Posted 08/19/08 at 05:42:35 PM by Paul Lilly

The most popular method of purchasing a notebook remains buying a prebuilt machine and calling it a day. That slaps in the face of enthusiasts who know they could do just as good of a job putting together a laptop, but there just aren't as many options to go the DIY route as there are in the desktop arena. The good news is, that list is growing.

Asus and OCZ both already offer whitebook solutions, and today Antec announced that is launching a new line of standard components for the mobile computing market. Referred to as common building blocks (CBB) and developed according to a common set of specifications initiated by Intel, the interchangeable components takes away much of the guesswork from would-be system builders hoping to go the DIY route.

"Our new line of mobile product components offers system builders for the first time the ability to configure and build laptop computers specifically for their important accounts, and to fully support them in the field," said Scott Richards, Antec senior VP. "We are proud to be the pioneer global provider of these products to the channel, helping system builders penetrate mobile computing markets that were previously closed to them."

Do you find the notion of building your own notebook appealing?

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5

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mobile, notebook, laptop, antec, DIY, do-it-yourself, parts, whitebook

Posted 07/22/08 at 02:05:06 PM by Paul Lilly

We still have a ways to go before being able to print out an entire PC's worth of components ordered through Newegg, but imagine taking that killer motherboard layout you've been brewing in your head and printing out a 3D mockup. Then the only question is do you send your design to your favorite motherboard maker, or start up your own company and show the competition what a real enthusiast's layout is supposed to look like? Forget about Fatal1ty, and slap your own forum nick on your custom mobo!

Sound farfetched? It is, but only because of the high costs associated with 3D printing. Looking to break that barrier is Netherlands-based Shapeways, an ambitious startup who hopes to help you transform your 3D modeling designs from software creations into hard printouts, all without breaking the bank. After submitting your object, Shapeways decides whether or not it can be produced and provides a real-time cost estimate, which the company claims usually runs between $50-$150.

It's all part of Shapeways' private beta for a new online consumer co-creation community and do-it-yourself 3D printing service. The site beta has just gone live, but the only way you'll get to try it out is with an invite. That's no problem for Maximum PC readers, as we've secured 250 exclusive invitations!

Hit the jump to learn more about Shapeways' 3D printing service and to snatch your invite. But hurry, they're first come, first served!

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windows, Software, online, 3D, DIY, hardware, beta, do-it-yourself, printing, shapeways

Posted 07/18/08 at 04:38:04 PM by Paul Lilly

Forget about ultraportables and low powered laptops, and you can toss that MacBook Air into through the Wind. OCZ apparently wants nothing to do with current fads, and instead looks to appeal to the power user with a penchant for customization. And not just cursory customizations, but a full hands-on, do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. That's the idea behind OCZ's DIY whitebook solutions, and with the release of Intel's Centrino 2 (Montevina) platform, the company has announced a new model taking aim at "the high end gamer."

DIY notebooks can still be considered an emerging market, and OCZ will have to fight against other OEMs offering high-end notebooks already assembled. But as Maximum PC readers are fully aware, building your own rig carries with it a certain intangible, and combined with a bevy of performance-minded options, OCZ hopes its gamble will pay off.

Builders going all out can choose Intel's Core 2 Extreme X9100 processor on a GM47 foundation, slap in up to 4GB of DDR3-1066, and even run two ATI M88XT videocards in Crossfire mode, or a single Nvidia 8800GTX. For those looking to live a little farther away from the performance edge (and save a few greenbacks in the process), OCZ's whitebook can be configured with integrated graphics and a processor with less punch, all the while remaining on Intel's Montevina platform.

If OCZ proves to be right in seeing a growing market for DIY notebooks, enthusiasts might soon find themselves asking that long debated question: Build or buy?

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notebook, laptop, ocz, DIY, power user, OEM, build a pc, rigs, montevina, gm47

Posted 05/14/08 at 05:08:08 PM by Paul Lilly

OCZ to offer barebones gaming laptop, ClubIT shuts its doors, news of XPS's death greatly exaggerated, and much more!

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notebook, dell, news, console, ocz, DIY, laptops, XPS, Systems, clubit

Posted 04/25/08 at 04:56:10 PM by One4yu2c

CompUSA rises from the dead, Microsoft notes increase in piracy, find out why Iron Man's suit isn't ready for prime time (No way?! Way!), and more!

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11

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microsoft, piracy, mods, DIY, mod_shop, Sci-fi, nintendo wii, Software iron man, compusa, genetics, genetic discrimination

Posted 03/17/08 at 12:49:52 PM by Will Smith

Gather round for a quick lesson in full pranking glory--perfect for use against co-workers, friends, enemies, and everyone else short of Homeland Security. Click the link for a full how-to for this gag!

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8

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Skype, DIY, how_to, prank, april fools

Posted 01/30/08 at 04:33:11 PM by Michael Brown

You can take one of two approaches with the gear in your home-theater system: Put everything on display, or you hide your components in a cabinet or closet. If you prefer discretion over exhibitionism, Niles Audio’s Remote Control Anywhere kit lets you to control all your infrared-controlled components no matter where you’ve stashed them.

Click Read More for more. 

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0

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remote control, Home Theater, DIY, consumer electronics, custom installer, reviews

Posted 09/21/07 at 07:24:25 PM by Chris "MantaBase" Adcock

Be a modder! Etch your own acrylic window for that one of a kind look and the pride that goes with it!

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4

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mod, bling, DIY, how_to