I wish to build my very own puppy laptop, err mini laptop. i have already decided to go nanoatx, i can deal with the limitations. i wish to have my laptops dimensions when closed measure no more than 7.5"x7.5"x4". I am currently consumed by this idea, though i have no money, i fell asleep driving home from cleveland to columbus ohio and drove into a guard rail, totaled my car. well enough about me, how about introducing you to porta-puppy.
-VIA EPIA N Mainboard
-laptop battery and PS (?)
-custom case unless commercial solution is available
-LCD screen is undecided, must have 800x600 resolution and work with onboard video, also i need to engineer a way to run the lcd screen off the laptop battery, which of course i still havent been able to find.
-1/2-3/4 size kb
-mouse, dont need one, though a wireless one wouldnt be difficult to pull off with a usb hub and some extra baggage.
ok so i've only decided on one component, but bear with me, and please offer suggestions, and (constructive) criticism(sp?).
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Need help with Epia porta-puppy project details
Need help with Epia porta-puppy project details
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Guest
I have an Epia M mini-ITX, it is quite happy with Puppy. 
The N board is exciting, but also seriously expensive. ALso, it give up performance to be that 5"x5" size. However, you can plan a machine at no cost...
Your crash should give you an idea- find a totaled laptop or two to get parts like the LCD screen, lo-profile HD & DVDR, keyboard, power brick, etc. You can check eBay or with your insurance folks to find cheap units.
On the PS, there is a direct DC/DC card that clips to the mobo; the oversize & loud PS is the biggest aggravation about using these tiny boards. Thse are found on eBay and at sellers like http://www.mini-itx.com/store/default.asp?c=2
another link: http://epialinux.org/
but... you really need to define what you want the machine to do. Otherwise you'll just end up with a clumsy case mod. For example, say you want to play/edit DVDs. Why not get an older,larger DVD player and build the N board into that existing case? Or into an old LP turntable or roundtop radio? Remember no matter how small the mobo, it connects to bigger stuff like printers, and ultimately- you. Think it through!
The N board is exciting, but also seriously expensive. ALso, it give up performance to be that 5"x5" size. However, you can plan a machine at no cost...
Your crash should give you an idea- find a totaled laptop or two to get parts like the LCD screen, lo-profile HD & DVDR, keyboard, power brick, etc. You can check eBay or with your insurance folks to find cheap units.
On the PS, there is a direct DC/DC card that clips to the mobo; the oversize & loud PS is the biggest aggravation about using these tiny boards. Thse are found on eBay and at sellers like http://www.mini-itx.com/store/default.asp?c=2
another link: http://epialinux.org/
but... you really need to define what you want the machine to do. Otherwise you'll just end up with a clumsy case mod. For example, say you want to play/edit DVDs. Why not get an older,larger DVD player and build the N board into that existing case? Or into an old LP turntable or roundtop radio? Remember no matter how small the mobo, it connects to bigger stuff like printers, and ultimately- you. Think it through!