Antec offers components for the DIY laptop crowd

Just because you haven't gotten up the nerve to build your own laptop doesn't mean that everyone's just running out and buying pre-fabricated lap warmers, now does it? Antec sure hopes not, else its new CBB component initiative will become a serious money loser. Said outfit has just revealed a slew of new interchangeable kit designed to act as "building blocks" for folks looking to piece together their own notebook. It even goes so far as to proclaim that this is the "first time that system builders will be able to build customized, personalized laptops from individual components," and while we're pretty sure that's exaggerating it, there's no doubt the commercialization here makes it easier to digest. The new enclosures, docking station, CBB / RC2-specific keyboards, AC adapters, battery packs, webcams and more are available now for tinkerers who care.

[Via ExtremeTech]

[kal326 @ Aug 20th 2008 1:26PM]

Unfortunately no mention of ability to customize and/or upgrade GPU offerings. If that's not part of the standard bill I don't really see how this would be all that worth while. Other companies are already offering this type of service, while added competition is never bad thing I don't see this taking off so well.

[NoAndThen @ Aug 20th 2008 1:42PM]

I agree, the gpu customization is the only thing stopping me from a DIY laptop

[marky-b @ Aug 20th 2008 2:29PM]

I'm with you on this one. After HDDs and RAM, i think video cards are pretty high on the list of what users would want more of a choice on, when it comes to customizing laptops.

[Johan S @ Aug 20th 2008 2:58PM]

I fourth this sentiment. We need upgradable graphics cards. nVidia tried to make it happen but that effort seems to have not caught on/stalled --i guess the laptop vendors felt they would lose money.

http://www.nvidia.com/page/mxm.html

http://www.mxm-upgrade.com/

[kccboy2004 @ Aug 20th 2008 1:26PM]

do it .... and i am in

[Chad @ Aug 20th 2008 1:28PM]

Sounds great. I'll be keeping an eye out for this.

[TheSprunk @ Aug 20th 2008 3:15PM]

Isn't OCZ already doing this? You can already find theirs on Newegg.

I think the reason these solutions don't offer a range of GPU options is due to space limitations. From what I understand most of these boards save space by cutting features, and by reducing the number of GPU's and related technology that the board has to support they can save space/heat/power. It's not like there is a lot of mobile discreet graphics options available anyway. Personally, If I want to game, I'll do it on my desktop.

[Dan.Z @ Aug 20th 2008 5:06PM]

At the tail end of the article, it says that one must be a system builder to purchase the motherboards, and Antec is only working with a select few to bring this product to market. It just seems like another notebook reference design, and they are announcing that they are selling the parts for it. This ain't no mass-market whitebook, and I doubt it will ever turn out to be the real thing. Here's to hoping, though.