Why doesn't anyone build their notebooks?

[Juked07]

I just built my first desktop, and I don't really know much about laptop hardware. This is probably a stupid question =)

Is the cost prohibitive? I haven't looked at notebook parts much.. If the cost is okay, are there other reasons?

 

[racolvin]

I've never build a laptop but I've looked into it. Nowhere near as much flexibility with a DIY laptop, especially with the graphics cards. That seems to be improving lately but obviously a laptop will never be as flexible as a desktop just on the basis of available space in which to work 🙂 DIY laptops seem to be totally centered on compromise, which isn't something you have to be concerned with in a desktop except for your wallet 🙂

 

[smopoim86]

Building you laptop isn't flexible enough to justify. You can start with a whitebook and go from there (like a bare bones). The motherboard it ties to the whitebook you choose.

Also, it's only cost effective if you are going for a high end gaming laptop. Otherwise it may cost up to twice as much for the same amount of machine

 

[corkyg]

Basically, there are almost no two notebooks alike. There is no standard form factor for cases, motherboards, components, etc.

Yes, a maker could probably provide a kit - but the market for that is almost nil. Tolerances and tight fits mitigate against run of the mill hobbyists, and there are not enough expert hobbyists to justify the expense of putting that together.

IOW, it really is not cost effective.