case modding
 

SO, i have this old apple like this one
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconVall...07/AppleII.JPG
im thinking about trying a case mod on this to turn it into a winblows or linux PC. Im wondering what you guys think about that. I would put in an ATX mobo and some sort of power suply but there would be the need to cut a hole in the side to plug shit into. Also there is the Keyboard issue. I was thinking of trying to find a keyboard with JUST the a-z stuff no keypad or anything.

so, yeah what do you think?

I think it's going to take a long time.

What're you gonna do, use it as a showpiece?

you know, im not really sure but wouldnt it be sweet to have someone power it up to linux lol

What you can do depends on how much of that case comes apart, it seems like. You might actually be able to pop the other keys off the keyboard and stick the whole thing in there, if you have the room (since I can't see inside that case.)

edit: or cut out the rest of that square indention where the current keyboard is sitting, and just present a new (old, so it looks authentic) keyboard through the bigger hole.

oh yeah, you know what when i get home ill pull out the dig. camera and snap some shots for you guys

Using a pc with just the top row numbers, A-Z keys + spacebar?

I'd give you 5 minutes before you realise just how often you use the additional keys.

Honestly, i'd chop it up a bit so a modified compact keyboard (laptop style) could fit in. There's plenty of width there. Do it right and it'd look factory.

A MicroATX board with onboard video, sound, network etc. would make life a lot easier.

I'd be surprised if you couldnt get a MicroATX board, a 3 1/2" hard drive drive, a cd/dvdrom or burner, and a psu into that case. It's certainly big enough....

For comparison, here's something i started working on recently:

http://www.atmodigitaldesign.com/mods/cdpc.jpg

Smaller case (an old cd player), but it'll fit. Obviously an external psu would need to be used, but that's no big deal.

Dont ask when (or if) it'll ever be finished though...

This is an extremely cool idea dlichterman! keep at it and post lots of updates.

sorry, what i meant was a-z with number/Fkeys, as in no right side keypad. it all depends if i can find a keyboard


edit...pics

http://www.geocities.com/daniellichterman/IMG_0510.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/daniellichterman/IMG_0511.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/daniellichterman/IMG_0512.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/daniellichterman/IMG_0513.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/daniellichterman/IMG_0514.jpg

and for the keyboard something like this http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....134-025-02.jpg

wow no idea why you'd want to put a perfectly good comp into THAT, but kudos for trying

(see i'm not flaming) :D

That's pretty much exactly what i was thinking too. It should be compact enough to fit in there without having to chop out too much of the original case.

Have you thought about the hardware you'll use, and what sort of cooling setup you'll need yet?

no i really havnt thought about anything. One thing though i have a 2200+ so i may buy a socket A MB(cause they are cheap) and put that in the POS Apple and get myself a new system. For cooling im not sure but ill find a way to put in fans. one thing though, i need to go find my friend with the dremmel.....