First time Poster -  Long time watcher! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: ReddBeardd
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 09, 2016, 02:06:36 pm
content: Looking for input from anyone who is smarter than I - thats all of you.I saw mikeselectricstuff was viewing the forum at the same time as me! Exciting.So I have an idea and would like suggestions or any other input in general. There are better ideas to steal so dont take mineA bit of background about me. I have a computer shop in Dallas TX - ive been in the computer repair industry for some time - and can do a bit of work with an iron - but I am by no means a pro.I wont lie - I hope to see input from someone notable because I am also looking for someone with not only experience, but presence in the community - and in general for obvious reasons. I think the idea will basically sell itself - but I dont want to go to kickstarter with nothing more than some 3d renderings. I have literally no money to invest - but I think that again the idea will sell itself with a bit of polish, and while I dont underestimate the difficulty of such a project - I also know I am not trying to reinvent the wheel - so on to itBasically I think we as a community will have all seen the issues and complaints with the new Macbook Pro - even if it isnt our weapon of choice... I prefer computers from HPs line of elitebooks - and IBM/Lenovos ThinkPad series - but - there is obvious buying power amongst those who buy Apple products - and it seems they are willing to pay for what they want.So the ideas is to resolve an issue that has recently come into play with the Macbook - and more recently the Macbook Pro - I think people were more accepting for the Macbook - given it was never really aimed at Professional users, or even users who did more than basic use... but the backlash for the lack of ports on the Pro model has been well noticed.There are other companies making docks and dongles and even things you stick to your laptop - but none of them are permanent - and none of them would be sturdy enough to leave on the laptop, nor do any of them really off all of the functionality of the lauded Macbook Pros of last year. Some issues cannot be fixed - like some of the possible battery issues, and some of the performance issues - but what can be fixed are the followingAdding back the USB 3 ports ( four of them at least)Adding back the thunderbolt ports ( 2 of them)adding back the damned SD card slot ( 1- maybe 2?)The return of the Magsafe port ( assuming there is no legal issue with using it, possibly slightly redesign it - and not actually call it magsafe, but instead say compatible with previous chargers?)Adding HDMI backPossibly adding additional flash storage?Anything else that will fit into the space allotted - maybe a subwoofer? I dont know beyond what Ive listed. I had thought maybe a CF slot for people who use DSLR cameras etc...I have done some 3d editing and made some mock ups using a model of an older macbook - I could not find a free model of the current generation - if someone has one or access to one Id love to have a go at that.The big difference here from others is that it will be semi-permanent - you would remove the bottom cover from the laptop - and this would both connect to the side using the ports on the left - as well as replace the bottom panel and be screwed to the laptop - I see no reasy why it would be any less sturdy than the laptop itself -and I dont see why any kind of power switch etc would be needed. I just taught myself how to use the 3d software- and I figure if there are free circuit board design programs I could use one of those as well?Im not a little kid or anything, I am an adult - I just dont have the money to put towards "ideas" but I am good at money allocating and the like so if crowd funding were successful - with some assistance in the area of prototyping and possibly design etc - I feel like the project could go to fruition . I will attack pictures. I hope at least someone bothers to read this mess.