Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Custom Lego Computer Brings Out the Kid in All of Us

Image Courtesy of Total Geekdom
Legos have been a staple of childhood for years. Unlike some toys that come and go with the times, Legos have always reigned supreme and shown incredible longevity. Legos are so popular and so iconic, in fact, that Mike Schropp over at Total Geekdom created an entire computer out of Legos.....an entire, real, working computer.

Now this concept isn't new. Schropp made his first Lego computer back in 2011 but has since had tons of requests to reproduce the concept. People really took to the concept and inquired about getting one of their own and even asking Schropp about custom variations. However, the original concept wasn't one that was easily replicated.

With all the interest in the computer, Schropp has been trying to figure out a way to make one that wasn't hard to reproduce and one that could be purchased by anyone looking for a new computer with a unique twist. The challenge was to make a Lego computer that was compatible with a wide array of devices and one that is also capable of meeting the needs of modern users. This new device needed to be advanced in 2015 and still relevant in 2017 but could also be upgraded so that it might last as long as 2020.

With all this in mind, Schropp fine tuned the guidelines for his new Lego Computer System:

  Design
  • Small Form Factor Design
  • Intuitive Features
  • Thermal Management Control
Connectivity
  • Fully Wired Connectivity (USB 3.0, DisplayPort, HDMI, LAN, Audio)
  • Wireless Connectivity (Wireless AC, Bluetooth)
  • Optical Drive (DVD/CD Combo Standard, Blu-Ray Optional)
  • Front USB 3.0 Ports
Powerful
  • [Memory] Minimum 8GB RAM with 16GB RAM Support
  • [Processor] Latest Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 Processors
  • [Storage] Multiple SSD Drives (Optional HDD Storage Drive)
  • [Graphics] Intel HD4600 Graphics
Efficiency 
  • High Efficiency Energy Star Level 5 Rated Power Supply
  • Low Energy Usage
Capabilities
  • Multi-Tasking (Office, Internet, Video)
  • HD 1080p Video Playback
  • 4K Resolution Support
  • Multi-Monitor Setup
  • Light-Medium Gaming Capabilities
  • Built-In, Intuitive System Backup
  • Supports Windows 7/8/10 & Linux

With these guidelines, Schropp went on to create a completely new system unlike anything currently available on the market today. If you head on over to Schropp's post about the computer on Total Geekdom you can see a very, very in-depth and detailed article that goes through the entire process of building this new Lego computer. In the post Schropp adds tons of photos of different variations as well as customization and even internal pics of the building process.

This is definitely an incredible idea and one that a lot of people all over the world would be more than willing to get their hands on. I'm half tempted to get one right now! Truly an amazing accomplishment.

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