Desktop mobile computer

The problem

There is a problem that need short-term solution in business continuity and remote working. The coronavirus outbreak is in all the headlines and many companies are preparing for possible disruptions that could affect business in the long-term. Many businesses are already taking precautions to reduce exposure and transmission among employees. These precautions include work from home. The duration of this mandated period of remote working varies business by business, but the rate at which the virus is spreading current isolation periods could be extended for much longer than originally thought, even for years. With millions of workers starting to work from home there has been a spike in laptop and tablet sales. In some cases for specific users like designers, engineers, laptops and tables are just no suitable because of their hardware weaknesses, only solution is the use of a desktop computer.

The solution

There are more than one solution to this problem.
Easiest solution is to relocate desktop computer from work place to home when it is necessary. But this is not a long term solution, because it is possible that there will be a large number of isolation periods. Also for every relocation, professional help for installation of a desktop computer is needed. Another solution is to buy a new desktop computers for work from home and transfer software licenses from desktop computer at work place. This is a better solution, but with greater costs.
We propose third solution and it involves modifying current computer hardware standard. Beside desktop and laptop computers already exists so called desktop replacement computer (DTR). It is a personal computer that provides the full capabilities of a desktop computer while remaining mobile. They are often larger, bulkier laptops. Because of their increased size, this class of computer usually includes more powerful components and a larger display than generally used in smaller portable computers and can have a relatively limited battery capacity (or none at all).
In our solution we are developing computer case on basis of an existing ATX standard for a desktop replacement computer with integrated monitor. Idea is to use one computer at work and at home. It would be mobile, but without internal battery, also classical power supply will be used. This will be a new product on the market, a new variant of for a desktop replacement computer we named Desktop mobile computer (DTM). These computers based on our case and assembled with standard ATX compatible components will have many advantages over current solutions on the market impacted by coronavirus outbreak. For users in a need for the most powerful computers this is the best solution when hardware costs are compared with user productivity. Because of using standard components as in desktop computers the performance would be the same, only downside is that the monitor size is restricted, but to solve this additional external monitors like in laptops can be used. Advantages over laptops are in shear computer power, and for many users laptops are simply not suitable. With some computer software programs there are also problems with stability when they are running on laptops. Because of mobility and smaller size laptop is still the best solution for users with lower power computer needs.
Proposed case design will have possibility to use ATX standard components and these components will be easy to replace like it is now possible in desktop computers. To be mobile, the case largest dimensions should be below 50x50x10 cm, and complete weight should be below 8kg (including integrated monitor and power supply). For monitor only smaller modifications will be needed because it will be integrated in the case, similar is for component cooling and power supply.

What you have done during the weekend

During this weekend the solution of the problem has been developed including basic technical details and a 3d model which is visible in the video. Before this weekend only the idea of a new computer case to help business continuity existed. Also the necessities in order to continue the project are now determined.

The solution’s impact to the crisis

Our solution will help to preserve business continuity and enable more productive work from home for users that need more capable computers than laptops. Using one computer at work and at home will also lower the hardware costs for companies.
To additionally help economy it is planned to produce cases and to assemble the computer with components in factories in Europe. It will also be possible for consumers to buy cases and assemble or change component configuration by them self.

The necessities in order to continue the project

In order to continue the project real world prototype of the case will be built, this will include protection of intellectual property. For this additional funding is needed. A new team needs to be formed with experts in electrical and mechanical engineering. Contacts in early stages of the project with companies that could be able to produce cases would be beneficial. Manufacturing of the final product could be possible in six months if a company interested in production is found.

The value of your solution after the crisis

After the corona crisis ends, a lot of workers will continue to partially work from home. For users that will continue to work from home and are in a need of a powerful computer, solution of a Desktop mobile computer will still be the best choice.