Before Pics?

What kind of laptop do you own?

I suggest you use some high gloss spray-paint. How about a photoshoped image or concept art?

I'm serious.

Your post was vague...

Thanks for the suggestions, Sirocco. I hadn't thought to separate it first.

And, relay: I was doing exactly that before I checked back.

Here are the before pics:

{"name":"267452626_c400d10b77.jpg","src":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/f\/c\/fc118e053b9d15fc8372c11cb4a18498.jpg","w":500,"h":374,"tn":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/f\/c\/fc118e053b9d15fc8372c11cb4a18498"}

{"name":"267452627_b7e7c68b59.jpg","src":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/3\/2\/323d321137d51e93c67d1acbad976f52.jpg","w":500,"h":374,"tn":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/3\/2\/323d321137d51e93c67d1acbad976f52"}

Projected after:

{"name":"267452636_9f24692c01.jpg","src":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/0\/3\/03d02786dd5277cf121138aaf60123fc.jpg","w":500,"h":374,"tn":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/0\/3\/03d02786dd5277cf121138aaf60123fc"}

Sorry about the fuzziness. I literally just got this camera, and I haven't completely figured out how to use it yet. I'll be back soon with clearer images and some photoshopped concepts.

Edit: Accidentally hit update before I was done uploading the pics. heh

Edit 2: Updated post with clear photos and concept art.

As you can see, there are a few minor defects in it. There is faded paint where my hands usually go (more pronounced on the right side for some reason) and there is a hairline crack on the back of the screen.

I have this copy of PC Magazine that has a bunch of laptop upgrade tips. None are really anything I haven't seen before, but it got me on this track.

And yes, there is a way to remove the casing on most. Look for little things that look like they might be covering screws. (the magazine is how I knew this)

Edit: Does anyone know of a good compound to fix cracks in laptop cases?

Update: My photoshop class was cancelled, so I went to Michael's and Ace Hardware.

I bought:
Black spray paint (Krylon)
White spray paint (Krylon)
Neon green acrylic paint
A cheap pack of 3 different sized paintbrushes
Some sandpaper
An all-purpose glue that the guy at Ace said works really well on plastic
Cardstock (for printing stencils onto for the keyboard)
X-acto blade (for cutting into the stencils)

What I plan to do to the keyboard:
{"name":"267604957_364ff299d2_b.jpg","src":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/a\/7\/a7b6287668bfde332fbf4982cf9a3fd8.jpg","w":1024,"h":766,"tn":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/a\/7\/a7b6287668bfde332fbf4982cf9a3fd8"}

Update:

Work on it today was delayed because I stayed up all night waiting in line to pre-order a Wii. (#3!!!) So when I got home I slept all day. But I was able to practice my graffiti skills on my calculator and a keyboard I never use. It took me a while to get in the groove, but I got the hang of it.

I took apart the case to the screen, which was easy enough. Felt like I was about to break it at some parts, though. I masked off the speaker holes and put on a first coat before it got too dark to continue. It looks alright, but the laptop's plastic isn't as adhesive as the calculator's, so it's a bit dull. I will probably have to put on 2 or 3 coats.

I've been taking pictures along the way, I will post a link to the photostream when the project is done.

You waited in line at EB/gamestop to pay $50 to reserve a Wii? You do know that you aren't guaranteed anything, right? The email they sent me (I signed up for their Wii preorder info list) says preordering doesn't guarantee a system will be there for you.

If they get 7 units and you are the 8th person to show up you're SOL.

Won't be too hard to do a single key, just the fact that I have to do a billion of them.

Edit: Well, I think I'm not very good at painting with acrylics. I tested it out on my calculator and at first I couldn't get a solid color, but I got past that... now it's just kinda globby. Although I suppose I could just sand it down afterwards...

Edit 2:

Asking opinions. Can't decide between having the green borders on the keys or not.

{"name":"267604957_364ff299d2_b.jpg","src":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/a\/7\/a7b6287668bfde332fbf4982cf9a3fd8.jpg","w":1024,"h":766,"tn":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/a\/7\/a7b6287668bfde332fbf4982cf9a3fd8"}

{"name":"269116203_8463500846_b.jpg","src":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/e\/6\/e6a63e428354c5f32701ff401636c6e1.jpg","w":1024,"h":766,"tn":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/e\/6\/e6a63e428354c5f32701ff401636c6e1"}

I like it better w/o borders.

I'd say don't border the keys, and if it glows in the dark then do the letters in green instead of white.

I think it will look good as long as the paint job doesn't end up looking like something out of a bad MSPaint drawing

I have the same problem. I am missing all 9 feet though! I was planning to buy some rubber and just cut it myself.