Stealth PC

[chaksq]

What I would like to do is create a stealth computer. The key is quiet and hidden.
Here is what I want in this:
-absolute to near silent
-Low heat consumption
-Ability to browse the internet and use programs such as PhotoShop/Gimp and SketchUp
-No wires leading from computer (will allow one for power, one to external projector)
-Can withstand some abuse/moving
-Good security
-Preferably low cost

I have a few design ideas already:
-Run from usb flash drive using linux and with no HD
-Fanless
-Wireless LAN
-Projected keyboard (I saw this in Popular Science, need to find out more)
-Hook up to projector for monitor
-Wireless mouse

Possible ideas for setup would be:
-Inside gutted books on bookself
-Inside backpack (need some sort of impact absorbant support and look original)
-Inside rarely moved funiture/electronic equiptment such as modified stereo
-Superquit machine that fits under bed (possibly in plastic storage container)

If anyone has any imput that would be great.

[Luke122]

-absolute to near silent
-Low heat consumption
-Ability to browse the internet and use programs such as PhotoShop/Gimp and SketchUp
-No wires leading from computer (will allow one for power, one to external projector)
-Can withstand some abuse/moving
-Good security
-Preferably low cost


Near silent isnt all that hard.. the trick is to get quiet fans (if you DO use fans.. which you dont have to). If you dont want any fans at all, the best bet would be to get a good passive cpu cooler, and underclock the cpu to run it cooler.

Low heat consumption? I'm guessing you meant low heat generation, and low power consumption. ;) As mentioned above, underclocking means less heat.. and less electrical demand.

A good bet would be a CF (compact flash) to IDE converter... it'll allow you to use a compact flash card as a hard drive. No moving parts, super small and light, ultra quick access times. :)

If you want to do some multimedia stuff with this machine, and run internet apps, you'd be well suited to run a flavor of linux on this. Super lightweight OS, with loads of room for customization. DSL (damn small linux) comes with loads of apps, and the whole image weighs in at 50mb! Hell, you can even run it from a flash drive, and not even use any type of IDE or CF hard drive. Linux is a free OS with loads of free Apps, so there should be almost no software cost in this project.

If you dont have a hard drive in it, and use passive cooling (no fans), you have no moving parts. This means that it'll be a bit more resistant to damage from moving it around. Components can still be delicate though, so try not to drop it. ;)

With a wifi connection, and wireless keyboard and mouse, you would only have a video output and a power cord running to the pc. Well, if you want sound you'll need a connection for that also.. unless you use wireless speakers, and place the transmitter in the case with the rest of the pc.. hmm....

Low cost.. well this part can be iffy. If you really want a small system, a Mini-ITX or Nano-ITX board with embedded cpu can be a bit costly (depending on processor choice), but there are plenty of options out there. Check here for ideas on prices and options. (http://www.mini-itx.com/)

As far as the enclosure goes, you can fit a system of this type into pretty much anything. Old VCR's work well, as do video game consoles. What about something like a suitcase? Pelican cases are great! Water tight, super tough, foam lined for safety, and available in many colors and sizes. Not cheap, but would make a great portable enclosure that can take a beating.

Hopefully I've given you a few ideas here. :)

[Luke122]

Oh yeah, projected keyboard..

here's one. (http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/input/8193/)

[Dr. Kamolly]

A big book, like an old atlas or something, and a micro ATX board with a built-in VGA card and sound. Strip the PSU so that it wouldn't occupy that much space vertically than the board. See if you can manage a in-the-case usb port for the wireless hub of the mouse and keyboard. I forgot the wireless adapter for LAN, but it'll fit. As far as fans, you have the CPU's and the PSU's, another third one won'y hurt I guess. It won't be used for gaming so your perefence.

Once you stop using it, stash the mouse and KB anywhere you like for next time.

[Luke122]

Why not just use a PICO psu? The whole thing fits in the size of the 20pin mobo connector, and puts out 200w!

TINY! (http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/it.A/id.417/.f?sc=8&category=13)

[progbuddy]

Why not just use a PICO psu? The whole thing fits in the size of the 20pin mobo connector, and puts out 200w!

TINY! (http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/it.A/id.417/.f?sc=8&category=13)

Oh yeah? This pic is ACTUAL SIZE.

http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/images/nano_itx-256.png

[Nagoshi]

I could recommend a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, from Logitech if you can. Put the receiver on the front of the computer case so that it has less interference and better performances.

Use a low speed hard drive for less hear and vibration. You may also want to use some kind of small fan turning slowly so that you have some air moving through the components. Underclocking is a must in your case.

Something like 5Gb or 10Gb for your hard drive should be fairly enough for that use. Windows XP and all your softwares and you should be all right.

You could also put the motherboard in the case, with no ports accessible from the outside of the casing, so it's stealthed at a maximum and will allow you to use your usb ports seamlessly.

My 0.02$...

[chaksq]

A lot of good suggestions. The compact flash to IDE is the best idea I have heard so far. I can get an adaptor for less than $20.

The projected keyboard would be perfect but requires a bluetooth adaptor and is expensive.

Another idea I had was to just use an old laptop and replace the HD with compact flash.

I might be able to get an old Micro ATX computer from my parents. Not Sure yet.

[Redundant]

What I would like to do is create a stealth computer. The key is quiet and hidden.
Here is what I want in this:
-absolute to near silent
-Low heat consumption
-Ability to browse the internet and use programs such as PhotoShop/Gimp and SketchUp
-No wires leading from computer (will allow one for power, one to external projector)
-Can withstand some abuse/moving
-Good security
-Preferably low cost

Of course, the best way to do this is to use a laptop...

If you want to make it, use an ATX or micro-ATX so it'll have enough power to do something besides go on myspace...

I doubt the via chip will run Photoshop or Sketchup well, if at all...

The reason everyone doesn't use CF/SD cards as HDDs is because they have a limited number of rewrite times. They last long in cameras but probably a few months as a HDD replacement. Seagate makes very quiet HDDs and so do other companies.

Don't go fanless if you want it to be useful. Meaning that if it is cool enough to be passive, it's probably slow hardware; only good enough for web surfing. There are plenty of fans they are either whisper quiet or inaudible.


Possible ideas for setup would be:
-Inside gutted books on bookself
-Inside backpack (need some sort of impact absorbant support and look original)
-Inside rarely moved funiture/electronic equiptment such as modified stereo
-Superquit machine that fits under bed (possibly in plastic storage container)


The best place to put a PC, besides in a conventional case, would be the stereo. You will have fights with dust bunnies under your bed. :bunny: