These days, you can get just about any computer rig designed to your exact specifications. Whether you’re a RAM-hogging SolidWorks user, or simply just want a powerful workstation, there’s something for everybody. But no standardized hardware mod will ever replace the satisfaction of building your own rig from scratch. If you’ve ever wanted to create your own custom-built PC but didn’t know where to start, boy do we have great news for you. The How to Build a Computer Bundle consolidates five intensive online courses (a total of 126 individual lessons) ranging from how to create a blueprint for your desired desktop or laptop setup to how to overclock CPU…

When it comes to communicating design ideas effectively on paper, sketches that follow the basic principals of perspective are absolutely critical. While modern digital sketching tools including various iPad Pro apps can assist with perspective drawing, training your mind to see perspective in the analog world can be an entirely different beast to tackle. Aiming to make this bridge easier to cross, the laser cut Vanishing Point Ruler is an all-in-one solution for getting those lines down right the first time. The way it works is simple: a neodymium magnet embedded in the ruler ‘guide’ is placed on the desired vanishing point (a metal plate is placed underneath the paper).…

With icebergs melting at an alarming pace, it may only be a matter of time before doomsday prepping becomes less of a crazy idea and more of a necessary one. That said, not everyone can just pack their belongings and move into outer space like Elon Musk. They could, however, move to a floating city in the ocean. This isn’t exactly the goal The Seasteading Institute had in mind when conceptualizing their autonomous floating city, Atlantis. Rather than save everyone from an impending world flood, the city is meant to test the waters (quite literally) on new government structures, ways of living, and ideas for self-sufficient communities. Think of it…

It’s time for another round of apps that cover the spectrum of your beloved mobile device(s)! The Weekly App Smack is the best of new or updated design and productivity apps (and maybe a couple of fun ones, too) for the busy design or engineering professional and this week we have a list sure to make you more efficient. Do you have an app suggestion that has made your life easier or changed up your workflow? Let us know in the comments below or send it into tips@solidsmack.com. Hit it! GoodNotes 4 (iOS — $7.99) GoodNotes lets you take beautiful handwritten notes and annotate PDF documents. The handwritten notes are searchable…

Since screaming on to the rapid prototyping scene in 2013, 3D Hubs has been relentless in making sure their message is heard. Billed as the “AirBnB of 3D Printing”, the company’s business model is based on experienced 3D printer technicians renting out their equipment to other users on a per-project-basis. Not surprisingly, the 3D Hubs crew has learned a thing or two about what makes for “good design for 3D printing” — and now, they want to share it with all of us. Released just this week, The 3D Printing Handbook | Technologies, Design, and Applications was written for design and engineering professionals looking to master the key aspects of 3D…

Those who suffer from acrophobia now have another reason to fear this vertically-inclined planet. After fourteen years in production, the world’s steepest funicular tram——the Stoosbahn—is now complete. Connecting the town of Schwyz to the mountain village of Stoos in Switzerland, the €44.6m tram (approximately $52.55m) travels 1,300 meters above sea level at a dizzying incline of 110%. While this may initially seem like bad news for those who fear heights, the tram incorporates a level-adjusting function to keep passengers feeling, well, safe. This feature rotates the carriages and allows passengers to enjoy the ride at a normal horizontal angle without fear of seeing where their soft, squishy body will make…