TheLostChinese.org

Project Mayhem – Building a Digital Picture-Frame… on steroids.
Status: Started
Projected Cost: Expensive ($50 to $100)
Projected Difficulty Level: Advanced – Linux and general computer hardware knowledge are needed.
Projected Time: About a Week

Materials/Tools Known to be Needed:

• An old laptop
• Screw Drivers
• USB Wireless Adaptor (if supported by your home network and the laptop
• A Media Server already installed on the network

Overview and Explanation:
Project Mayhem was the name given to this by my friend Charlie. The project itself has nothing to do with mayhem; I just wanted to build a badass picture frame. So basically, what I’m doing is taking apart a Dell Latitude Laptop and putting the LCD in a picture frame. Then, I’m adding a wireless network adaptor and putting it on the network. Add some software and speakers, and when it’s at idle the picture frame will display photos from whatever directory I choose on my server. When I decide to use it, I’ll be able to access all the media on the server (Music mostly) and play it through the speakers I’ll have near it (I’m putting the picture frame next to a stereo for now).