So, I’ve been messing around with this idea of having a PC that I can use outdoors. It all started because I wanted to work from my patio sometimes, you know, enjoy the weather while getting stuff done.
Getting Started
First, I grabbed an old PC I had lying around. It wasn’t anything fancy, just a basic desktop. The important thing was that it worked. I dusted it off, made sure it could still boot up, and then the real fun began.
The Power Problem
Obviously, plugging it into a wall outlet outside wasn’t going to work all the time. So, I looked into portable power stations. There are tons of them out there, but I settled on one that had enough juice to run the PC for a few hours. It’s kinda bulky, but hey, it does the job.
Screen Situation
Next up was the monitor. My regular desk monitor was way too big and fragile to be lugging around. I found a smaller, more durable one online. It’s not the prettiest, but it’s sturdy enough to handle being moved around, and the display is good.
Dealing with the Weather
Then there was the weather. I live in a place where it can be sunny one minute and pouring rain the next. I didn’t want my PC getting fried. So, I fashioned a makeshift cover out of a plastic storage bin. It’s not exactly elegant, but it keeps the rain off. I also made sure to put everything on a small table to keep it off the ground.
- Power station: Check.
- Portable monitor: Check.
- Makeshift rain cover: Check.
The Setup
Setting it all up is pretty simple. I carry the PC and monitor outside, put them on the table, and connect everything to the power station. I flip the switch, and boom, I’ve got a working outdoor PC. I usually use a wireless keyboard and mouse to make things easier. No wires to trip over!
Is it Perfect? Nope.
It’s definitely a bit of a clunky setup. The power station is heavy, the screen isn’t amazing, and I have to keep an eye on the weather. But, it lets me work (or play games) outside, and that’s pretty cool. I can sit in the sun, listen to the birds, and still get my stuff done. It’s a nice change of pace from being cooped up inside all day. And I built it all by my hand!
I might tinker with it more in the future. Maybe find a better way to weatherproof it, or get a lighter power station. But for now, it’s working out pretty well. It’s my little outdoor PC, and I’m kinda proud of it.