LexRsnow
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I'd like to think that most people would agree: old computers have a sort of characteristic charm to them. For me in particular, I like the overall simplicity of the design- -everything is box, but it's a fancy box. It's a box with other box-like components that stick out of it and wrap around it and curve into strange, box patterns... it's a box. I've been thinking a lot about these boxes (especially since my other portable needed a new case design.) And lots of inspiration has come into my head, namely...
This thing. Windows 95 (source of picture here)
And also
That thing: Apple Two (or "II" or "][" or however it's spelled.) (source)
And lastly
Another box: this time from Pixar. (source)
With this inspiration in mind, I decided that I wanted to follow through of some kind of "Wii computer," but having a bulky computer and monitor with a Wii inside it doesn't exactly fit well in a transportable case of any kind. (At least, not one that I'd take to the airport.) So the solution was obvious: make it smaller. Hence, I've been working on a rough design of my Wii computer in Fusion 360. It's not finished yet, but I think it's presentable enough that one can get a rough idea of what's happening.
So, here it is!
Behold!
This design is more based off of the Apple Two II computer; the monitor is edged on one side while the "computer" section of the case is on the bottom. On the left, there'll eventually be some kind fake disc drive that you can put discs in, although it won't actually do anything except fill in the gap. Meanwhile, some features of the front: The controllers will use Gamecube ports rather than a built in controller. Personally, when I used my previous portable. I enjoyed the feeling of using a real Gamecube controller rather than a built in one. I don't know. Maybe it was because I didn't feel like I made a good controller design for my case (because I didn't), though.
Oh! And there will also be two kinds of video outputs: VGA for the built-in "computer" screen, and AV for output to any other screen, so I'll have to make a switch to disable mode on the side of the case. Screen controls for the built-in monitor are next to the headphone jack and AV output. Not pictured are the future IR LEDS that will be just above the GCC ports. I'm hoping for this to be an all-purpose portable!
That said, the goals for this project are ultimately:
5x 18650 batteries (one pictured in the screen to be connected to the computer section via conductive pads, four in the computer section itself).
VGA video output with switching AV output for other screens (such as the TV in your living room)
Screen controls
Bluetooth and MX chip
Usb ports on the side of the computer. (Maybe plug in a keyboard? Seems appropriate.)
(ok, disclaimer for the first "goal." Technically this means the monitor would have to be connected to the computer whenever it turns on to keep the batteries "in sync" at the same voltage. I initially imagined that the monitor could be taken off and the console could be plugged into a screen like a Noldendo... It still could, just have to put up with the annoyance afterwards
).
And that's all for this post... more updates to come!
(Ok time to study for exams)
This thing. Windows 95 (source of picture here)
And also
That thing: Apple Two (or "II" or "][" or however it's spelled.) (source)
And lastly
Another box: this time from Pixar. (source)
So, here it is!
Behold!
Oh! And there will also be two kinds of video outputs: VGA for the built-in "computer" screen, and AV for output to any other screen, so I'll have to make a switch to disable mode on the side of the case. Screen controls for the built-in monitor are next to the headphone jack and AV output. Not pictured are the future IR LEDS that will be just above the GCC ports. I'm hoping for this to be an all-purpose portable!
That said, the goals for this project are ultimately:
5x 18650 batteries (one pictured in the screen to be connected to the computer section via conductive pads, four in the computer section itself).
VGA video output with switching AV output for other screens (such as the TV in your living room)
Screen controls
Bluetooth and MX chip
Usb ports on the side of the computer. (Maybe plug in a keyboard? Seems appropriate.)
(ok, disclaimer for the first "goal." Technically this means the monitor would have to be connected to the computer whenever it turns on to keep the batteries "in sync" at the same voltage. I initially imagined that the monitor could be taken off and the console could be plugged into a screen like a Noldendo... It still could, just have to put up with the annoyance afterwards
).And that's all for this post... more updates to come!
(Ok time to study for exams)
. Anyway, this is meant to be the fan vent stylized in an Apple II FDD. I was a little worried that the fan might not blow enough air out the top of this, but after doing a Melee-heat test on the Groupii with this attached, I felt more comfortable (temperature stayed at +45 C*).