New to laptops... mostly

I have been considering builind my own Laptop for a while now, but I really don't know where to start! Is it very difficult to do with no experience at it? And is it expensive? Thansk in adnavce.

 

Zonko,

Building a laptop may be more trouble - not to mention expense - than is really pratical. You are not the first. Unlike desktop computers, the parts inside most notebooks are non-standard and are uniquely designed by the manufacturer for a specific laptop series/version. The exceptions are the upgradeable components like hard drive and memory. Even if you could get your hands on some form of 'generic' components like motherboard, video card, etc., the space inside a notebook is premium. Just open one up sometime. Most are made in Asia, and like a fine Japanese car - are almost a work of art inside! A place for everything, and everything meticulously in its place.

While it's a noble endeavor, it's simply more practical to buy a readi-made notebook computer. If you want to customize options then look to the Dell line of laptops. If you're looking to save money, I have nothing but good things to say about the new Averatec line. I recently bought the 6130HS model and am very happy with it.

Good luck,
redjr...

 

Thank you alot for your reply, I was also worried about fans. I jsut assumed that it was possable/easy because on AMD's site, it was showing mobile CPU's.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Zonko

 

Yeah, unfortunately Zonko, you can't just walk into Fry's or CompUSA and buy an empty laptop case, a screen, and all the mobile parts you need. Not to mention that it's very tricky (and needing special tools sometimes) to hook in some of the parts, like where the flat ribbon cable from the screen connects into the board. Pretty much, for a medium to high-end notebook, you're probably looking at a few hundred bucks, or more, to build one yourself, than to buy a comparable one from a brand name company. Plus, you'll get at least a year of support, which will cover the build quality, whereas you'd only have individual warranties on parts if you did it your self. I'd pop on over to the What Should I buy FAQ, read that, and then put up a post about what you're going to use a laptop for, mobility needs (if any), and budget, and then read all the replies. I'm sure you'll find ideas on gettin' hooked up with a good system.


Cheers,

Stevo

zv5000z: Ath64_3200+ (2.0GHz) - 1GB DDR - 80GB 5400rpm - 64MB GeForce4 440 - 15.0" XGA (1024x768)

 

While both of theese 2 are mostly correct at the fact that you cant build a laptop from the ground up, you can buy a barebones laptop made by ASUS from some stores on line. I myself bought a bare bones ASUS L5GA from computer giants. It came with everything in it except the cpu(P4 Desktop proc), memory(ddr 400), HD (toshiba 5400 RPM 60gig)and a intel PRO/wireless 2200bg internal wireless card. I use to build desktop computers and putting thoose 4 componets in my laptop made me feel like I bult my laptop from the ground up. Also I actually got more for my money then buying a preconfigured one from the big guys. The L5GA came with a installation poster and it shows you step by step how to install proc,mem,hd. it is not very hard at all. if you want to see how it looks here is a web site that reviewed one http://www.devhardware.com/c/a/Complete-Systems/ASUS-L5GA-Notebook-Review/ . All in all I am very happy I decided to go with a barbones laptop from asus. ASUS is all about to release a newer laptop that uses the AMD 64 platform. Oh and one more thing this laptop is considered a DTR laptop which means the battery performance will be dismal compaired to centrino based laptops. But when plugged in to the wall will give you destop level performance.

 

You know, this really is a good topic of discussion. I know there are dozens of sites that allow you to "build your own notebook" from a barebone ASUS or Sager system, but if someone could develop a system for around $499.99 that had the case, screen, motherboard and slots for mini video cards, mobile cpus, hard drive, cd/dvd drives, they would score big time.
This would be an area that companies like MSI, Gigabyte, Soltek, and ECS could actually compete with the likes of ASUS and Sager.
So why don't they?

-Cloud9Respect
Acer Travelmate 4501WLMi

 

After reading these posts, I have noticed a consistant theme everytime someone mentions "building your own nookbook computer:"

1. It's difficult and the right tools are needed.
2. Can't find the right parts, or they are unavailable.
3. Buy a good brand name.

It's easier than you might think.

Let me clarify something in responses to the above key-points.

Here's the Truth:

1. The reason big companies, for example, want you to think it's difficult is because they will loose your business. Plain and simple. Especially when mentioning the right tools are necessary in order to do it. Sometimes this is true, other times it is not.

2.The reason that Notebook computer cases are not being sold that offen in stores is because it would compete with their pre-built systems the big guys have in stock. For example, why buy a $2,000.00 pre-built system from them, when you can built it yourself for less than $1,000.00?

3.Reputable companies consider their brand name an asset. This is true in any Corporation. Why are certain laptops so expensive in the first place? Well, because the company has spent years building a solid reputation, and that's what they can get away with.

Why are smaller computer companies cheaper? Because the pricing is more realistic. It's this point where you have to ask yourself, "What's in a brand?" The answer is simple. The same thing that is sitting on their shelves that you could put together yourself. Smaller companies call these Whitebox or custom built computers. They use exactly the same components that the big guys use.

Things to remember for the future:

Buy a name brand computer from a reputable company and get:

A. Lots of red tape, hassle, and get flat out lied to (like I did) because the sales person wants to makes a commission for the sale.

B. They will not tell you EVERYTHING that you need to know up front.

C. Some companies build their systems so they are not upgradable, or you have to pay over inflated prices for certain upgrades and support.

D. Confusion. They love to confuse people, and then try to sell them an extended warrenty. In some cases, they make their products sound like they suck so bad that you have to have the extended warrenty program.

One Final Question:

Given the above examples, why else would so many computer enthusiasts and professionals choose NOT to buy a brand name computer? I think the answer speaks for itself if you've read this post.....

Thanks for looking!