Is it possible to replace the shell?

I know in the future my laptop is going to get scratched, banged, and bruised. Any way to replace the outer shell?

 

you may consider of putting a skin check this out http://dell.skinit.com/

 

Thinking of replacing the shell? You may as well put the whole computer in a cardboard box.

You'll probably damage something if you replace the shell. You need to take everything out, and fix it back together again. I don't think it's worth it.

 

It is possible, but the problem is finding one. Even if you somehow manage to get your hands on one (like a broken notebook sold for parts etc.) replacing the whole chassis is difficult, and it will void warranty. not to mention the cost.
The other alternative is to do a custom paint job.

 

Try these guys :-
http://www.parts-people.com/

Not too difficult or expensive, I've done it a bunch of times on different notebooks.

 

You can find each of the different peices of the chassis on ebay. Each peice runs between $10-$30 on its own. Add it up and it wouldn't be a cheap.

Your unit probably will start to show its age just like my 1 year old doe. But, honestly I don't think it would be woth the time or effort unless one of the peices cracks and in that case you could just use your warrenty, which may otherwise be voided by you replacing chassis peices yourself.

 

If you are already out of warranty, go for it. Parts people is a good place, but Im sure there are others as well. The neat thing is, if you own a E1705 at least, you can make it look like a precision M90 or a XPS 1710 by getting the new palmrest, hinge cover, and LCD cover.

 

You should be 100% confident when replacing the outer shell. Otherwise you might forget to install a part and have to start all over. It will be very time consuming.

 

The easist way is just to skin it

 

Try the carbon fiber cover... sweet