[nevon]

I'd like to show off my tablet project, which is based on rock99rock's "Project A" concept. I saw that and decided that I needed to go to there, so here's what I have so far.



Project so far: Mini 9 disassembled, heatsink cut away from the palmrest assembly, re-mounted, LCD mounted above it, plex bezel created to fit over the base - so this is probably the slimmest tablet I've seen yet.

Not done: just about everything. The wifi antenna is not mounted, so signal is very weak. No speakers. No internal bluetooth (my mini didn't have it). No touchscreen, that's on order, no power button (just press down in the corner of the bezel), nothing mounted, just taped. Also, I want to add accelerometer for resolution switching and gamepad controls on the large part of the bezel for landscape use... lots to do.

Good so far: heat doesn't seem to be an issue. Watching video for a long time causes it to stutter when the heat gets too much, but that happens on a normal mini too - and I don't plan this as a media player

[jej.514]

Very cool! I'm looking forward to progress updates!

Congrats.

Jeff

[danmanx]

Pretty sick mod dude. Looks pro to me!

[rock99rock]

Nice! How did you make the plex bezel? You know... if you desolder and remove that sd card reader, you'll have the room you need

[nevon]

Never thought of removing the sd reader, I think I'll keep that... I had considered removing the ethernet jack since I'll never use that, we'll see :P

The plex bezel was all dremel from a scrap piece I have. I'm surprised how well it turned out. I actually want to use a thicker piece to be more flush with the screen, but I have to wait until the touch screen comes in and see how it goes. The idea is one piece to be flush with the screen, and another thin clear piece to go over the silver bezel on the screen and the touchscreen to hold it in place. Then add screw-mounts to the back that can be screwed on from the bottom of the mini. The plex also needs to be a little thinner where the battery is, right now it bends there because the battery is slightly higher than the rest of the housing.

Lots still to do. I'm going to figure out the speaker and antenna situation but then most of the rest is on hold until I get the touch overlay in.

[Rob928]

I like how slick yours looks with the plexi.

To be honest, I didn't get too custom with mine simply so I could leave as much of the OEM mounting equipment as possible. I only wish I didn't break some of the clips during the process.

These real custom builds are very impressive

[rock99rock]

Any updates on this project?

[strider_mt2k]

You guys and these tablets, WOW.

Nice!

[nevon]

I'm still waiting for my touchscreen, I got it from HK so it'll be awhile. I have't done much else other than plan.

I created an Inkscape SVG file for the plastic bezel, it prints out on a letter size sheet at the exact size I need the bezel to be cut.

Here's my plans for the bezel. Cut one bezel in this layout out of 3/8" plex. This is the base that adds the proper height for the screen to sit well. Part of this cut needs to be shaved away where the battery fits in, otherwise it arcs a bit. Fit in screen and touch overlay (trim where necessary for wires), and then create a second bezel out of 1/8" plex that will have a smaller inside opening - just big enough to show the screen without the silver bezel. This will be applied to the other bezel, and the screen should sit inside it well.

Then on the bottom add some screw mounts, and I need to make a couple special brackets that will bend around the screen but allow the bezel to be screwed down. None of this really makes sense without pictures, I'll try to take a bunch when I get the touch overlay in and actually do the work...

Here's the SVG if anybody wants to attempt something similar:

bezel.svg

[rock99rock]

Thats fantastic! I can't wait to see how it turns out. I might have to buy another and try it this way, wouldnt work with the HD Tuner and GPS I'm installing though.