Laser Etching a Laptop

ptorrone writes "I didn't really plan using a $20,000 laser cutter on my 17" PowerBook to etch a 19th-century engraving of a tarsier, a nocturnal mammal related to the lemur (also the vi book cover), but it seemed like it had to done. The results are stunning..."

Etching provides security.

[Futurepower(R)]

A laptop with large identifying markings is less likely to be stolen.

Re:another good thing

[theskeptic]

it was done on this notebook because it just looks so much cooler on the off-white powerbook.
Didn't see any mention of cost. What are the chances of Squid Labs offering it as a commerical service for Apple/laptop owners in general? If I had a powerbook, I sure would be interested in getting this done.

I like it

[wesw02]

I like it, and since apple only has one case for the powerbooks, one like that is sure to turn heads.

Shoulda done a liger

[everphilski]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liger [wikipedia.org]

-everphilski-

Re:Copyright

[BushCheney08]

Yeah, so do I. Oh wait: [makezine.com] MAKE comes from O'Reilly, the Publisher of Record for geeks and tech enthusiasts everywhere.

Re:security etching?

[kimvette]

What is better for identifying an item as yours? A tiny serial number laser-etched somewhere inconspicuous, or a huge lemur on the case that is not easily scratched out? It'd be cool if Apple were to see this and offer custom laser etchings on all of their notebooks.

Re:Slow on the uptake

[Anonymous Coward]

Slashdot = Digg + 2 days + People over 14
Slashdot != Digg and Digg != Slashdot.

If Digg is so much better for you, then go there and stop acting like a child here.

Re:Copyright

[Phatboy]

I hope they got permission from O'Reilly to do this?!

Well, the story is on MakeZine.com which is owned by O'Reilly, so I think they're safe on that front. Kinda also explains the choice of an O'Reilly cover image too.

Cool idea, ugly execution

[nsayer]

I have to give them props on the concept, but couldn't they have chosen a more appropriate design? The problem with the powerbook lid is that the Apple logo in the middle is the most prominent thing and is right in the middle, so you need a design that will compliment it, and will maintain some sort of symetry. The lemur, or whatever it is, makes the thing look "right heavy" and is a complete non-sequitor to the apple.

Re:Copyright

[Lisandro]

I hope they got permission from O'Reilly to do this?!

    You know things have gone down the crapper when people wonder about the legality of engraving a nifty picture on their own laptop. I mean, it's not like he's selling them.

Re:Practical Joke

[Anonymous Coward]

OMG A FARKER!!! Kill yourself immediately for being gay as hell.

Re:security etching?

[b17bmbr]

they do (did?) for ipods. you could get an ipod customized with a engraving on the back. but i guess that's kind of dumb really as most ipods sit in a case or something. but they did at one time. it was like a $20 add on feature. I guess you have to have a metal case for a laptop which is seldom the case except for the PB's. every other laptop, dell, gateway, et al., all have plastic.