Build my own laptop?

[Xenokyn]

I remember reading on an article a little while ago on Anandtech about the name of a company(i think they were somehow affiliated with, or maybe split from ASUS) that allows you to hand pick laptop parts, have them shipped and build it yourself. This way I can start with a clean OS and hand picked components, just like I do with my PCs. There might of even been an Intel sponsored company, I just can't remember.

Anyway, lets say i want to build my own laptop with a clean, OEM or Retail version of Win7 that I install myself. What company(ies) offer this type of service?

Thanks

 

[PCTC2]

Pegatron makes OEM parts for a lot of computer manufacturers, but I don't know of an actual company that would let you customize beyond what most laptop manufacturers offer today. It's expensive to engineer universal parts to fit in such a small form factor.

Your best bet is just to find a retail laptop that has the parts you want as close as you can get. Even barebone laptops are barely existent.

 

[corkyg]

Computer Shopper ceased publication as a magazine in April, 2009. However, they do have a current website portal. This may be of interest:

http://computershopper.com/feature/build-your-own-laptop#

IMHO, it would be very difficult to achieve economy of scale in such a niche market. That is not to say it might be fun to do.

 

[kalrith]

MSI makes some nice barebones laptops, which I think is what you're looking for (you can order one here). Another option is going with a custom laptop from Sager/Clevo (same company, I think), which you can order here. You can specify all your options and have it come with no software installed.

The main difference is that with the barebones, you can shop around for your own processor, RAM, and hdd.

I'd personally go with the Sager/Clevo simply for the high-end video cards you can get in them.

 

[cbn]

How about OCZ?

Are they still planning on continuing DIY laptops? (I see the old models still listed on their website)

 

[Skott]

It doesn't look like OCZ is persuing it like they once had. I'm thinking that the market (small as it was) sort of disappeared for DIY laptop builds and thats why we're not hearing much about it nowadays nor anyone like OCZ pushing it. It never really caught on like DIY desktops and SFF units. Especially now that laptops have dropped dramatically in price since DIY laptops came out. Its less hassle to go buy one and easier to find the right combo of components.