Okay, Hacdc,
I got your response, via your lack of reply. You are right, of
course, why waste good maker/hacker skills on commodity hardware
unless I'm making something new out of it, like a spacecraft, or
computer guided spiral spinning droplet water gun. You said: just buy
the part, fix it, and get on to real projects, geesh!
So I am following your advice. Instead of using my 3d printer to make
a new case for the little computer, I hear you say "Don't make
something you can buy!" . I found the entire palmrest top cover for
$25 on ebay. Crazy.
Hope to see you all at the Celebration of Alberto Gaitán in a week and a half.
david.