Convert Your Old Laptop into a Digital Projector DIY Project

Some people have an extra $1,000 just lying around to buy a digital projector. Unfortunately, most of the people that I know, myself included, do not. Here's how you can build your own digital projector on the cheap.
Ed. note: The following guide comes from DIYer Randy Sarafan's 62 Projects to Make with a Dead Computer: (And Other Discarded Electronics). Read more about Randy's projects and his book below.
There is nothing worse than being broke and spending long nights on the couch eating cold leftover pizza and watching spaghetti westerns on a 15-inch tube TV. Okay, to be fair, you may like cold pizza, but a screen six feet larger surely couldn't hurt the situation, right? At the very least, you can give Clint Eastwood the justice he deserves, and you won't even need to rob a bank or hold up a stagecoach to make it happen. This DIY projector can be made for $150 or less (depending on how resourceful you are). Worst-case scenario, you may have to eat buttered noodles for an entire week to be able to afford it, but it's a doable short-term sacrifice for an extremely valuable long-term investment in large-scale entertainment.
A Brief Word on Safety
This project description is intended to provide you with ideas and techniques for repurposing electronic equipment that might otherwise be discarded. While the directions are intended to help you move in a step-by-step way toward the finished project, you should always use caution, sound judgment and common sense whenever handling electronic equipment. Be sure to always familiarize yourself with the safety warnings and instructions for any tools, equipment, and other materials you may use in any projects. And, if you are uncertain about your ability to safely perform any of the techniques described in this project selection, seek the advice of a professional.

Materials

• LCD monitor or laptop with a broken backlight
• Mini screwdriver set
• Cardboard box, the same height as the projector bed
• Overhead projector (available on eBay or Craigslist, or at Office Max)
• Small fan
• four 1/2" spacers
• DVDs!

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By : Cipher