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You are here: MacNN Forums > Community > MacNN Lounge > LCD picture frames - chop up an iBook or use a cheap monitor?

LCD picture frames - chop up an iBook or use a cheap monitor?
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starman
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May 1, 2006, 08:17 AM
 
So, one of the cool things I've seen lately is using an LCD as a dynamic picture frame. I've always wanted to do it. I finally got to the point where I wouldn't feel bad chopping up one of my iBooks to do this. However, I have this G4 Cube just sitting around doing nothing. I thought that it would almost be sacraligious to chop up an iBook, so I was thinking about going with a dirt cheap LCD. Anyone use either option? How do you like it?

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JoshuaZ
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May 1, 2006, 09:56 AM
 
I'm actually in the process of buying an old 366 iBook from a co-worker and using it for a picture frame. Well, after chopping it up and putting it into a nice frame.

The iBook is a better option because:

1) Will fit behind a frame nicely.
2) This then allows you to hang it, or put it on small desks.
3) The Cube would take up a lot of room.
4) It can run 10.3 and has wireless options for those who want to do an extra mile.
5) Old iBooks are cheap, old Cubes are collectors items and expensive.
6) Gutting an iBook and making it into a frame looks soooo much cooler.
     
phantomdragonz
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May 1, 2006, 01:02 PM
 
I just wish there was an easy way to connect just a screen to a VGA connection or something... I have a laptop screen laying around...

Zach
     
Railroader
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May 1, 2006, 01:09 PM
 
I say sell the iBook and buy a halfway decent LCD monitor to run with the cube.
     
production_coordinator
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May 1, 2006, 02:13 PM
 
I wouldn't chop up a iBook... I would sacrifice a PC for such a project.
     
Dakar
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May 1, 2006, 02:14 PM
 
I say pick door number 3.
     
starman  (op)
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May 1, 2006, 03:36 PM
 
See, I also feel like I can't chop up an iBook either. They were great machines for their time. The Cube isn't DOING anything, it just sits there in my garage so I might as well put it to good use, but it's the power of two units the I have to run, more wires. Bleh. Pros and cons for both.

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zmcgill
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May 1, 2006, 08:45 PM
 
Go with a powerbook 5300/1400/3400, etc, not a computer that's useful for anything else.
Check out my website: http://xenon.student.iastate.edu/iweb/
I've made two pictureframes from 5300cs's and I'm about to make one from a 1400.
     
JoshuaZ
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May 1, 2006, 11:16 PM
 
An old iBook, in my opinion, is about the same as a 5300 for usefulness these days. As long as we're talking about a clam shell one. I wouldn't chop up a white iBook just yet.

The iBook I'm looking at chopping up is in bad shape anyhow, so I don't feel very guilty about chopping it up.
     
climber
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May 2, 2006, 12:21 AM
 
doesn't anyone make one of these frames for a decent price? I know a some of them require monthly accounts and a phone line, but you would think with the low LCD prices lately you could get one without spending an arm and a leg.
     
PB2K
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May 2, 2006, 06:10 AM
 
ik have 4 powerbook 1400CS's that display color images at 800x600, they costed me about 80 euro's for all four. They run OS8.6

please dont sacrifice an ibook for an easy trick like displaying a picture
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PB2K
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May 2, 2006, 06:15 AM
 
dude that looks awesome, my powerbook 1400CS's are all still in original condition, if I copy your work, I could build them into my wall or a dedicated frame that holds all 4. now I wonder how to get rid of the heating.

have you ever considered to display anything other than pictures, like a continuous run of artificial life maybe?
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sabrejim
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May 2, 2006, 08:32 AM
 
Buy 32" LCD and mini, then wall mount it with ever changing movie posters...
mmmmmm
     
zmcgill
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May 2, 2006, 02:00 PM
 
call me crazy, but i can think of a couple things to do with a 32" LCD besides changing movie posters...can a mini even drive a 32"??
     
Bandit240
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May 3, 2006, 07:29 PM
 
Gossamer, dont kill that 1400. Ive still got a 1400cs in service. WiFi and all on it.
     
andi*pandi
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May 3, 2006, 08:51 PM
 
I've got a kodak lcd picture frame in a box somewhere...
     
   
 
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