PCP (not a drug)

[spinout]

EDIT: Uh, where am I supposed to post this? I just noticed "This forum is for pre-built handhelds, NOT custom made portables!" If a one in the staff could clear this up, it'd be great. Sorry about that :/

I have been thinking about a new project, a portable computer. It would include a keyboard and a trackpoint. In size, it would be a litter bigger than a PSP. It would use -

• PSP screen for video (which should work)
• Pico ITX for the mainboard
• Machined ABS case (no CNC is availible, but I'm handy with the mill )
• 1.8" (iPod) or 2.5" harddrive
• Wifi using a wifi usb stick
• Possibly a built in SD card reader

I threw together a render of what I imagined it looking like a few months ago, though it might end up different than this.
Now, what I'm wondering is-
Any suggestions for the power issue? I was thinking maybe something that would use a few of these. I will then have to convert this into the following lines:

• 5V South Bridge 0.1A-0.5A (Peak 0.8A) (Do I need this?)
• +3.3V 0.5A-3.5A (Peak 4.0A)
• +5V 0.1A-3.5A (Peak 4.5A)
• +12V 0.01A-0.1A (Peak 0.5A)

On another note, has anybody ever done anything similar to a keyboard? I know how I'd do the button faces, but I'm not so sure about how I would do what the actual buttons behind them, any ideas?
Keep in mind time and cost are not *big* issues for me (especially time, LoL.)


btw, anybody here remember me? It's been a while :/

[Scottery]

I don't want to sound like a dick but have you heard of a netbook?

[Tibia]

I don't want to sound like a dick but have you heard of a netbook?

Have you ever heard of the satisfaction of making it yourself?

[themadhacker]

A pcp? sounds like a great idea. As for the screen, why not use a ps1 screen instead? those can be used with a computer.

[DK]

btw, anybody here remember me? It's been a while :/

Of course we do, maker of the Wiip

Can't wait to see a Pcp finally being finished. One was started here a few years back but wasn't finished

[jjhammerstein]

I think that a PSP LCD isn't the best thing for the job. Too small. The only thing I could thing of it being okay for is if you put two of them in next to or on top of each other and ran them as dual screens. I think you would be better off with a small USB display, and those don't cost much. Other than that, you should see what kind of draw you're looking at before buying batteries, but the ones you linked to are a good bet. you'd probably need 4-6, depending on the voltage you need. For a keyboard, you can use rubbery tact switches, those would probably feel okay. Or just use a small keyboard from something else.

[jleemero]

You cannot use the PSP LCD for this purpose.

If you actually read that post you linked to, that's for video-out, as in, showing your PSP's screen on a TV.

There are NO controllers for the PSP LCD currently available that allow Composite or RGB input.

[spinout]

Scottery:
This is not what I want, I want something more like this.

You cannot use the PSP LCD for this purpose.

If you actually read that post you linked to, that's for video-out, as in, showing your PSP's screen on a TV.

There are NO controllers for the PSP LCD currently available that allow Composite or RGB input.

Well, I pm'd the guy who posted this, and he said it *should* work for input as well iirc

[jleemero]

Nope.

Just nope.
I mean that, it won't work.

Now, there are, without a doubt, ways to use it, but it's not that simple, and it simply does not work that way.
Trust me, I wish it was that simple.

So, again, in short:

Nope.

[spinout]

In any case, here's the PM, in the case you are curious as to what he said:

Would it be possible to input rgb into a psp screen to use it as a mini computer monitor? Could it work if you found the power in and hooked it, r, g, b, c/v sync up to the ribbon cable? Are there other signals required to make the screen display that have to come from the psp?
ps- awesome job on the psp tv out!

hi spinout

it's perfectly possible i'll post info on this when i have the time, the proper way to do it is easy but the connections are a bit too tight. another way to hook all of the things up would be to have it all set up a a seperate tap in cable. Stay tuned for the next round of updates it's going to be super

EDIT:
I have looked into it a bit more, and it seems I would need my own adapter, oh well. It is possible, however.

[AfroLH]

Nope.

Just nope.
I mean that, it won't work.

Now, there are, without a doubt, ways to use it, but it's not that simple, and it simply does not work that way.
Trust me, I wish it was that simple.

So, again, in short:

Nope.

Wow, Jlleemero...

You must love to prove people wrong!

[jjhammerstein]

Honestly, his argument seems damn good so far. He might know what he's doing. But even if it does work, it's not a good screen. You say money is not an issue, go for something more appropriate.

[spinout]

Honestly, his argument seems damn good so far. He might know what he's doing. But even if it does work, it's not a good screen. You say money is not an issue, go for something more appropriate.

Well, I would use another screen, but I cannot find one that is near the PSP's dimensions. Don't say PS1 screen, because even when cut down, it is still ~3.5" tall, and it is very heavy and thick.

EDIT:
Actually, I just found this. Anybody think it'll work?

EDIT2:
Not really related to this project, but as I was looking for another screen, I ran across a really nice 7" screen for $45 for those of you who might need a PS1 screen alternative.

[tom61]

Scottery:
This is not what I want, I want something more like this.

Sony has a "it's not a netbook" netbook Sony VAIO VGN-UX180P very similar to the second design. Have you taken a look at that ultraportable?

Can't wait to see a Pcp finally being finished. One was started here a few years back but wasn't finished

One? I had one attempt with two revisions to the design, Teraflop did two attempts, and there were several other less-serious PCp attempts besides that.

[spinout]

Scottery:
This is not what I want, I want something more like this.

Sony has a "it's not a netbook" netbook Sony VAIO VGN-UX180P very similar to the second design. Have you taken a look at that ultraportable?

Yeah, but it fails to acomplish what I want. (too big, too little memory, little room for expansion)