Cluster Computing

The only clustering solution I've seen are either MPICH2, PVM, or HA-Linux, all would require a full OS reload, and I would doubt that any of these would run on a Laptop.

Similarly, a clustering solution such as Windows 2003 or 2008 Cluster server, or a VMware or Windows hyperV virtual solution would not run on a laptop.

A laptop computer generally has limited processing power, so it would take a lot of time/effort to achieve a very small increase in raw processing power.

Home Linux Cluster
http://helmer.sfe.se/

But even if you reloaded all of the systems and included them into a Cluster just how effective do you really believe they would be?

With all NB's they have limited Processing Power, Limited Hardware and just everything else being extremely limited.

Honestly it would be just as easy as grabbing 25 X 286's and Clustering them. Sure it's possible but the ROI is nonexistent and they end up costing more to run than they produce in increased computing power.

But regardless no matter what you want to do here there is no way to have them remain with their Current OS's Loaded so you can return them to whatever use you need if you want to remove them from the Cluster. I suppose you could buy new HDD for each one and then if you want to return it to whatever use you could remove the Cluster OS HDD and refit the User OS Drive but I seem to think that defeats the purpose of the exercise.

Col