Laptops with interchangeable hardware?

TeamColeINC

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May 6, 2014
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I was thinking about building a semi-mobile work station using a micro ATX mini-tower but decided it would be best to just get another laptop instead because it would be much less hassle and around the same price.

Im looking for one that has changeable DIMMs and multiple 2.5" drives (like replace the disc drive for another 2.5" drive, not sure if thats a thing lol). An i7 processor is a must, dedicated graphics isn't all that necessary, Intel HD 4000 or better should be enough for light CAD work.

1080p would be great but honestly 1366x768 looks good enough to me on a 15" display, so that could be one area where I can save some money. It would also have to be something that lasts so I was thinking mechanical keys although I know thats going to make it even more expensive, but my current laptop has a few keys that are going out already and its only been 2 years (probably the last Dell product I ever buy....)

Any suggestions in the $1500 and below price range? Are they any "Build your own" type of websites for laptops?
 
Solution
You might try something like this: http://sagernotebook.com/index.php?page=product_info&model_name=NP2650

With an i7-4710MQ, 4GB RAM, and a 750GB 7200RPM HDD, it'll run $874. There are lots of options to customize it that'll still bring it in under $1500.
It has:
Two M.2 drive slots and a Sata drive bay - you could install one M.2 SSD for your OS, applications, and working files, use the removable HDD for storage, and you'd still have an M.2 slot available for an additional SSD. Or you could swap out the HDD for a standard 2.5" SSD drive.

Two SODIMM slots - it comes stock with 4GB but you can install up to 16GB 1600 RAM

Either 15.6” Full HD 16:9 Wide screen (1920x1080) LED-Backlit Display with Super Clear Glare Type Screen or...

volcanoscout

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Jan 5, 2014
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You might try something like this: http://sagernotebook.com/index.php?page=product_info&model_name=NP2650

With an i7-4710MQ, 4GB RAM, and a 750GB 7200RPM HDD, it'll run $874. There are lots of options to customize it that'll still bring it in under $1500.
It has:
Two M.2 drive slots and a Sata drive bay - you could install one M.2 SSD for your OS, applications, and working files, use the removable HDD for storage, and you'd still have an M.2 slot available for an additional SSD. Or you could swap out the HDD for a standard 2.5" SSD drive.

Two SODIMM slots - it comes stock with 4GB but you can install up to 16GB 1600 RAM

Either 15.6” Full HD 16:9 Wide screen (1920x1080) LED-Backlit Display with Super Clear Glare Type Screen or 15.6” Full HD 16:9 Wide screen (1920x1080) IPS Display in Matte Finished screen

HD 4600 graphics

It doesn't have a mechanical keyboard but it's pretty good. I've owned an NP8690 for the last five years and just bought an NP 7338 and love them both.
 
Solution

TeamColeINC

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May 6, 2014
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Thanks for the reply, thats pretty much exactly what I was looking for. After doing more looking around the internet, I saw some DIY laptops that people made themselves using low-profile/small form factor desktop components, now Im thinking about doing that lol. Fabricating a custom enclosure seems to be the most difficult problem to solve.
 

volcanoscout

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Jan 5, 2014
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Good on you! The reason the laptop manufacturers make so much money is that most people aren't even willing to consider building their own. Well...that, and the fact that most people couldn't do it nearly as well :) I'm afraid I'm stuck with buying them, lol.

Good luck to you.
 

kanuseeme

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Aug 12, 2014
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Hi, I have mostly the same idea, desktop parts and portability, the case is not a problem for me but finding the right parts, I would like to go with an 1u psu and I have asked on this forum about 2 particular psu if they would work but i got no answer of yet....

I would begin by finding the parts that are needed, working out dimensions and trying to find a monitor that would mate with the case like a laptop...

The case I would make by constructing a model and then using that to make a mould and then pouring plastic into it once the mould is made, it is as simple as mixing,pouring,waiting and then demoulding.

look forward to some ideas from anyone.everyone.
 

volcanoscout

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Jan 5, 2014
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I wasn't able to find the thread you referenced - can you link it?