💻 AKIRA Thinkpad! - Part 2 - DIY Custom Painted Lenovo X230 Laptop, HD IPS Panel, SSD, Keyboard, RAM
DIY Painting a laptop?? Thankfully part 2 went much more smoothly than last time!
If you missed part 1 it's here: • 💻 AKIRA Thinkpad!? DIY...
This is part 2 of transforming my cheapo stock Lenovo Thinkpad X230 into an AKIRA themed iconic red machine (Kaneda's Bike)
In this final part we implement a really cool mod made by the russian bada$$ Nitrocaster, you can pick up this mod here on his website: nitrocaster.me/store/x220-x23... this mod allows you to stuff in a full HD panel into your tiny 12.5" X230, the panel I put in here (LG LP125WF4-SPB1) looks INCREDIBLE!
Also on the dockett is upgrading from 8GB of mismatched blechhh ram, to 16GB of matching ram! We're also tossing in a 240GB MSATA SSD, I threw in a new 500GB SSD for data, and finally a Korean X220 keyboard!
This isn't really a how to or how to do tutorial, but there should be enough info here for you to create your own. You also don't need a crazily expensive UV printer like I have used, you could just get a sticker sheet and produce a very similar result that would probably be a lot cheaper and easier to execute.
If you want to check out my previous laptop painting project the video is here: • 💻 Painting A Laptop!? ...
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⛧ \\ Table of Contents: \\ ⛧
00:00 - Intro
00:31 - Reassembly prep
00:58 - RAM 16GB upgrade
01:20 - Nitrocaster's FHD upgrade
03:14 - Full HD IPS panel upgrade
05:32 - Reassembly + MSATA upgrade
07:21 - X220 Keyboard upgrade (issues!)
11:57 - Build completion
13:57 - Software setup + final thoughts
16:11 - Next time \ outro
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\\ AKIRA (Kaneda's Bike) Thinkpad X230 DIY Custom Painted Laptop \\
👏Here👏we👏go👏again👏
I took a regular Lenovo Thinkpad X230 I bought of eBay for about $100. The laptop was in pretty rough shape but I didn't care because I was essentially going to be refinishing it anyway.
Here are the UPGRADED specs of the system:
Lenovo Thinkpad X230
- Intel i5-3320M
- 16GB RAM
- 240GB MSATA SSD (OS) and 500GB SSD (DATA)
- 12.5" FULL HD IPS display
The first thing I wanted to address was the RAM, this came with 8GB of RAM but it was mismatched so I opted to throw some new 16GB modules in there that are matched!
After that it was time to upgrade the panel, I used Nitrocaster's mod (link above) to upgrade the panel to a FULL HD IPS panel, this was a bit tricky to install, but well worth the effort because the difference in panels is night and day. After soldering that to the motherboard, I threw in the new panel, chopped some bits of the corner off and then slapped in all together.
While assembling the motherboard into the casing, I also threw in a MSATA 240GB SSD for the boot (operating system) drive, and also later upgraded the regular SSD to a 500GB for storage.
After putting everything back together I dropped in a brand new keyboard, I should have gone with a Japanese keyboard to fit the theme, but I can't really type in JIS layout (too weird bro), and I found this cool Korean layout for 3$ cheaper than an English one, and it's ANSI to boot! I had a heck of a time installing the keyboard, but after 6 tries I finally got it to work and the computer would finally boot.
After that all I had to do was set up the keyboard using sharpkeys, and it was finally finished!
⛧ \\ Full write-up with pics is on the main site: hightech-lowlife.github.io/pr...
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⛧ 2021 High Tech \\ Low Life | - Cyberpunk - Projects - DIY - Art - Tech - Modding - ⛧
Пікірлер: 78
The best-looking Thinkpad PERIOD this video deserves millions of view! no cap
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much I really appreciate it! 🤘🤘🤘
Fortunately I'm into thinkpads' new keyboard. What a relief...
@hightech-lowlife
Ай бұрын
It's a pretty easy mod
Really nice build and paint job. A great movie to be based on, definitely high tech low life cyberpunk. In answer to your question about what the lid is made of, I think most of these older Thinkpads used a magnesium blend, hence the strength and rigidity.
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching and the feedback! Much appreciated. Ah yes, I can remember reading that there actually was some type of metal blended into the casing, I'm sure they went with magnesium for it's weight properties, or maybe it's just easier to create a composite with it other than aluminum. Either way, Thinkpads are the best!
you need more views and subs...awesome work
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! It means a lot 🙌
You did really amazing job!!!
@hightech-lowlife
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much man! I will be doing more custom laptops in the future 👍
YOU are breathtaking! Amazing mod and truly outstanding paintjob :O
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
No, YOU are breathtaking! Thank you so much, I appreciate it! 💥💥💥
I hope you continue to upload more content, you got some awesome videos
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! I really do have so much content on the way, it's a bit overwhelming 😂 - I appreciate the feedback, it's people like you and comments like this that help me to keep pushing on with my projects, so thank you!
can't belive this chennel is so underrated
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for the feedback and support, it means a lot!
@electroscientist4447
2 жыл бұрын
@@hightech-lowlife I love your work I just finished watching evey single video I think you should keep upload them consistantly and I was really inspired by your paint job specially those 2 laptop they are freaking cool do you have any idea about how to paint fixed keyboard with the chassis like lenovo ideapad 520 i'd be really glad if you could give me at least some idea as always keep up
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Hey, this reply got stuck in my "needs review" section which I never check for some reason, so my apologies for taking so long to get back to you man! I really appreciate your feedback, thank you so much! As for the Ideapad 520, that's going to be a bit tricky to paint! I think your options are either mask off the entire keyboard area (but you will see the original color between the keys) - OR - mask each keycap individually, which would take a long time but it may be worth it. If you could remove the keycaps then that would be the best and just mask off underneath them, but I think with enough patience you could pull it off to where it looked really good! Thanks man!
@electroscientist4447
2 жыл бұрын
@@hightech-lowlife thanks for reply I thought you wouldn't reply me But a yeah i can take off the keypad and then musk but that gonna be a long work..
Very cool man good content thanks 🤝
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching and commenting!
This is an interesting idea. Inspiring me to do something custom with one of my ThinkPads. Good job and thanks for sharing info/providing a tutorial on what seems to be a pretty niche modification. Akira is an excellent theme, btw!
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for watching, and for the feedback! I have more computer customizations coming up on the channel. AKIRA is legendary!
@HaisteComputerRepair
2 жыл бұрын
@@hightech-lowlife For sure! I must admit I have only watched Akira while in a "psychedelic" state of mind. So, I definitely need to watch it again as despite how interesting that was I have little recollection of the film.
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
@@HaisteComputerRepair I can't even imagine what that would be like haha, to me that film is already 'psychedelic' just on its own, it's very strange but incredibly cool. You should give it another watch. I'm running down the full series of Cowboy Bebop right now :)
@HaisteComputerRepair
2 жыл бұрын
@@hightech-lowlife It was mind bending to say the least. It's on my list. Cowboy Bebop is an old favorite, from when I first watched it in high school (2002) til now it's in the top 3. You should do a Cowboy Bebop theme ThinkPad. I have an X220T for a daily driver laptop that would look pretty cool.
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
@@HaisteComputerRepair I can only imagine :) This is my first time through with cowboy, I think I tried before but for some reason wasn't grabbed by it, but I get why it has the cult following now and it's really cool. I'll think if I can come up with some interesting imagery for a bebop build I would attempt, but I'm definitely going to do a GITS one at some point though. Thanks!
I love you channel man. Gotta make sure I interact with all of your videos from now on to help the algorithm see how great your videos are!
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, I appreciate it Corey!
Very cool!
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!!
Thanks for this video, which I happened upon randomly. I tried doing the keyboard swap mod yesterday and ran into the same problem of the Thinkpad not even powering on anymore with the keyboard. After seeing you run into the same problem, I went back and carefully re-inserted the ribbon cables a few times until I got it working.
@hightech-lowlife
Жыл бұрын
That's awesome man, I'm glad you were able to get it working - the x220 keyboard is worth the effort! 🍻
It's "the race car" look in my opinion and the X230 deserve this.
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!! It's definitely a 'different' look for a ThinkPad 🌟🌟🌟
Nailed it
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I fumbled hard in the previous part but I pulled through a bit on this one, it's not 'perfect' but not bad, I appreciate your thoughts and feedback, thank you!
astounding!!! this is a true work of art. now please make color pdf step by step guide and I will buy the plans
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! Maybe when I'm retired I will have time to make that 😁 - for now, just go off the video and do the best you can 😎
This is the Mother of all Mods...MMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!!! 💥💥💥👏👏👏
@vonhohenzollern
2 жыл бұрын
@@hightech-lowlife Yeah man, i just hope that Ivy Bridge doesnt get brought to its knees that fast, being affected by the grinds of time myself :)) Otherwise we'll have to visit it in the MET sometime in the future...
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
@@vonhohenzollern I'm ok with old hardware, you can always give it less demanding tasks 👍I should have gone with the i7 but, it's fine. Plus I can always get a new laptop and come up with a new theme and paint it 😁Thanks!
Wow period
@hightech-lowlife
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!! 🍻
Dude, this is awesome ! You should do the USB-C mod for the power supply too !
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! I have looked into that mod before, I may consider, I kind of like the round port, as it doesn't matter what orientation you have - it's always correct :)
a tutorial on that paint job would be fire
@hightech-lowlife
3 ай бұрын
Which paint were you looking for?
Love it. Was going to do the same IPS panel upgrade with nitrocaster mod. Do you happen to have a store link to the exact same panel? I'm worrying that I might get an incompatible model.
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! Unfortunately I bought this panel quite a while ago and the same seller is no longer carrying it, but if you can search the part number most likely you will be able to find it: LG LP125WF4-SPB1
good!!
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!!
Next project is a Redline themed build!
@hightech-lowlife
Жыл бұрын
I've never seen redline, would you recommend? Thanks man!
@escapetherace1943
Жыл бұрын
@@hightech-lowlife every frame was hand drawn over a period of 7 years. It's not the deepest thing ever but a masterpiece in animation, watch it, it's a must.
@hightech-lowlife
Жыл бұрын
@@escapetherace1943 Thanks for the recommendation man, I will definitely give it a watch 🍻
Please do more of these anime or other themed mods
@hightech-lowlife
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I have more laptop paint/builds planned 👍
really nice build. Things i would have done other way 1. if i want to use it reguarly i would opt for the i7 3612qm, there is someone offering modded mainboards I7 qm and the Monitor mod. in my T430 due to socketed CPU if swapped in an i7 3612qm instead of the i5-3520 and it was like night and day. I#m not good in soldering so i'm glad that there is a plug and play solution for the monitor upgrade in my T430. 2. i would not have painted the rubber feet. So it will stand safer. 3. i would have masked the Lenovo logo also.
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I agree, knowing how much time I put into this I would have started with an i7 base, I know there are some on taobao pre-modded x230 mobos with the quad core i7. I actually later removed the paint from the rubber feet because they were too slick from the paint :). Thank you for watching and the feedback!
Para tal modificação comprem um apoio para o teclado do x220 e uma apoio para as mãos do x220, ambos servirão imediatamente, sem necessidade de cortes com alicates, e prendam a fita corretamente no teclado pelo modo correto, ensinado na Wiki do mod do teclado xx30, pois da forma que é apresentado no vídeo não é a correta, além disso façam o flash do EC. Todas as peças podem ser compradas no Aliexpress.
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
It's true, you can just get an X220 palm rest, but I chose to modify what I had than purchase something else, but I agree it is easier to do it if you just buy all the other parts 👍 Reference since you didn't link it and if others come across this comment and want to know what you're referring to: www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Install_Classic_Keyboard_on_xx30_Series_ThinkPads Thanks man!
@alex_fernan
2 жыл бұрын
@@hightech-lowlife Seu trabalho é excelente, obrigado por referenciar o link, eu tentei responder aqui já por duas vezes para deixar contribuição sobre a máquina, mas meu comentario sumiu no limbo do google.
@hightech-lowlife
2 жыл бұрын
@@alex_fernan Thanks man! 👍👍
HOW MUCH
@hightech-lowlife
Жыл бұрын
I suppose I ask you the same? It's in mint condition as I don't really use it. Thanks!
For an X230, I think this build was definitely overkill. That cheap ass laptop doesnt deserve that kind of love imo. But the build itself, is absolutely insane 👍
@hightech-lowlife
Жыл бұрын
Thank so much man! For as much time as I put into this, I should have at least gone for the i7 😂I will be doing similar builds in the future too!
@escapetherace1943
Жыл бұрын
@@hightech-lowlife naw the i5 is fine dude, way less heat and less heat = longevity for these bad bois. I nibbed an x220 mainly because I didn't want to keyboard swap, cause you gotta buy the keyboard + palmrest. Mods I did were (i5 x220). 256gb msata, 2TB ssd (anime machine), IPS display (native resolution), and of course a repaste. I also have the x220/x230 dock for the thicc meme and potential to use it as a workstation, I added another hard drive there. I get between 5-7 hours of battery life and the IPS is so much better. Watching retro anime on it is cozy and typing I love. Only downside I can think of is the USB 2.0, I think the x230 has a 3.0 port, so the last thing I may need to grab is the usb 3 port for the express slot
@hightech-lowlife
Жыл бұрын
@@escapetherace1943 Yeah it's more than plenty for what I would use it for (I don't really use it much though, I have a lot of computers). That sounds like an awesome rig man, X220 is one of my favorite thinkpads by far, especially with the IPS display!
So you spent all that money customizing and upgrading, but then cheaped out and bought a keyboard that looks entirely out of place? Everything else is great but damn, that little bit is disappointing.
@hightech-lowlife
4 ай бұрын
Don't you dare hate on my awesome Korean X220 keyboard, JIS would be more fitting (as I said in the video) but there's no way I'm using an ISO enter, and a regular QWERTY is too boring for this build. How about some constructive criticism instead? Name a keyboard that is "in place" in your opinion? I'll wait.
@RATsnak3
4 ай бұрын
Fair enough, ISO just looks strange@@hightech-lowlife
@RATsnak3
4 ай бұрын
@@hightech-lowlife here is an idea: Find a way to print a Japanese layout onto the original x203 keyboard :P just like you did with the rest of the computer lol.
@RATsnak3
4 ай бұрын
@@hightech-lowlife here is my last suggestion: I am sure the Japanese keyboard uses the same mechanism as all the other keyboards... just get a Japanese keyboard and pop off the keycaps :P
@hightech-lowlife
4 ай бұрын
I already did that on my latest laptop painting build, so it is possible but if you watch that video you'll see how much work is involved in making that happen 👍@@RATsnak3