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Games Entertainment

How To Travel With LCD Gaming Screen? 278

Posted by timothy from the get-the-kind-that-folds-and-has-a-cpu dept.
johnpagenola asks: "My 17 year old son will start traveling this Fall to fencing tournaments, but he needs his gaming fix over the weekend. How best to travel with an LCD screen to protect it from damage? Is there a way to put together a storage device for LCD with speakers, SFF system unit, keyboard and mouse?" Other than "buy a laptop," can anyone suggest some travel-proofing tips for such a set-up?
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How To Travel With LCD Gaming Screen? More

How To Travel With LCD Gaming Screen?

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  • Don't the PS1 and PS2 LCD screens clamshell shut on top of the console? I would think those would be pretty sturdy. The PS1/LCD combo that's selling now has a nice form factor that should travel pretty well...
    • Actually, this is a better idea then it first seemed, looking at it. The PS2, lacking fragile moving parts, is ideal for the travel... it offers standard USB ports on the front for mouse and keyboard. I do not know if it offers an LCD, however


      ThinkGeek [thinkgeek.com] carries a CRT carrier, and I have seen one made for LCDs with nice neoprene padding around, particularly in the june issue of "Computer Shopper"

  • How about a pelican case? (Score:5, Informative)

    by kenthorvath ( 225950 ) on Sunday August 18, 2002 @02:46PM (#4093650)
    Buy a pelican case and carve out some nice foam indentations for the monitor, keyboard, etc. It's an air tight, waterproof seal with all the fixings.

  • Pelican (Score:5, Informative)

    by HRbnjR ( 12398 ) <chris@hubick.com> on Sunday August 18, 2002 @02:47PM (#4093654) Homepage
    I use a Pelican Case [pelican.com] when I ship my stuff. They are fantastic.
  • On of those metal suitcases with foam on the inside? A notebook bag with some extra foam, basicly foam to protect and something around it to keep everything in place..
    A piece of plastic of the same size as the screen (with some foam..) and some velcro to keep it in place?
    just some ideas..
  • You can mod one of those metal 'briefcase' style boxes with the foam inside pretty easy. The boxes are designed for electronics, test equipment, stuff like that and they come in a variety of sizes. They aren't all that expensive, either.

  • Not to be a troll... (Score:2, Insightful)

    by Xerithane ( 13482 )
    But does anybody find this to be exceptionally wrong? If you can't go a weekend without playing video games, I think you should have some priority adjustments. He's going to fencing tournaments so why not read books that enhance the mind? I'm speaking directly of combat philosophy books. Granted, there aren't that many out there but it seems better than playing video games in the commute.

    Now, back on subject, I'd suggest going with the Sony Glasstron [reviewfinder.com] goggles. I have a friend who had a setup with N64, PSX, DVD (Before PS2/Xbox) with these in his car. It worked really well for him.

    • i completely agree (Score:2, Offtopic)

      by Hadlock ( 143607 )
      if this is a school sponsored event, or hell, if it's an event of any type; let's remember it's an event for you to SOCIALIZE at. the only time a computer is used (well) for socializing is possibly a lan party and (more remotely) email/aim. not computer games. when going to speech tournaments (verbal fencing), the most enjoyable part of the whole tournament was the socializing factor. if you lock yourself in your hotel room and play computer games, you're not even getting half of the value of going to these events in the first place.

      if anything, i'd MAKE him get a laptop with a sub-par video card in it just so he wouldn't play games on it. or maybe just a cheap PDA.

      • Re:i completely agree (Score:4, Insightful)

        by guttentag ( 313541 ) on Sunday August 18, 2002 @03:48PM (#4093941) Journal
        These days, if the kid doesn't bring his gaming system he won't be able to socialize because everyone else will be be playing Unreal Tournament between fencing tournament matches. They wouldn't know how to socialize without the proper hardware interface.

        Don't you feel old?

        • These days, if the kid doesn't bring his gaming system he won't be able to socialize because everyone else will be be playing Unreal Tournament between fencing tournament matches. They wouldn't know how to socialize without the proper hardware interface.

          Don't you feel old?

          He shouldn't feel old. In a group setting, I'm sure there were times as a child/teenager when he couldn't socialize without the proper hardware interface, either, such as a ball, a bat, a hockey stick, a chess set, etc. Many games require more hardware that just a single ball and the favored way for young men and many young women to socialize is to play games.

          Then again, many adults can't socialize without the proper chemical interface, which many of them are far more dependent on.
      • the only time a computer is used (well) for socializing is possibly a lan party and (more remotely) email/aim.
        LAN parties are hardly socializing. It's all about playing games. And there's hardly any girls at all. Computer parties, on the other hand, are. I guess they've more or less died out in the US, but at least in Scandinavia, they're alive'n'kicking. [slengpung.com]
    • On the other hand, if you spend the whole weekend reading how to fence, preparing to fence, and fencing, you're liable to go insane. At least I would. I can't stand to do anything - even something fun - for that length of time. (I've got nothing against fencing; in fact, I used to fence myself, but quit because it doesn't mesh with my personality. I'm a nice guy, not agressive at all; no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't become agressive during the bouts and so would be way to defensive.)
      • (Interesting personal fencing analysis.)

        Events like that are prime opportunities for socialization. That's when high school kids are supposed to have the high quality interactions they remember for the rest of their life. One more frag isn't going to be that memorable in the long run for your kid.
      • On the other hand, if you spend the whole weekend reading how to fence, preparing to fence, and fencing, you're liable to go insane. At least I would. I can't stand to do anything - even something fun - for that length of time. (I've got nothing against fencing; in fact, I used to fence myself, but quit because it doesn't mesh with my personality. I'm a nice guy, not agressive at all; no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't become agressive during the bouts and so would be way to defensive.)

        You raise a good point. Combat books are a lot more than just mental preparation. I would recommend you read a good translation of Book of the Five Rings, by Miyomato Musashi. Here's an online [samurai.com] version. You can buy this at Barnes & Noble in the business motivation section, to give you an indication of it.

        These are people that have earned utmost respect from dedication and focus, and their books explain how you can do this in any field, not just combat. I think that combat is an intrinsic part of building confidence. I'm not speaking purely of physical, but physical (obviou), verbal (debate), mental (chess).

        You can be as aggressive as needs be, in the field that suits you best. If everyone was aggressive physically, you would naturally be that way. My guess is that you have spent most of your life living in an environment where mental combat is the most important, and that's where the passive nature comes from. I grew up in a more physically combative environment, and while I can speak well and carry good debate my main combat prowess does come from the physical.

        Reading combat books, of all sorts, has improved my life dramatically. I would also classify the well-known Art of Happiness book as a combat book. It teaches you how to combat selfishness and greed, and improve your lifeview. It involves much consideration (5 points for catching the reference).
    • I think he's going to be doing this over multiple weekends. While it is still sorta on the sad side, it's not a bad as it sounds.
    • I agree with you. The best part of travelling around to band meets was meeting all the people and running wild after ditching the chaperones. Then agian daddy might be scared that his little boy (only 1 year short of an adult!) will get into trouble. It is a foolish worry. As with anything that takes dedication to do well the other kids are all going to be pretty clean cut as they don't have time between pratices to get into real trouble. We still got into trouble, but it was all minor nuisance stuff :-)

      On a more serious note travelling away from home can be an excellent opportunity to learn some real life skills. As a group, those of us who toured around tended to be more mature, self reliant or independant, and more out going then our peers. I think encourageing your son to sit in the hotel room and play video games is just wrong. Instead this kid should be encouraged to get out of the hotel room to see the town and meet his fencing peers.
      • I think encourageing your son to sit in the hotel room and play video games is just wrong. Instead this kid should be encouraged to get out of the hotel room to see the town and meet his fencing peers.

        Why does everyone assume that he'll be playing alone? For a lot of people, video games are a group activity, just like any other game or sport. They don't make four player console games so that you can operate four different controllers by yourself, you know...
    • The first thing I thought when I saw this article, was how can I say what I really think, without sounding like a troll. I'd love to offer some constructive ideas on how to ship the LCD sceen, but I have not yet been blessed with the superfluous money that this child seems to have.

      As a parent of this gaming nut, I would be concerned more about my child's admitted gaming addiction, than finding a safe way to perpetuate the behaviour. They could modify a briefcase, build a wooden box with packing foam lining it, or they could solve the problem by telling their dear addicted gaming nut, that no he is not allowed to transport his desktop unit to every corner of the world. When he is in a new place, doesn't he want to see the sights? Is the computer mearly an intellectual crutch, or is there another reason for taking it?
      • The first thing I thought when I saw this article, was how can I say what I really think, without sounding like a troll. I'd love to offer some constructive ideas on how to ship the LCD sceen, but I have not yet been blessed with the superfluous money that this child seems to have.
        I'm exceedingly not concerned with other peoples thoughts of me. Seldom does the favorable opinion of others coincide with the right thing to do. Indifference is the root of all evil. Just my philosophy. :)

        I sat for a second, thinking if what I would say would be constructive. I feel that it is. Obviously his parents do have the money to be even pondering this question. Disappointing really, but that's the way life goes.

        You could always say you will build a briefcase computer for him, for twice the cost. Rather easy to do. Use laptop components, with a "real" LCD display mounted in the top compartment with speakers. I've seen thing similar. Have a keyboard and a mouse that have holders but can be removed (or latched in) with power bored out of the back of the case.

        Just an idea...
    • I completely agree. I was going to write pretty much the same post until I saw yours.

      There are definitely better ways to spend down-time:
      • Socializing
      • Reading a book (combat books, or otherwise)
      • Sleeping - no harm in being rested :)
      • Meditating/perparing
      • Listen to music
      • And finally, if in BAD need of a video game fix: buy a Gameboy
    • Not related to a travelling LCD screen, but directly related to the idea of how a teenager might consider spending their time (instead of coding all the time or playing games all the time) I offer a link to some advice from the late Frank Willison, editor-in-chief at O'Reilly & Associates.


      http://www.oreilly.com/frank/webdesign_0401.html

    • OK, first you raise the (perfectly valid) issue of game addiction. Then you suggest buying an expensive appliance that'd affords video game access all the time, everywhere. Kinda sending out mixed signals, aren't we?
    • "But does anybody find this to be exceptionally wrong? If you can't go a weekend without playing video games, I think you should have some priority adjustments. He's going to fencing tournaments so why not read books that enhance the mind? I'm speaking directly of combat philosophy books."

      I suspect you have never played Shadow Warrior [3drealms.com]. Yes, that is a good passtime to keep up on swordsmanship skills ;-) [j/k]

    • Damn judgmental lot aren't we?

      why doesn't everyone worry about parenting their own kids *OR* if you don't have any, shut the hell up?

      This guy knows his kid a lot better than the rest of us desk jockeys, so he's in a better position to decide what's best in this situation. Why not just help the guy out?

      Sounds like a pretty cool dad to me. My folks encouraged, and supported my gaming, and general futzing 'round with machines in my youth (Atari 2600, Trash-80s, AppleIIs, BleedingEdge 8008 boxen) and generally I think that's helped me be where I'm at in my career.

      Quit casting stones...
  • Why do you need to game over a weekend where a laptop doesn't suffice? Is there a reason you need a bring a gaming rig, and if so, why aren't you using a CRT to get some REAL gaming? This is pretty ridiculous, did you just want to see your name on the front page of Slashdot?
    • >>Why do you need to game over a weekend where a laptop doesn't suffice?

      Who said it wouldn't? But if you have a desktop, a good 17" LCD monitor is half the price of a decent laptop.

      >>why aren't you using a CRT to get some REAL gaming?

      Perhaps because a CRT is 5 times bigger and heavier and is proportionally harder to carry around on fencing tournaments?
  • <Mandatory bad fencing joke>How many LCD screens is he trying to sell off?</Mandatory bad fencing joke>

    Really though, why does he need to take his computer with him? That's a bit sad. Get him some fake ID instead so he can go out on the lash after the tournament... in my experience it was always fun as fencing left me quite dehydrated. You'll be doing him a much bigger favour for later life. I liked going away to tournaments - I would take advantage of being somewhere I wouldn't normally visit to go and have a good time and see new places. I really enjoyed going to Montreal to fence, although I always got my arse kicked very severely.
    • Get him some fake ID instead so he can go out on the lash after the tournament... in my experience it was always fun as fencing left me quite dehydrated

      So to combat the post-joist dehydration, you're suggesting something that has two major flaws:
      1. Fake IDs are, if i'm not mistaken, Quite Illegal... (personally I don't have a problem with it but many people do not condone underage drinking)
      2. You're suggesting combat the dehydrating effecs of fencing by consuming a beverage (alcohol) that, in and of itself, dyhydrates one's self? Ya, that's intelligent.

  • One solution (Score:2, Informative)

    by thelinuxking ( 574760 )
    If he wants a gaming screen for an XBOX, one company is developing this. [ebgames.com]

  • CaseAce (Score:5, Interesting)

    by IvyMike ( 178408 ) on Sunday August 18, 2002 @02:52PM (#4093681)

    If you don't need the protection (and weight) fo a hardtop case, you should check out the variety of computer carrying equipment at CaseAce [caseace.com]. I haven't used their new LCD harness, but the regular old CRT carrying harness has been a great investment. Turns something that's awkward into something easy to carry.

  • By 'a storage device' did you mean a box?

  • Willdow Design (Score:4, Informative)

    by Zoid ( 8837 ) <zoidctf@gmail.com> on Sunday August 18, 2002 @02:53PM (#4093688) Homepage
    http://www.willowdesign.com/ [slashdot.org]

    They have a large number of monitor and LCD display cases. They also have a specific line for the Apple Cinema Displays as well.
  • They have very nice stuff, and the prices are not draconic http://www.cases-cases.com [cases-cases.com] Also, if you're up for it you can try and make your own suitcase PC with the LCD on the side, like those produced by [forgot the company name].
  • Get a Pelican case [pelican.com] as used by anyone who carries expensive electornics into the field includeing journalists world wide. These cases are a hard plastic shell lined with foam that you can easily cut to your needs. Find them at a camping goods shop, or better photography shop near you.
  • It will help him to prepare for a normal adult life. Perhaps instead of gaming on the wekends, you could set it up so that he interacts with the other tournament participants. I know he's not old enough to start drinking, but just about anything is better than playing games!

    People: don't sit back and let your children turn into yourselves! Humans are social animals, geeks especially. If you start them early, there's no telling what they can become!
    • Something feels wrong when I'm seeing posts on /. trying to stop kids from playing video games and encouraging them to go out drinking.

      Ok, so let me get this straight. Instead of building up important hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and problem-solving skills, he should instead kill off as many brain cells as possible in order to be socially acceptable to jock-like peers. Well we all know how being socially accepted and having everyone like you while you puke in the back of a VW is important, so I guess you're sorta right...

      GAME ON!

      BTW, if you're trying to carry a flat screen LCD for use with a computer during a weekend event, essentially any plain ol' brown box will work as long as you don't step on and/or puncture it. (previous experience). Also you should check out that neat mini-pc that's the size of a cdrom drive at think geek [thinkgeek.com]

  • Have the kid get a life? (Score:1, Insightful)

    by Anonymous Coward
    "gaming fix on the weekends"?

    seriously, if he can't go 2 days a week without playing games he's got some problems.
  • We had a monster case custom built for a 'luggable' desktop system and LCD screen that had to go from shutdown to shutdown. While they are normally used for musical equipment (consult your local music shop for more info), they work beautifully for computers.

  • A life? (Score:1, Insightful)

    by Bush_man10 ( 461952 )
    If someone can't travel without the need for playing games then a life would be the best fix imho. :) Don't mean to sound harsh but make him get out an enjoy the places he will be visiting. There are so many people to meet and things to see out there. I myself wouldn't be worried about how I will play UT or some other game.

    Well that's just my 2 cents :)

  • Tell your son to grow up - get drunk and chase loose women... far more fun than 3D gaming when you're off on a jolly.
  • I'm sorry but anyone that can't go a weekend with their "gaming fix" probably has an addiction problem. Maybe this is just my preference, but if I got to travel all around at 17 fencing, then I would probably find something more interesting wherever I went than computer games. Like something I couldn't do at home. But maybe that's just me
  • Two words - "original packaging".

    Besides, most manufacturers won't repair a damaged TFT if it is damaged while in transit and the manufacturers' recommended precautions about using a container designed for the task haven't been followed.

    Yet another reason to hang on to those boxes, kids!
    • Two words - "original packaging".

      I use my original box to carry around my LCD. But every time I pack/unpack the screen, I lose a few bits of the styrofoam.

      Any suggestions on how to keep the styrofoam together? I use packing tape, but was thinking maybe some spray adhesive and saran wrap? Any one have a good solution?

  • he is 17 years old (Score:2, Insightful)

    by jest3r ( 458429 )
    Why does a 17 year old need his father to ask Slashdot how to carry around a computer?

    Lend him your car (presumeably he has a license by now) .. and throw the computer in the trunk .. No need to tote it around like a suitcase to the actual fencing tournaments .. and if you don't want to buy him a laptop .. lease one ..
  • Get a handgun case. They're robust, very secure and look quite snazzy. Plus, you can get a foam cut-out of the monitor instead of the regular egg-crate design.

    Of course, you're packing a different kind of heat. A 2 gun case should be enough for the monitor and some other "goodies"

  • Jebus! (Score:1, Insightful)

    by Moridineas ( 213502 )

    Maybe I'm old fashioned but whatever happened to the ancient art of reading? Humans have occupied themselves for thousands of years without having to get their "gaming fix." Instead of worrying about satisfying your sons raving video game addiction that apparently can't go a single day without gaming, maybe you should buy him some good books.

    • Maybe I'm old fashioned but whatever happened to the ancient art of hunting? Humans have occupied themselves for thousands of years without having to get their "boox fix." Instead of worrying about satisfying your son's raving book addiction that apparently can't go a single day without reading, maybe you should buy him a good bow and arrow. Aftel all, hunting and gathering is all we should ever aspire to do.

      (For those of you still reading, I find it very presumptuous far anyone to dictate what people should and should not do in their spare time -- it is their choice. That this was ever modded up is a symbol of just how many bitter, jealous people read this site. This post is not unlike a law against sex between two consenting adults in the privacy of their own home.)
      • Your post is ridiculous, and a mockery of logic. I'm not forbidding anyone from doing anything--nor can I, nor should (check it--do I ever COMMAND, DEMAND, FORCE, etc anywherE? no, I suggest, I say "maybe"). I'm simply pointing out a better thing to do. Slashdot is a site with a lot of smart people, and there are a lot of smart things to do with your time. I was recommending one of them. It seems that you're so scared of differing opinions that you have to make a mockery of my post though rife with errors to try and mock my suggestion.
  • is to make him either design the "storage device" himself or not play at all.
  • There are some goggles out there that can replace your monitor... that way you can buy a mini LAN-party case which you can carry-on along with a pair of goggles...

    ** PLUS! THINK HOW COOL YOU'LL LOOK! **

    Imagine, fencing whilst goggling, defeating TWO OPPONENTS at once!

    In fact, you should buy one of those remote-porno suits so that you get the full gaming experience... you'll be a ...

    Walking-Action-Cyber-Killing-Opponent-Functionin g- Fool

    --otherwise known as a--

    WACKOFF

    (for short)

    *******
    Never underestimate the power of the wang... WA WA WA WANG!

  • Two words: (Score:3, Funny)

    by x136 ( 513282 ) on Sunday August 18, 2002 @03:05PM (#4093757) Homepage
    Game Boy.

    Why lug a whole damn system around? Get a Game Boy, put it in your pocket.

  • How about stop gamming for a few days (Score:1, Insightful)

    by Anonymous Coward
    This may sound unpopular with the slashdot crowd, but how about leaving the computer behind and reading, or seeing the sights in the new town ya'll are visiting. He'll appreciate his games that much more when he comes back, and maybe come to enjoy otherthings as well.
  • Get a metal case (larger than you need) and put a plastic window in it, then hook the lcd screen up to the case on the inside. Get a wireless kb/mouse and have the reciever in the case. Good pair of headphones, and a case tote and you're all set. Only wires you have to worry about are the power for the case and monitor. Not the best for gaming, but nice and compact. Now like half the other posts I must say why? If this were for a few weeks traveling that would be one thing, but for a weekend? If he were mine, I'd be telling him to either do it himself or go out and do something, if nothing else go find an arcade, at least there are people you can play face to face with.

  • other ideas (Score:4, Informative)

    by adolf ( 21054 ) <flodadolf@gmail.com> on Sunday August 18, 2002 @03:14PM (#4093797) Journal
    Other people mention Pelican, but that company appears to be rather half-assed about the way they make road cases - they seem to be a -lot- more interested in selling plastic flashlights. Strange.

    Try instead SKB [skbindustrial.com]. I've been using their gear for years, with never a problem. Well-made, water-tight, light-weight, and (optionally) ATA-rated.

    More serious companies include such names as Starcase [starcase.com] and Anvil [anvilcase.com]. These are heavier, and generally made out of fiberglass-laminated plywood with aluminum extrusions holding the joints together. They don't mind being loaded up with equipment and dropped off of a truck much at all - something not easily said about any plastic case. Both Starcase and Anvil will gladly build a custom box for whatever it is that needs moved, which isn't so easy with plastic.

    Or, build your own. TCH [tchweb.com] sells all manner of hardware and materials for building serious road cases and racks. They've got extrusions, fiberglass/plywood laminates, and all manner of hasps, clasps, latches, and hinges, brackets, doohickeys, hoosiwatsits, and other very important widgets for case-building.
  • I've encountered the same problem when moving in and out of college with my lcd screen. Their great for deskspace but a bitch when moving cause im always woried about breaking it. And Since I long ago ditched the box to keep them in I usually wrap it in a few tee shirts and put it in the same box as my clothing/bedding for the extra padding.
  • ...is just to keep it in the box it came with. Ofcourse, this depends on the box. But I take my Samtron 15" TFT to LAN parties and friends in the original box. It has a handle and, after adding some tape to the opening to protect the cardboard, I use "wood tape" (dunno what's the real name, but it leaves no glue, is more or less like papper on a roll with glue on one side) to seal the box. There is even room to store the cables for the monitor and computer.

    Should this sound a bit shakey, let me assure you that it isn't. Besides, if I'd like some more protection, all I need to add is a layer of plastic or something on the cardboard box "doors" to protect the screen.

    Sometimes, what sounds simple & cheap, is actually a good solution :)

  • I would have to recommend the Case Ace Gear Grip LCD Shield Harness from http://www.caseace.com
    I've used their Gear Grip Computer and Monitor harnesses for transporting my precious system to various LAN parties for the last year now. They are extremely durable with large, comfortable handles. Transplant

  • I was in a similar predicament. I have heard plenty of horror stories where LCD panels got cracked while being subjected to the pressure of books and odd objects in backpacks.

    When I got my new laptop [slashdot.org], I was worried about taking it on-campus in my backpack. So, I built a custom aluminum box to protect the screen.

    I picked up a 12-foot aluminum bar from a nearby sheet metal warehouse. I took it to a machine shop near campus and spent a couple of hours measuring, cutting, and drilling holes in the aluminum. I put it together with machine screws and corner brackets, and then I covered the inside with cardboard. I have three bars spanning the width of the box. While it doesn't completely encase the laptop, it is sufficient to keep the pressures of books off the computer.

    The result is a fairly lightweight protective box that fits in my backpack and then protects the LCD panel from cracking (you could stand on the box with the laptop in it, and it would not put any pressure on the laptop itself). So far, it's worked like a charm. I am still careful not to drop my laptop into my backpack while it's resting on the floor, since longitudinal forces on the screen can also do damage.

    • Damn! (Score:2)

      by fm6 ( 162816 )
      I demand pictures! Specifications! This is an ultra-cool project that would be widely imitated and even turn into a business (if you're not careful)!
  • Get a GearGrip product here for your LCD:

    http://www.geargrip.com/

    They're made with travel and gaming in mind.
  • Your 17 year old son should be going outside, exploring the cities. He should be seeing America (or whatever contry he is in) with a group of friends he works and plays with. He should be growing and writing in a journal.

    If you need to buy him something, buy him a digital camera. Give him some spending money. Buy the team nerf balls. Give him a guide to all ages clubs in your state / province. Give him rollerblades, frisbies, and waterguns. Give the coach specific instructions to not let him rot in his hotel room.

    I love games. I haven't come across a game yet that I can't beat in 2 days, and my Maniac ERA continues to be a real crowdstopper. But they 're not everything. Your kid is 17, and is about to go on an oddessey. Would Homer sing of a developing young man staring at a slightly glowing fire and occasionally poking it with a stick?

    It may be scary as a parent to think that your kid may be out in the real world, but he soon will be an adult and will have to make mature, adult decisions based on what he has experienced and shared with you. I'm sure if you have raised him well, he will do great. But don't love him so much that he isn't given those experiences until it is much to late for him to look to your guidance.

    Part of your guidance should be to forbid him from taking his Playstation.

    -Chris
  • Buy a laptop.

  • 17? (Score:1)

    by zennix ( 601657 )
    Why not let the kid figure out how he is going to spend the weekends himself? If he makes a stupid decision, he won't have his precious games to play, and he will be forced to do something more interesting than frag his day away. Go to the zoo, find a museuem, try to get laid, go to a show at a club, anything but sit in some hotel room and play games all night. At least rent something good on spankovision if you insist on avoiding human contact. And you Pops, I am sure you are an awesome father, but you really should let go a bit at 17. Let the kid mess up now! Let him pay the price for mixed up priorities now or he is never going to learn.
  • Make sure the screen travels as hand-baggage. If it goes in the unpressurised hold, it will break, either from the atmosphere or from the rough handling.
  • wget -r How to travel with LCD gaming screen [slashdot.org] | grep 'pelican' | wc
  • Just a thought, how about putting it in the original shipping box? LCD monitor boxes almost always have something along the lines of "Save this box in case you ever need to ship this hardware later!" on all four sides. Too bad nobody pays attention to it...

  • It depends. (Score:3, Informative)

    by jcoy42 ( 412359 ) on Sunday August 18, 2002 @04:03PM (#4093988) Homepage Journal
    Are you planning on investing a bunch of money in this or do you just want something that will work?

    There are plenty of pointers above for expensive solutions, so here's a cheap solution that works for most things you want to pack.

    Get a box big enough to put the screen in. Get some garbage bags. Get some Great Stuff [dow.com] (available at any hardware store).

    Put a garbage bag in the box, put the screen in the box, now fill the bag with great stuff. Fold the bag over so the goo doesn't come out & lay the box on it's side w/ the screen laying on the bag full of great stuff.

    Put another bag on the other side. Fill it with great stuff. Wait. Ta-da. Just slide out both bags together and there you have it.

    Works with just about anything, totally re-useable, and works pretty damn well.
    • I used to design LCDs, and they are quite susceptible to electrostatic discharge. Garbage bags may not be the best choice if you want all of your pixels to still be active in the future. I'm not familiar with the ES properties of Great Stuff, but that might be worth some caution as well.

  • OT: Slashdot bitching (Score:5, Insightful)

    by Sancho ( 17056 ) on Sunday August 18, 2002 @04:08PM (#4094005) Homepage
    Geez, you guys keep telling this guy how to run his (and his son's) life rather than giving constructive criticism to the question at hand. Do you think he hasn't thought about his son's gaming "addiction"? He came here with a question and all you can do is tell him how to raise his son. You have no idea how their family is set up. Perhaps his son is only allowed to play games on the weekends when he doesn't have to think about school? Rather than asking him to make the choice between fencing and gaming, his father could be trying to work out a compromise. You don't know the situation, so how dare you pretend you know what's best?
  • I slap a slab of foam [willernie.net] on the front of the panel, using velcro. I then throw the panel in with my clothes bag for padding.


    The Shuttle SS51G cube has its own bag. Some clothes along with the wires, keyboard, mouse, etc., are thrown into this bag.


    That's the "keep it simple" method.

  • While I agree with those who question why a person can not go for a weekend without playing a video game, the bigger question is why the father of a 17 year old is asking! What a pathetic situation. Your son may have many talents, but evidently solving a simple problem for himself is too much.
  • Not with LCDs of course, but with similarly delicate instruments and electronics. Search Google for 'ATA approved cases', and you'll see what I'm talking about.

    An example [barrycases.com]

    If you're moderately handy, you can build a case yourself that, while heavy, will protect the screen just fine. The parts, such as handles and corner railings are all available if you look around [google.com].

    Paradise carries a good selection. [aol.com]

    Build it out of 3/4" plywood covered in laminate, and use corner and edge protectors and beefy latches. Line it with impact absorbant foam [foambymail.com], and you'll be good to go.

    A case like this can be knocked out in an afternoon, and would only cost a couple hundred dollars.

    K.

  • cardboard box with peanuts and lots of tape on the outside

  • Yuppie Patrol (Score:2, Insightful)

    by soupforare ( 542403 )
    Your *17* year old son is going to *fencing* tourneys and *has* to be able to play his 'puter games?
    Colour me a misanthropic nihilist, but piss off.

    I don't care if this is a troll, SUV-driving, private-school-attending, prig kids who need their fix are not what I want to be reading about on /.
  • Simple:
    Buy roll of bubble wrap
    Wrap monitor in several layers
    Transport


    I've Fed-Ex'ed an LCD monitor this way, no damage whatsoever.

  • Is there something wrong with the original packing materials? It was good enough to get it across the pond from asia. And the the retailer, and your house after. Works for me.
  • I can just see it now, some idiot security guard will demand that you 'turn it on' and demonstrate that it's not a bomb.

    -josh

  • Dear GOD, I cannot believe I'm reading this.

    OK, overprotective dad, here's what you have to do: Buy your kid a bottle of liquor. Perhaps a bottle or two of 1L Blackhaus [blackhaus.com], for starters. It's good-tasting stuff that's great for your first alcoholic experience. Or maybe some Absolut and orange juice! Your son can then go into the hotel room, tell his buddies (I'm at least hoping he has aqcuaintances), and then they will bring some girls. Everyone has a fun, drunken time, and he learns what it's really supposed to be like away from a goddamned video game.

    This is what we did for Model UN tournaments, and we became the party club of the high school. Those were the days...

    Trust me, at 17, your son is not yet completely out of the running for a NORMAL SOCIAL LIFE. But time's running low, and you've got to encourage better things than this (and yes, having a few drinks with friends and girls is better, regardless of anyone's spoon-fed Americanized moral objections).

  • We polled over 10,000 people, interviewed industry experts, conducted focus groups, market studies, hired teams of nuclear physicists and asked all what was the best way to transport a computer or LCD without damage. We tabulated the results, input them into a terrabyte database, mined the data and examined the results with an expert system. The results:

    Don't throw away the box it came in.

    Like, duh...

  • If you get a modern P-4 laptop with a GeForce4 440 Go and a decent set of built in speakers, and you have the core components of a good portable gaming system. Get a nice big screen, preferabbly 1600x1200.
  • Metal cased, with an adequate amount of cushioning foam...
  • Again, let's take a step back. If this kid can't go 48 hours in a new city, at a pretty intense tournament, without being jacked into a console, what's going to happen when he shows up on the East Overshoe campus of Mindless State U.? Can you say M-I-A? Do yourself a favor and take a brand new charge of all this. Offer him WHATEVER each tourney city offers, ride roller coasters, do something that requires locomotion. As for the he-can't-socialize-if-he's-not-gaming-between-bout s.... WHAT?! glued to a controller sitting next to many others glued to controllers is now considered a social activity?! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... At the VERY LEAST - MAKE HIM FIGURE ALL THIS OUT! HE'LL EITHER LEARN SOME ENGINEERING AND RESPONSIBILITY, OR HE'LL BUST THE SCREEN AND HAVE TO HEAD OUTSIDE FOR A BREAK!
    I gotta go...
  • I've seen lots of mentions of Pelican cases, but not mention of the grand daddy of hw survival gear: anvil cases [anvilcase.com].

    These are the boxes that you see bands transporting their gear in. Some of their models can be configured just like the Pelican cases, but more interesting are the boxes which are essentially portable rack mounts.

    So, what I did was build a 2U computer box into an anvil case, and included a rack mount 12-port switch. Also, for convenience a rack mount power strip, and a light bar, that has little pop out lights so I can see the front panel in darkness, and it looks really cool.

    With that, I've got a complete computing rig in a very durable frame. All you'd need is one of the previously mentioned slings for the LCD panel.

    Certainly not the most compact solution, but it is definitly very survivable, and looks pretty cool.

  • OK -- so you didn't want to buy a laptop, but what about a portable LCD-based DVD player? Most of those should have inputs to plug into any console, and although the screens are small, they close (like a laptop) to protect them from scratch damage etc.

    -Turkey
  • But I'll help, *then* provide my opinion.

    What you'd do best with is a hard case with foam rubber. You can then cram the LCD and speakers in the top half of the case, and the PC in the lower half. Leave room for ventilation, and make sure that the front of the LCD is covered with foam rubber when not in use!

    The problem is that your son is carrying many pounds of gear, though. It's insane, since he's just asking for trouble carting something like that around. A laptop really is a better choice, especially with the new ones carrying Nvidia GPUs.

    The better choice? A Gamecube or a PS2 with a flipdown LCD. Just get a padded bag, and you're ready to go. The best choice? Gameboy Advance. Good games, good battery life, and if it gets stolen, you're out what, 70 bucks?

    As an avid gamer, I still think that he's better off not gaming all the time, unless he's really doing so with friends. A PC doesn't lend itself to social gaming as much as a console, though, and dedicated gaming hardware is just cheaper. I've been known to visit friends with a Gamecube in tow. My PC is much better off staying at home.

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