Has anyone built a "briefcase computer"?

[Welsh]

You know, the ones which you slap a bunch of full powered computer components inside a briefcase, with all the framing, and what not, and call it a portable computer?

I've been thinking of doing it myself, since I'm getting a little bit tired of the price to performance ratio of laptops, plus I quite like the idea of having a triple monitor setup to aid with doing work on it. I'm not looking for a full powered gaming computer, this will mainly be a working computer. So, it'll likely be coming out in the field with me, so the weight ratio will have to be decent, and it would need to be semi rugged. I tend to buy rugged computers anyhow due to my life style.

I'm wondering if anyone has any specific security recommendations or thoughts before I commit to building it. If I'm going to do it, I might as well put hardware kill switches on it, and all the bells, and whistles. Then, throughout the years I can stick to this machine, rather than upgrading laptops. The current laptop that I do the majority of my work on is rather old, and quite slow when running Qubes OS, but I'm finding it rather difficult to justify upgrading due to the expense I would need for a rugged modern laptop.

I'm taking a little inspiration from this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w although, that's way too big for my liking so I would be looking to downsize quite considerably. Although, he does have quite an interesting video on a battery, which I think I'll be whipping up also. Here's his power station video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w

I don't plan on storing Bitcoin on it, so no need to go into that sort of detail. Although, I might think about integrating a Bitcoin node somehow. Haven't given it enough thought yet on how I'd achieve that especially if I wanted to run it 24/7.

[NotFuzzyWarm]

heh...
In other words a modern version of the 'lugable' 1st mobile(ish) PC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osborne_1

[philipma1957]

You know, the ones which you slap a bunch of full powered computer components inside a briefcase, with all the framing, and what not, and call it a portable computer?

I've been thinking of doing it myself, since I'm getting a little bit tired of the price to performance ratio of laptops, plus I quite like the idea of having a triple monitor setup to aid with doing work on it. I'm not looking for a full powered gaming computer, this will mainly be a working computer. So, it'll likely be coming out in the field with me, so the weight ratio will have to be decent, and it would need to be semi rugged. I tend to buy rugged computers anyhow due to my life style.

I'm wondering if anyone has any specific security recommendations or thoughts before I commit to building it. If I'm going to do it, I might as well put hardware kill switches on it, and all the bells, and whistles. Then, throughout the years I can stick to this machine, rather than upgrading laptops. The current laptop that I do the majority of my work on is rather old, and quite slow when running Qubes OS, but I'm finding it rather difficult to justify upgrading due to the expense I would need for a rugged modern laptop.

I'm taking a little inspiration from this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w although, that's way too big for my liking so I would be looking to downsize quite considerably. Although, he does have quite an interesting video on a battery, which I think I'll be whipping up also. Here's his power station video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w

I don't plan on storing Bitcoin on it, so no need to go into that sort of detail. Although, I might think about integrating a Bitcoin node somehow. Haven't given it enough thought yet on how I'd achieve that especially if I wanted to run it 24/7.

so something in a case that is cheap well how powerful?

you can look into   a Lenovo,dell,hp like these

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224938792518? 850



get a screen or not say 100 bucks


and a power supply/battery/inverter/ups


https://www.ebay.com/itm/403624268498? 200 bucks


ballpark cost of 1200

The pc is pretty rugged I have used hundreds like it

all fast googles on ebay  to give me an idea of what you want to build.

I found a decent tiny unit with an 8700t intel 500 gb ssd and 16gb ram. used from a good heatware seller

thus  500 for the pc and 100 for the screen and maybe 200 for power supply.

drops you down to 800 maybe 900 including case and a cooling fan.

It would be close to a 1500 laptop. the biggest issue is the graphics.

[Majestic-milf]

You know, the ones which you slap a bunch of full powered computer components inside a briefcase, with all the framing, and what not, and call it a portable computer?

I've been thinking of doing it myself, since I'm getting a little bit tired of the price to performance ratio of laptops, plus I quite like the idea of having a triple monitor setup to aid with doing work on it. I'm not looking for a full powered gaming computer, this will mainly be a working computer. So, it'll likely be coming out in the field with me, so the weight ratio will have to be decent, and it would need to be semi rugged. I tend to buy rugged computers anyhow due to my life style.

I'm wondering if anyone has any specific security recommendations or thoughts before I commit to building it. If I'm going to do it, I might as well put hardware kill switches on it, and all the bells, and whistles. Then, throughout the years I can stick to this machine, rather than upgrading laptops. The current laptop that I do the majority of my work on is rather old, and quite slow when running Qubes OS, but I'm finding it rather difficult to justify upgrading due to the expense I would need for a rugged modern laptop.

I'm taking a little inspiration from this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w although, that's way too big for my liking so I would be looking to downsize quite considerably. Although, he does have quite an interesting video on a battery, which I think I'll be whipping up also. Here's his power station video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w

I don't plan on storing Bitcoin on it, so no need to go into that sort of detail. Although, I might think about integrating a Bitcoin node somehow. Haven't given it enough thought yet on how I'd achieve that especially if I wanted to run it 24/7.

Got quite a rugged preference there if you ask me. I understand the need too, tho. Maybe this link could help? https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/4jxhfi/briefcase_computer_build_finished/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjrnYv9w_33AhWJi_0HHeGLCikQFnoECAgQAg&usg=AOvVaw0kIznI1GyNfZG_lPmcfiA2

[StanCrypt]

This could be quite helpful, I hope you find what you are looking for through this Link

[Zlantann]

The joy of designing and building what you need is immeasurable. You need all the inspiration and motivation that would spur you to start and finish this task. I Just want to remind you that you might face few hurdles in the course of achieving this uncommon feat but I assure you that if you keep trying you would win. I am expecting to see the pictures of your functional briefcase computer in this thread. When that time comes we would celebrate your success. I would keep sourcing for relevant materials to aid you in this project. I hope this video would be helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRIhostn58w.
Best wishes. 

[Majestic-milf]

You know, the ones which you slap a bunch of full powered computer components inside a briefcase, with all the framing, and what not, and call it a portable computer?

I've been thinking of doing it myself, since I'm getting a little bit tired of the price to performance ratio of laptops, plus I quite like the idea of having a triple monitor setup to aid with doing work on it. I'm not looking for a full powered gaming computer, this will mainly be a working computer. So, it'll likely be coming out in the field with me, so the weight ratio will have to be decent, and it would need to be semi rugged. I tend to buy rugged computers anyhow due to my life style.

I'm wondering if anyone has any specific security recommendations or thoughts before I commit to building it. If I'm going to do it, I might as well put hardware kill switches on it, and all the bells, and whistles. Then, throughout the years I can stick to this machine, rather than upgrading laptops. The current laptop that I do the majority of my work on is rather old, and quite slow when running Qubes OS, but I'm finding it rather difficult to justify upgrading due to the expense I would need for a rugged modern laptop.

I'm taking a little inspiration from this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w although, that's way too big for my liking so I would be looking to downsize quite considerably. Although, he does have quite an interesting video on a battery, which I think I'll be whipping up also. Here's his power station video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w

I don't plan on storing Bitcoin on it, so no need to go into that sort of detail. Although, I might think about integrating a Bitcoin node somehow. Haven't given it enough thought yet on how I'd achieve that especially if I wanted to run it 24/7.

Well, I stumbled on this one and it seems recent and a step up as it relies on desktop components with an idea to build a machine with better upgradability than a typical laptop. https://www.google.com/url?q=https://hackaday.com/2022/04/02/briefcase-computer-is-a-glorious-cyberpunk-build/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjN8vbB0a_4AhWQ8rsIHUD-CCAQFnoECAkQAg&usg=AOvVaw1AY7bstDyqq-0u4rp48tf-

[dbc23]

A brief case computer will means a high lasting battery powered device and reliable application policy and  lastly a well padded case. This should be a major concern before seeking for where to purchase one. The choice of Operating system depends solely on the kind of jobs you intend doing with the brief case computer

[philipma1957]

A brief case computer will means a high lasting battery powered device and reliable application policy and  lastly a well padded case. This should be a major concern before seeking for where to purchase one. The choice of Operating system depends solely on the kind of jobs you intend doing with the brief case computer

good cases=easy

60 seconds on amazon


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LJ9QJM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09RLYXJJS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?

tons more out there.

not sure about a good power supply.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JVA7ONQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?

another good case.

[Agbe]

You know, the ones which you slap a bunch of full powered computer components inside a briefcase, with all the framing, and what not, and call it a portable computer?

I've been thinking of doing it myself, since I'm getting a little bit tired of the price to performance ratio of laptops, plus I quite like the idea of having a triple monitor setup to aid with doing work on it. I'm not looking for a full powered gaming computer, this will mainly be a working computer. So, it'll likely be coming out in the field with me, so the weight ratio will have to be decent, and it would need to be semi rugged. I tend to buy rugged computers anyhow due to my life style.

I'm wondering if anyone has any specific security recommendations or thoughts before I commit to building it. If I'm going to do it, I might as well put hardware kill switches on it, and all the bells, and whistles. Then, throughout the years I can stick to this machine, rather than upgrading laptops. The current laptop that I do the majority of my work on is rather old, and quite slow when running Qubes OS, but I'm finding it rather difficult to justify upgrading due to the expense I would need for a rugged modern laptop.

I'm taking a little inspiration from this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w although, that's way too big for my liking so I would be looking to downsize quite considerably. Although, he does have quite an interesting video on a battery, which I think I'll be whipping up also. Here's his power station video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w

I don't plan on storing Bitcoin on it, so no need to go into that sort of detail. Although, I might think about integrating a Bitcoin node somehow. Haven't given it enough thought yet on how I'd achieve that especially if I wanted to run it 24/7.

I really laugh as I finished reading the thread. But though you can build a mobile briefcase personal computer (MPC), for your personal use but how to get the hardwares to build up the system will be the main problem of the project because the project is a very huge one. And you have to budget a huge amount of money for the project since it is a individual project but not a company project.
I don't know the type of briefcase computer you are planning to build but the inspiration that came from the video in YouTube might be the same but the features might be different. Here is like look alike briefcase computer. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/443534263274592255/
Talking of security, I believe the purpose of the idea of building the system is to secure your data or to use it as your personal database for monitoring.
You are not planning to store bitcoin. Well it is possible but I also believe that by the time you carry out the project another inspiration will also come again to create a space for bitcoin storage

[philipma1957]

You know, the ones which you slap a bunch of full powered computer components inside a briefcase, with all the framing, and what not, and call it a portable computer?

I've been thinking of doing it myself, since I'm getting a little bit tired of the price to performance ratio of laptops, plus I quite like the idea of having a triple monitor setup to aid with doing work on it. I'm not looking for a full powered gaming computer, this will mainly be a working computer. So, it'll likely be coming out in the field with me, so the weight ratio will have to be decent, and it would need to be semi rugged. I tend to buy rugged computers anyhow due to my life style.

I'm wondering if anyone has any specific security recommendations or thoughts before I commit to building it. If I'm going to do it, I might as well put hardware kill switches on it, and all the bells, and whistles. Then, throughout the years I can stick to this machine, rather than upgrading laptops. The current laptop that I do the majority of my work on is rather old, and quite slow when running Qubes OS, but I'm finding it rather difficult to justify upgrading due to the expense I would need for a rugged modern laptop.

I'm taking a little inspiration from this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w although, that's way too big for my liking so I would be looking to downsize quite considerably. Although, he does have quite an interesting video on a battery, which I think I'll be whipping up also. Here's his power station video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSJZ7MtKe1w

I don't plan on storing Bitcoin on it, so no need to go into that sort of detail. Although, I might think about integrating a Bitcoin node somehow. Haven't given it enough thought yet on how I'd achieve that especially if I wanted to run it 24/7.

I really laugh as I finished reading the thread. But though you can build a mobile briefcase personal computer (MPC), for your personal use but how to get the hardwares to build up the system will be the main problem of the project because the project is a very huge one. And you have to budget a huge amount of money for the project since it is a individual project but not a company project.
I don't know the type of briefcase computer you are planning to build but the inspiration that came from the video in YouTube might be the same but the features might be different. Here is like look alike briefcase computer. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/443534263274592255/
Talking of security, I believe the purpose of the idea of building the system is to secure your data or to use it as your personal database for monitoring.
You are not planning to store bitcoin. Well it is possible but I also believe that by the time you carry out the project another inspiration will also come again to create a space for bitcoin storage

He wanted to have a decent mobile pc on the cheap.

A good laptop costs 2 k and is not that sturdy.

A briefcase unit could be under 1000 fairly sturdy.

The lenovo p320 tiny is available
the lenovo p330 tiny is available

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304525769655? only 575

https://www.ebay.com/itm/195024326475? new only 629

512 gb name ssd
16gb ram

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304539501139? 636 best offer

32 gb ram
i7 8700

512 gb nvme ssd just add your own os
p620 gpu

this setup can be upgraded to 64gb ram
and a 4gb nvme ssd
and a nvidia t1000 gpu

I have a p320 and I could squeeze in a rtx a2000 gpu in this case if the lid was off.

now do I want all that no I do not but I am interested in this idea. of a briefcase setup.

[Welsh]

The battery is the hardest part for me. You're either lugging around a portable power station, which is going to set you back quite a bit or like the video I linked, you'd build your own. I like the idea of building my own, since you know it satisfies the nerd in me, however from a safety stand point I'm not quite sure I trust my skills in doing so.

Then obviously that has to be replaced after a certain amount of cycles as you'll be using lithium batteries, which naturally degrade with use. That's what's stopping me from doing this build at the moment. Everything else is pretty easily sorted, even doing it somewhat compactly as well.

[philipma1957]

The battery is the hardest part for me. You're either lugging around a portable power station, which is going to set you back quite a bit or like the video I linked, you'd build your own. I like the idea of building my own, since you know it satisfies the nerd in me, however from a safety stand point I'm not quite sure I trust my skills in doing so.

Then obviously that has to be replaced after a certain amount of cycles as you'll be using lithium batteries, which naturally degrade with use. That's what's stopping me from doing this build at the moment. Everything else is pretty easily sorted, even doing it somewhat compactly as well.

I found a good inverter.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/cobra-pure-sine-400-watt-power-inverter-with-fast-charge-usb-black/6466267.p?


130 only 10oz

looking for a good lithium and a charger for it.

if you use the nvidia t1000 gpu it fits in the lenovo and pulls 50 watts
if you use the nvidia rtx a2000 the lid is lifted on the lenovo.

my biggest concern if I build it is making a safe power source.

[a1 Hashrate LLC2022]

pleas note this is my alt of philipma1957.

lenovo.com finally has the t1000 8gb gpu in stock.

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/accessories-and-software/graphics-cards/graphics_cards/4x61j52233

I am a business onwer and have a business account with lenovo.

I ordered 1 of them today and with various discounts will get it in two weeks for about 300 usd.

it is a drop in fit to my p320 tiny lenovo pc

that pc will have an i7 8700t
24 gb ram
500 gb nvme2
the t1000 gpu

it would be ideal to put in a suitcase setup.

my cost was 444.44+300 = 744.44

i would still need a power supply and screen

[gredinger]

No.

I like wires. Wires mean infinite power. Portable energy is the absolute bane of my existence.

I could imagine a briefcase that opens and origami unfolds 3 monitors - the problem isn't the motherboard, the screens, or even input devices... hell, if we wanted, we could attach a little thermal printer just because!

The problem is our energy. Aiming for performance per watt, which means tuning to application.

---

I really wish fuel cell technology were more available because this is a nearly perfect use-case.

[philipma1957]

No.

I like wires. Wires mean infinite power. Portable energy is the absolute bane of my existence.

I could imagine a briefcase that opens and origami unfolds 3 monitors - the problem isn't the motherboard, the screens, or even input devices... hell, if we wanted, we could attach a little thermal printer just because!

The problem is our energy. Aiming for performance per watt, which means tuning to application.

---

I really wish fuel cell technology were more available because this is a nearly perfect use-case.

well the Lenovo has a power brick which means you can unplug from the briefcase ups and into 'real' power source like an office or hotel room.

Lenovo case is too tight for a rtx a2000 but no lid on the pc does allow for  a  rtx a2000

when I get the rtx t1000 I will do a few shots of it.

[spectre71]

heh...
In other words a modern version of the 'lugable' 1st mobile(ish) PC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osborne_1

I grew up in the 80's, first thing I thought of!

My TRS model III still sits in my moms garage. I should gut the thing and hack a pc into it. Hmmmmm

[vapourminer]

heh...
In other words a modern version of the 'lugable' 1st mobile(ish) PC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osborne_1

I grew up in the 80's, first thing I thought of!

My TRS model III still sits in my moms garage. I should gut the thing and hack a pc into it. Hmmmmm

i have a trs80 model 4p,,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS-80_Model_4#Model_4P

not exactly briefcase sized (more like sewing machine sized like the osborne) and it needs an outlet. but it was the bomb back in the day - z80 8 bit cpu, 128k ram (bank switched) two 180k floppies, 1200 baud modem, 9 inch green screen with 80x24 character display. ran cpm/80 as well as trsdos, dosplus etc.

i wonder if its possible to pull the guts out and use it in a briefcase type deal. after all most of the space was for the 9 inch crt screen. mod it to use a flatscreen lcd and a notebook keyboard.. but still need a power source.

although it would pale in comparison to whats being considered here.

there was also a trs80 model 100 (i have one of those too). notebook sized before therer were notebooks lol. ran on 4 AA batteries. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS-80_Model_100 again pretty lame compared to whats being discussed here.

if this is too off topic, my apologies. but maybe it can spark some ideas.

[philipma1957]

The nvidia t-1000 came today hooked it in to the lenovo p320 tiny.

I am a bit busy today no photos coming yet.

This cost was 444.44 for a used p320.

it has an intel i8700 t
it has 24gb ram
it has a 512gb nvme ssd with room for a second one.

my big issue is how to battery power this.

I will post more late tonight.

i actually think i could mine a bit with it.

and it is very efficient set to 70%.  It pulls 35 watts to do 15.42 mh this is a nvidia t1000 card purchased rom lenovo. So this is earning 33 cents a day and burning under 1.2k-watts  I pay 17 cents a kwatt  so it nets 13 cents a day if I mine it.

[Majestic-milf]

The battery is the hardest part for me. You're either lugging around a portable power station, which is going to set you back quite a bit or like the video I linked, you'd build your own. I like the idea of building my own, since you know it satisfies the nerd in me, however from a safety stand point I'm not quite sure I trust my skills in doing so.

Then obviously that has to be replaced after a certain amount of cycles as you'll be using lithium batteries, which naturally degrade with use. That's what's stopping me from doing this build at the moment. Everything else is pretty easily sorted, even doing it somewhat compactly as well.

If the battery could be a reason you're pausing your project, how about trying out this link and see if the nerd in you can do something cool with it. https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/Voltaic-Systems-Generator-Briefcase-Including/dp/B008HBREWG&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjn8PLtnsL5AhVKhqQKHZlUCOcQFnoECAwQAg&usg=AOvVaw2p1ES6uUjFQnOxGiHZH3uU.  Wish I can get a look after the invention tho😁😁