money right now

have any of you seen the flipstart computers those are freakin small
1. Ive seen good deals on ebay, but wouldnt rely on it heavily cause the people on it cant be competely trusted. My father got scammed (for about $12) on ebay for a CD a while back.

2. Flipstart computers? What are those?

Ive seen a homemade mac put into a plexiglass cube (but cant find it). It was something like this:

Image

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:39 pm
by rl93
thats sweet lookin

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:41 pm
by COD_FILLETS
Lol, just thought of something, you could use homemade miniaturized computers to make a landwarrior system for paintball/airsoft games :D. Though the powersupply and display would be a problem :?

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:45 pm
by rl93
that would be cool.you just gave me an idea

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:50 pm
by COD_FILLETS
Found something similar:

The "S-CUBE"

"Windows XP Box" (Its what it says, a Windows XP OS box PC)