Make hidden channels for cable runs by cutting only the pages well underneath the top. You might find that certain components on the printed circuit board are deeper than others, and I cut many extra “wells” so that the boards would lie flat. It’s easier to subtract than to add paper, so try to get it right the first time so that the parts fit snugly and won’t rattle around. For additional depth, you can add extra pages beneath your current piles. Work in layers and use binder clips to keep loose stacks organized.

6. Cut the cover. After I splayed the Palm Pilot screen from the board, all of its buttons (including the power button) faced the book cover. To provide access to these buttons, I used the case as a stencil to trace the buttons on the cover, and then drilled out the centers and used needle files to shape the holes.

7. Connect the electronics. Test-fit all of the electronic parts in your paper piles. Note the length of any connecting wires and make sure paths are cut for all connections. If wire-stripping and soldering aren’t your strong suits, make the wires a little longer so you’ll have a few extra tries.

First, connect the keyboard to the PDA by cutting the wires leading to the keyboard’s cradle connector and soldering them to the corresponding traces on the Palm’s main board. My keyboard used only 3 wires, which extended from a small auxiliary board. Save the cradle connector so you know where to solder the wires.

Then connect the sync cable, if you’re using one. As with the keyboard, cut off its connector and refer to it as you solder the cable’s wires directly to the contacts on the Palm Pilot main board. Mine used 5 contacts.

My sync cable joined the keyboard wires in a huge soldery mess. The whole serial cable business was a lot of extra work.

Finally, hook up power. My PDA’s battery compartment was molded into its case, so I cut out the battery springs and soldered the leads to an external battery holder. After everything’s soldered, fire up the parts to ensure that they all work and the connections are strong.

8. Glue the pages together. Start from the edges using slightly watered-down Elmer’s glue. Brush it on the edges of the stacked pages and immediately clamp them under stacks of books so they don’t curl. Give it plenty of time to dry. Plastic

The PDA book computer is powerful enough for writing and other word-processing tasks, and distinguishes you from all the laptop clones at the coffeehouse.

 

wrap placed above and below your parts will help keep them from sticking.

9. Attach the ribbon. A length of ribbon keeps the screen at the proper viewing angle and prevents the laptop from tipping over. It’s tricky to find that exact balance point before everything’s assembled. First, attach the ribbon to the “screen” side of the book, and leave the excess hanging over the top. Then, attach the screen assembly to the lid. Find that perfect screen angle, and tape down the free end of the ribbon. Attach the keyboard assembly securely over the ribbon so it won’t slip out. Use strong double-stick tape to stick the pages to the covers.

10. Finishing touches. Remember that blank end-leaf paper you saved? It’s time to make your last precision cut and create a paper screen bezel. This will be the most visible part of your laptop, so make it nice! Trace the Palm Pilot’s screen bezel and then straighten the lines with the ruler. Double-stick the bezel over the screen.

Congratulations! You’ve built your own piece of recycled retro-geek-chic! Decorate the outside with stickers or the book jacket of your choice, and enjoy the extra table space at the coffeehouse.

Allen Wong is an idea guy who lives in Los Angeles and spends his spare time inventing for a parallel universe.