Second life for an old laptop with a broken screen

A damaged laptop display is not a death sentence. Instead of costly matrix replacement, the device can be converted into a portable desktop computer in a home workshop or on the balcony. We will make the case from hardwood with a colorful texture, use a TV as a display, thereby getting a smart TV.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

What you will need


In addition to the contents of the laptop, you need the following tools and materials:
  • laptop case disassembly kit;
  • manual router with a set of cutters;
  • circular and hand saws;
  • marking and measuring tools;
  • 2 boards 25 mm thick (planed) or panels according to body size ~300 × 400 mm;
  • metal grid;
  • drill or screwdriver with drills;
  • a pair of chisels and sandpaper;
  • glue.

Manufacturing process


Using a laptop repair kit, we disassemble the device case and remove the components.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

Don’t forget to unscrew the mounting screws and disconnect the cables and plugs.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

Remove the rubber feet. We disassemble the display case and remove the webcam with a cable to connect it. Let's make sure that nothing was damaged during disassembly: connect the components on the table and start the device.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

We cut the boards or boards to sizes slightly larger than the dimensions of the motherboard (8-12 mm on all sides).
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

We place the system board on the board so that 8-12 mm remains to the edges, and trace it with a pencil.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

Using a router with a straight groove cutter, we select a seat for the motherboard.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

The main contour can be set with a thick cutter (12 mm), and the contours with a thin one (6 mm) or use a cutter for a slotting machine.
A hastily made carriage will simplify the process and increase accuracy. We do the same with the second shield - we select a place for the hard drive, processor fan and free circulation of hot air.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

Use a thin groove cutter to select grooves to remove warm air from the housing. We clamp the shield vertically between two planes along which the router platform will move.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

We sand the boards with emery cloth. Perpendicular to the slots, select a longitudinal groove. For the speakers, we make a hole with a core drill, using a jigsaw or router. We cut a metal mesh with dimensions slightly larger than the holes for air and speakers.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

We glue the mesh inside the case to prevent foreign objects from getting inside.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

We mark and make holes for the connectors using a chisel, screwdriver, or drill.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

Using a chisel we give all the grooves and holes an aesthetic appearance, and sand the body with emery cloth.
We make a power button: we drill holes, insert a round piece of such diameter into it that it fits tightly into the hole.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

Drill 3 holes for indicators.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

We install and connect the components (except for the speakers) and fix them.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

The board with indicators and the power plug can be fixed with glue.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

We cut out the cover for the drive so that it does not visually differ from the case. We attach the overlay.We glue the speakers to the grid. Using a hand saw and a router (jigsaw, band saw), we cut out the legs.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

Using a rasp and sandpaper we finalize their shape. If desired, we decorate the body (with carvings, burnt patterns, milling ribs) and cover it with oil. Glue the elastic bands to the legs. We connect the speakers and check everything thoroughly (you can use the device for a couple of hours/days to make sure that everything is functioning properly). Apply glue to the contacting areas of the body parts and glue them together.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

The pressing time and duration of the process depends on the glue. We attach the legs and turn it on.
Second life for a laptop with a broken screen

When working with the tool, remember safety precautions. The laptop must be disassembled and reassembled carefully to avoid damage to the cables. You can install the webcam in a convenient place, for example, above the TV. Instead of glue, the two parts of the body can be fastened with self-tapping screws. They will simplify disassembly, for example, for cleaning dust.

Watch the video


come back
Comment
  • bowtiesmilelaughingblushsmileyrelaxed relaxedsmirk
    heart_eyeskissing_heartkissing_closed_eyesflushedrelievedsatisfiedgrin
    winkstuck_out_tongue_winking_eyestuck_out_tongue_closed_eyesgrinningkissingstuck_out_tonguesleeping
    worriedfrowninganguishedopen_mouthgrimacingconfusedhushed
    expressionlessunamusedsweat_smilesweatdisappointed_relievedwearypassive
    disappointedconfoundedfearfulcold_sweatperseverecrysob
    joyastonishedscreamtired_faceangryragetriumph
    sleepyyummasksunglassesdizzy_faceimpsmiling_imp
    neutral_faceno_mouthinnocent
3+three=
Comments (7)
  1. Guest Andrey
    #1 Guest Andrey Guests 10 March 2020 12:53
    8
    It is not easier to dismantle the display and operate it together with the monitor.
    1. Not Admin
      #2 Not Admin Guests 10 March 2020 19:38
      3
      Well, the man wanted something made with his own hands. And it looks much nicer if you just cut off the display, for example. grinning
  2. Vlad
    #3 Vlad Guests 10 March 2020 22:06
    3
    Well, the idea is so-so.
    Monsieur knows a lot about perversions.
  3. Stepan
    #4 Stepan Guests 11 March 2020 12:22
    1
    Not a bad idea. We screw a broken laptop to an unnecessary monitor at the back - we have a compact computer that takes up almost no space on the table. I guess I'll do that.
    You can get rid of the cover with the broken matrix, and, if needed, integrate the camera into the monitor.
  4. BENDER39
    #5 BENDER39 Guests 11 March 2020 16:48
    1
    Isn't it easier to attach the cover to the laptop, instead of the display, from the monitor))
  5. passerby
    #6 passerby Guests 17 December 2020 18:50
    2
    You can also replace the matrix on the laptop.
    1. Ivan
      #7 Ivan Guests 26 May 2021 13:39
      0
      Was that even possible?