LaptopLounging.com

Make Your Own Laptop

Torquil Harkness managed to create his very own hombrew laptop PC. He custom milled the casing and based the design on Mini-ITX components. Plus, the laptop is able to be upgraded should any component break or become outdated. If he packaged this in a kit form, I’d be dieing to try it. However at the current moment I believe that I am lacking the machine shop necessary for such an operation. Very impressive though Torquil. Be sure to check out the extensive ‘howto’.

link (via BoingBoing)

Dell ATG Reviewed

The ATG (All Terrain Grade) D620 is the first rendition of a rugged laptop computer from Dell. While I haven’t heard of a “rugged” laptop that actually provides up-to-date specs, this $3,000+ incarnation comes mighty close. Not only does the system sport a 2GHz Core 2 Duo processor, but it also features a built-in EV-DO modem and is 802.11n ready – yes that’s an “n”! Also, since this is a “rugged” computer, it includes shock-mounted hard drives, spill-resistant keyboard and a tough LCD screen that can withstand 30% more force than a traditional LCD. Plus, it just looks tough. I mean, do you think anyone wants a roundhouse kick to the face from this bad boy? I didn’t think so.

via – Gizmodo

Four Power User Add-Ons

On the heels of some great CES laptop releases, Gizmodo points us to some top notch laptop accessories that will update your system without having to shell out thousands of your hard earned dollars.

Asus XG Station
Think of the XG Station as roids for your notebook’s video card. Plug it in and watch as those framerates jump through the roof. Future models will let you install/upgrade the video card inside the XG Station.

via Gizmodo

OLPC Preview

from TechEBlog, “Engadget gives us a hands-on preview of the OLPC, direct from CES 2007. Just to recap, the OLPC boasts a 500mhz Processor, Linux OS, 1GB Memory, and a Two-Mode Display (Color and B&W). It’s powered by AC or handcrank — users get approximatley 10 minutes of use with 1 minute of cranking.”

via

RumorMill: Apple Tablet Debunked

Well, today’s keynote came and went with no mention of a new Apple latop coming anytime soon. However, Steve Jobs did drop quite a bombshell. The latest Apple product looks to make good on some long time rumors that have been circulating for over a year now – a touchscreen iPod and Apple cell phone. For the latest in these new gadgets check out our sister site’s continuing coverage: Apple iPhone (MP3Buzz.net)

RumorMill: Apple Tablet Tomorrow?

According to some sources Apple is planning to release their first tablet Mac. The ModBook is supposedly going to be “the first and only Mac tablet computer solution”. So far, I’m pretty slim on features but the rumors do include the mention of a built-in Global Positioning System.  With the release of a new tablet computer, Apple would continue their attempt to spread Apple products beyond just the family office. I guess we’ll have to just wait and see what happens tomorrow.

link – laptopblog.org

Asus W5Fe SideShow Laptop

With the upcoming release of Windows Vista, many laptop makers are getting ready to take full advantage of the operating system’s new features. One of the most flashy of these features is the new SideShow, which allows Vista compatible laptops the ooption of having a second auxillary screen on the outside of the laptop. The video featured below is from Engadget’s hands-on time with the new Asus W5Fe, one of the first such products to take full advantage of the new ability. Personally, I think this looks super sweet. I can’t wait till the next generation of mobile computing emerges with two or more screens. My general rule of thumb is, the more screens you can possibly fit on anything, the better.

link – engadget (via)