steampunk laptops

[boredphoto]

Hey guys,
my computer wizard boyfriend and I have been toying around with the idea of steampunk-ing some laptops to sell. I'm trying to feel out the market, see if anyone would be interested in purchasing/for how much etc.

[WillRockwell]

Datamancer has set the bar for laptops, but I don't think he sells them.

[boredphoto]

Datamancer has set the bar for laptops, but I don't think he sells them.

we were definitely inspired by his work, it's downright amazing.

the difference? we will sell them...

[steampunk22]

Yeah Richard Nagy is pretty much the gold standard for this kind of thing. I've considered the pros and cons of doing this as well and I don't really see it as being a realistic option if your goal is to make money.

I assume you looking at purchasing, modding, and then re-selling netbooks? That is your best bet for keeping costs down, and should something go terribly wrong it's a little less devastating. But the other option of course is to mod and re-sell legitimate laptops but that's going to run you in and around a thousand dollars a pop, even more if you want to do macs, right? You end up being pretty heavily invested right off the bat unless you have an in with someone who can hook you up for cheap.

It's a tough call, once you factor in parts and labour, you start to have to charge a pretty serious amount to justify your costs, especially if you are 'in it for the money'. ;P

I think it can be done, because I am eternal optimist, but there are some pretty serious challenges to undertaking this kind of mod work, with end capital in mind.

Nothing wagered, nothing gained but you don't want to end up paying yourself out $2.00 an hour because no one wants to pay $3000 for a $1000 laptop. Regardless of how many gears you stick on it

When modding a laptop, for the most part, you're making it larger and more cumbersome that it is already, as laptops are pretty minimalist. It's almost easier to target the PC market as people expect something big and clunky, plus you have way more opportunity for mods whereas with a laptop, unless you rock some Datamancer engineering skills, you're kind of limited with your options.

Know what I mean? Tough call. I'm not shooting down your idea by any stretch, but there are a lot of factors to consider here if you are doing it with the hopes of turning a profit.

[boredphoto]

...yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

downer...=]

[steampunk22]

I don't want to talk you out of it, but there are just some pretty serious things to consider for something with a potentially really high startup cost. Don't give up though! Just find creative solutions!

[WillRockwell]

If you start with an inexpensive, yet technically current laptop such as the Dell Vostro, your initial cost will be limited. The Dell Outlet store has Inspiron models starting at 400$.

[Dave the Troll]

Have you done one for yourself already?

Until you have built your first one you'll have little idea of the actual hours involved and therefore how much you NEED to sell them for.  Once you have that prototype it would be good to see pictures here and opinions can be better expressed.

[MechanicalMouse]

I would also suggest designing the modifications around one laptop, so that you cab reproduce the effect quickly.

You could, for example, remove the outer shell of a cheap dell laptop. Modify it with raised details, use this as base for a mould of the new lid. From that mould you can quickly make multiple resin casts which will reduce production time and costs.

However I have no direct experience of resin casting, and not sure how apt it would be for a laptop. I'm sure other here have done resin work. Dave, you've experimented with resin before?

[Captain Quinlin Hopkins]

It's an odd market.  There will definitely be those interested who have neither the time, nor the skill necessary to create their own.  If you have a way to contact those people easily, then you will have trouble keeping stock actually.  The downside is as stated though, you have to be able to carry the cost of your product until sold.  Monies up front for a custom build (always).  Custom stock is rarely re-sell able, though in this instance everything is custom, it might have an oddity that most others do not like(color scheme, materials).  Of course then comes the pricing.  everyone can easily look up the cost of the computer itself, and will know exactly how much is being charged above that point.  Makes it harder to sell than when the entire project's cost is unknown.  I'm sure we actually have some who understand craftsmanship and the costs, but it's a hard pill to swallow for the general public who can buy a product from wally world cheaper than they can buy it bulk wholesale. 

Must be extremely descriptive with all details.  We have someone here who's created a $3000 usb stick.  It's beautiful, and indeed someone who understands art might even buy it for that price.  As there is a wonderful story attached.  It is truly a work of art.  I know people who've spent their entire lives climbing the corporate ladder and have cars that cost more than my home.  They've sacrificed being an individual to get where they are.  In order to have a bit of freedom from the constraints they've placed upon themselves, they express it in very personal purchases such as that.  Money is obviously not the motivator.  They can't say that they are steampunk, they can't color their hair purple with a mohawk.   But they could indeed have a beautifully executed usb, or funtional and elegant laptop, without causing a rise. 

Bet of luck either way you decide to go. 

[WillRockwell]

Datamancer has been kind enough to leave a lot of clues about his laptop construction. Have you seen this tutorial about how to make a brass faceplate?
http://www.datamancer.net/steampunklaptop/faceplate.htm

[Mister Fox]

Rather than selling the laptops themselves, could make and sell parts for people to mod their own laptops?  I have had my laptop for a while now, and would love to have a 'Steampunk' laptop.  I don't really have the tools or workspace to create the modifications myself, and I wouldn't want to ditch my new(ish) machine for an entirely new one.  If you make the parts 'cross-compatible', people can buy the parts themselves, and then put them together or modify them however they want.  That way, you wouldn't lose the uniqueness which is the whole point of doing the modifications in the first place.

[boredphoto]

thanks guys, this is all really great stuff for us to think about.

i like the idea of making kits or something like that...it might be a bit more viable.

[steampunk22]

Another good option would be to source laptop casings for common models/makes of laptop, giving you the ability to simply manipulate the casings without having to damage (or purchase!) the actual computer. People are pretty capable of installing their own parts if you provide them with a little instruction book or something (totally would be fun to design! steampunk instrucions!). Keeps your costs down and gives you the opportunity to develop a nice little package without having to be overly involved, and people get to work on their own stuff a little still. Know what I mean?

Plus if you are modding casings  you can really do whatever you want externally, brass etchings and such would be ideal for this kind of thing. Definitely you want to aim for something you can source easily so you're little business can have 'brand consistency'. This is pretty important in my opinion.