fliplyricist1

Hi all,

Well, since I was able to score an old gateway 450sx4 computer with a busted screen from work, I've decided to go that route instead of the mini-itx route. Now I just have a few questions. I've done plenty of research and there seems to be a lot of differing opinions on this.

But basically I would like to know what my best bet in terms of powering the system and controlling startup/shutdown are. Again, this will be used with a docking station..

As per the gateway powerbrick specs, it states the output is 19v@4.74A. Input is 100-240v @1.5A.

This is a p4 gateway laptop. Does anyone have any suggestions for the most cost efficient way to power this thing?

And I'm still confused about the startup/shutdown control issue. I've seen threads where they have dedicated circuit boards to control startup/shutdown...then others where they say it can be done all with a simple soldering of power wires on the laptop itself?

Thanks for any help you guys may have in advance.

psyrex

"cost efficient" is get yourself a cheap inverter and use your existing power brick. this method also falls under the categories of "energy inefficient" and "runs hot" and "noise in audio playback".

You should spring for something like the carnetix P1900 to power your laptop and the LCD screen which I'm thinking you'll want.

As that is a P4 laptop, make sure you place it in a well ventilated area cuz those things get hot (they burn the giblets).

Well, it's a laptop, how do you normally start one up? by pushing the button. how does your car push a button to start the laptop up whenever the car starts up? soldering in a relay or something similar is the most direct way to access the button, but the electronics could still use some intelligence to handle startup and shutdown, and that's what the SDC boards are for. The board handles the intelligence, the soldering lets that intelligence actually push a physical button.