i want to build a netbook/laptop with an independent gps tracker

[ZippyDan]

My basic idea is this:

1. Acquire a netbook/laptop with working screen/keyboard/trackpad
2. Replace the internal components with something smaller that can run still run the screen/keyboard/trackpad and windows
3. Use the extra internal space to install a separate tracking device

Why do I want to do this? I'm expecting this laptop to get stolen. I want to track down the criminal.

The gps device must be independently powered, as the thief is tech savvy enough to wipe the hard drive, but likely not enough to actually take the laptop apart to see what is inside.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Get a laptop with an mSATA SSD, and put the GPS tracker where the HDD would otherwise go? Fit should be no problem.

There are plenty of pet GPS trackers that would be fine. You might have to pull off the plastic casing. If you wanted to get clever, you could get one with a rechargeable battery and wire in a charging circuit so it'll charge when the laptop is on. If you want to get fancy. Otherwise, it should last a while anyway.

This looks cool if you can wait for a shipping product.

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/retrievor-the-complete-gps-tracking-retrieving-solution

 

[DaveSimmons]

Just use a motion sensor and some C4, along with a microphone to pick up the screaming.




(probably not serious. probably.)

 

[John Connor]

Find a laptop that has Lojack

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

A very cheap, quickish, simple, only costing a few $'s and some of your time, solution comes to mind.

Get a "rubbish", possibly already bust (maybe), old (if you want), but attractive enough to the thieves laptop. i.e. A donor "Honey Pot".

Install a tiny (size of a thicker than normal postage stamp) circuit AM or FM transmitter kit. I might be able to help you find circuit plans for them on the internet, I'm convinced there are many available. They consist of a tiny verostrip (or PCB) board, very few (really cheap, easy to get hold of) transistors e.g. 2 of them, a few resistors and capacitors, and a hand windable coil, made of wire and possibly ferrite if needed.

They can use little electricity, so can be fairly easily powered by small batteries and/or the laptop batteries.
It should be small enough to hide in the laptop, somewhere.

The partial downside, is you would have to use a radio, and drive round until you found where the signal is strongest.
If you think they are further than a few miles away, then this may not be the best solution.

You want one which sends a regular signal, rather than a mic one, but a mic one can fairly easily be converted. Their limited range, may ruin their usefulness for this application.

 

[Torn Mind]

Just use a motion sensor and some C4, along with a microphone to pick up the screaming.




(probably not serious. probably.)

You need a proper detonator to make C4 explode.

 

[DaveSimmons]

You need a proper detonator to make C4 explode.

Motion sensor => detonator => C4

A proximity sensor might work too.