Following the instructions here: http://www.geektonic.com/2007/05/converting-old-laptop-into-digital.html
I converted my old Dell Inspiron 2650 into a digital picture frame a couple of days ago. Bottom line: it rocks and I recommended doing it.
Steps:
- Grab an old Laptop (w/wifi or grab a CHEAP ($20) 802.11g PCMCIA card, link below)
- Install XP SP3 and Google’s Picasa screensaver (part of the Google Pack) link here
- Start a Flickr.com account and use the RSS feed for your Google Screensaver
- Remove the laptop screen and mount it over the keyboard (I used adhesive mounting strips to hold it in place)
- Goto Hobby Lobby and buy a shadowbox frame for $35, and get a matting to hide the ugly laptop plastic and only show the screen
- Cram laptop in the shadowbox, fire it up, and wait until your screensaver comes on!
I grabbed this PCMCIA card at OfficeMax for $20, here’s the link for it at Amazon.com. My USB wifi dongle was just a bit too large for the shadowbox, this cheap-o card is awesome. Oh and if you are having problems with XP dropping your connection, make sure you turn off the Wireless Zero service in administrative tools…
