Project: MDock15x - General Feedback Please

Heya,

Lately I have been using my M15x for replacing my desktop totally, which includes a lot of cables connected to the M15x which makes it look kinda ugly. Since I am also in the process of cleaning up my room/desk I started to think on what could be done to make things better.

When I was looking at the M15x, I thought it would be really cool to do something with that amount of cables which sticks out of the M15x. Since Dell doesnt provide a docking station for this awesome laptop, I decided to make my own.

Some people might know that I like to do DIY stuff (e.g. xbox receiver --> pc express card *mod*). Any good project requires a plan. So I went of and thought on how it could look, and designed a chassis, which I think might work.

Here is what I came up with (Please keep in mind that I am neither a professional modeller, nor did I spent too much time on this):

Picture 1). This is how the docking station is supposed to look (minus the cables in the back):



Picture 2). This is how the docking station is supposed to look without the laptop



Here you can see the main connections which I plan on for the docking station. The will be a power/vga/DP/USB plug on the left. One the right there will be 3 pugs for the sound card.

Picture 3). The mechanism for inserting the laptop


Picture 4). Same as 3 but from below



This will not really be a high end docking station as there is no additional ports gained. You can also see that I decided to that it would be beneficial to add 2 fans in the correct places. I plan on using 2 120mm low profile (12mm) fans there so that they fit nicely. I am also thinking on acquiring an adruino to build my very own AlienFX system on the docking station (not shown on the pictures). Finally I hope to acquire a service panel which I can cut so that the 2 120mm fans can do some more cooling.

As a side note, I do not plan to put much into the 2 boxes on left or right. They will simple be cabled routed to the back of the box, where there I will use a cable sleeve to bind them together and and led the cabled under the table, where the power supply and usb hub live right now.

Of course I plan to paint the metal black

Since I am really inexperienced with bending/dealing with metal, can somebody give me some hints/strating points on how to bend metal properly so that it doesnt look bad? Also, what kind of metal sheet would you propose?

Finally, I would love to hear from you guys bout any comments or improvements ideas you would have?

 

So nice idea ! Keep going !

Hope you can find some guys to realize this product ! Really a good projet !

 

Wattos

I see you have this configuration : i7 920XM|ATI 5870|8Gb DDR3. Can you give bench please (Windows 7 Indic and 3DMark05) by PM or mail ([email protected]). It's exactly this configuration I want to by !

Thanks a lot and sorry for this post.

 

Look here dude.

@OP
Awesome idea Wattos! If you build me one I will buy it for sure! Sounds like a fantastic idea. +rep

 

Looks awesome, how are you going to build it? CNC machine?

 

Awesome Idea!!!

Its a nice design as well...

But instead of the thingee at the bottom... You can use a sliding base plate. This will make it easier... Like get the power side slotted and then slide the base from the right into the left one.

I've been using a calculator a lot .. lol!!! just got the idea from there

 

Quite an interesting design. Good job!

 

Here is a small update. I plan on doing the following. For the outer case I purchsed 1mm aluminium (might be a bit too thin, I am regretting not getting 2mm, but 1mm was cheap and the right size). This aluminium will be bent at home, with that thickness it shouldnt be a problem (crosses fingers). So the bottom, left/right and top will be 1 sheet of aluminum bent into the correct form.

The bottom (between the aluminum) will have a 12mm plastik sheet inserted (and cut to the form of the aluminum). This should give it enough sturdyness (I hope) to hold the notebook. Then there will be additional square front and back panels.

I also ordered the Scythe slim fan ( Slip Stream 120 mm Slim: Scythe EU GmbH) which has only 12mm height. This will be placed as on the pictures.

Question to you guys, can you recommend me a good plastic which will not be very expensive but look similr to the one on the M15x? It would have to be available in 12mm sheets.

 

Moved to main AW forum as you requested - for more input/feedback on project.

-BB

 

try looking up dibond, i use this material alot at my workshop. its plastic sandwiched between 2 pieces of aluminum. it comes in many colors, the black will probably match very well with the exterior finish of the M15x.

 

Thanks, appreciated!

Hey, I was actually planing on doing the sandwich myself, as it seems that it would be a pain to bend. I need the plastic for the sandwich, and for the fronts/backs (these blocks I would also cut from the sheet) if that makes sense.

 

well here at my shop, we use a router to cut the sheets, i think we use a 45 degree angle router bit and cut just deep enough through the dibond leaving only the last layer of alum. then we make the bends, otherwise pretty much impossible for smooth bends.

 

Very cool idea. I'd recommend using Noctua fans, very quick that push out a lot of CFM.

 

Yes, I love Noctua fans. Not to mention that they are very quiet. However, for this project, I need low profile fans, so thats why I'm going with the Scythe slim fan which has a height of 12mm!