Is this worth modifying?

This can possibly be considered a stupid question as I'm assuming the answer will depend on personal budgets and opinions BUT

I'm getting a Dell Vostro 1500 soon (next week). The specs include a core 2 duo 1.66ghz processor, 2gb ram, nvidia geforce 8600m gt graphics; in other words it's pretty decent for everyday use and some gaming.

Now, in your opinion, how long would a laptop like this last if attempted to be kept in reasonable condition throughout the years? I won't go all out and worship the thing, never take it outside, etc., but I definitely won't be tossing it around or abusing the heck out of it. In addition, how long until it becomes completely outdated for the newer programs and games to the point of it being cheaper to buy a new one rather than upgrade?

And do you think it's worth modifying something like this? It isn't exactly a top of the line laptop and if it's only bound to be any good to me performance wise for a couple of years, I won't bother doing it. What do you think?

Thanks in advance.

 

Exactly what do you mean by "modifying"? Are you talking custom paint job? Vinyl sticker?

 

Cosmetic mods?

Nothing to do with being top of the line or really even the computer. It is more about you. You could have a ancient fujitsu 450Mhz machine used for web browsing. If you want to spice it up then go for it, drop $700 for a paint job if thats your fancy. There are tons of people who has a beast of a mahine and they wouldn't think of spending $20 bucks for a skin, never mind several hundred for paint.

Look thru the showcase and see that there are mercedes and yugos side by side modified. If you gives you pleasure, then go for it

 

Thanks for your replies. Now another question: is it possible to laser etch a magnesium alloy lid? Also, what do you think a laser etching would look like on a black colored lid? Would it even show up?

 

You're perty

 

I never had anything lazer etched, but i would imagine u wouldn't see a laser etch in black all that much, unless you looked at it from more of a angle or up close. Now if you could etch it with a color, then you would see it. But for what i could imagine a black surface with a etch in it wouldn't show much

 

Hey, I'm also getting a Vostro...and I was thinking about the same thing. The only laptops that I've seen etched are macbooks...it looks nice, but it seems like the laser etched pars are a bit darker...I think that might be a problem on our Vostro, since our cover is black.

Also, I'm also a bit afraid that I'll damage the screen. Is the lid thin? I didn't get my Vostro yet...I'm still waiting.

Maybe paints? I know that the regular acrylic and enamel paints can be scratched off the laptop.

 

I understand the desire to have a nice looking laptop, but its the INSIDE that counts. The Vostro is rather plain looking, but another thing to consider is the fact that modifying the case could, in fact, void your warranty with Dell. They're really picky about that sort of thing. I'd call and ask first, and if you're talking to anyone who knows their stuff, they might also be able to point you in the right direction pain/enamel wise.

If all else fails, just tape a picture of yourself to the cover of the notebook. That'll make it sexy.

 

You didn't say where you are...
In the US they can not legally void your warranty for paint. As always I will add my disclaimer that you may have an uphill battle convincing them that they do in fact have to cover a warranty claim even if its painted. See link in sig for a place to start researching warranty laws.

Do a search or maybe read the sticky at the top of the Cosmetics Forum index. Tons of info here on paint.....

I hope one of you trys the etching and posts back up with your results.

 

Laser etching black magnesium produces a very soft effect - it's visible in the right light but it doesn't pop out at you like black etching on white or chrome. Here's a linky to a chap who etched a Lenovo T43p:

http://www.lenovoblogs.com/designmatters/?p=111

I keep thinking that there must be a way to make the etched part stand out more - using white crayons on old D&D dice is what I'm thinking of (Edit: My God I'm a dork). Some way to fill in the low areas with a high contrast color. Maybe an etch, mask, and paint?

 

Out of hand. hahahaha.

I hear some skins look really good, and aren't too expensive or hard to use.

 

lol.....nice comment on a notebook forum!!!!

 

Thanks, haven't seen that one before.
Added to the sticky and showcase

 

Thanks, everyone.

I didn't think about the warranty. I just called up Dell and was told that as long as it's simply a cosmetic modification, it will not void the warranty. The guy sounded a bit unsure though, so I'll call in again tomorrow and ask someone else as well just in case.

It's got to be possible to make the etching itself a different color somehow :S...I hope.

tehkryptonite, the lid isn't too thin to etch, at least that's what it looks like to me. I'd still always make sure before doing it, though.

 

For Etchings check out http://www.hyperkore.com/etchings.html

Oh and we charge no where near $700 for a full paint job.

Plus if its a Magnesium we can apply any digital image directly into the metal of the lid you want. Full Color, won't chip, won't peel, no skins, no vinyl lines, and is good at 300 dpi. www.laptopdesignusa.com

Example of a case we did...
http://bayimg.com/paFCiaAbf

Review of process.
http://www.modders-inc.com/reviews-story--125.html

 

LOL, I know, Just making a point that a good looking computer means a lot to some of us .... That was the most I could imagine spending, Tho I guess some could spend more

And thanks for the etching link ... added to the resources

 

Do we need to remove the badge?

 

We always do for paint jobs...

For our other process we usually mask it since we have to adhere to metal. The graphics do not like to adhere to bondo and other fillers.