So, you know those little 20x4 dot matrix LCD screens? I want to get one and embed it into my laptop lid so it'll display things like what music I'm listening to, what URL I'm on and random quotes from IRC or something to the people that are facing it.

Should I actually risk cutting the plastic or not? It seems like a pretty easy thing to do, and I know it'll fit with minimal modding. I just have to figure out a way to put a USB cable to the base, lol.

The module (maybe a different color though)
http://www.crystalfontz.com/product/CFA634-YMC-KU.html

No way would I even think about cutting into a laptop screen. The USB cord would also be a problem because of the shielding. It would be near impossible to run it inside the case. Do you really want an ugly USB cable snaking around your machine? Only to have it break the USB port when carrying it around.

True enough. I've also been thinking about just doing it externally, but making it small enough to put in the CD Bay (removable), because the laptop came with a filler card that you can use when you're trying to save power by removing the CD drive itself.

I never use the CD drive anyway, so it's never in.

Therefore, just leave it in there, then when I want to use it, pull it out and set it on the lid (like with a bracket or something). Sounds like fun, and I really want to do it, mainly because I hate people that walk over to you and ask "what are you looking at?!" I can say "look at your side of the lid, get the URL and look at it on your computer", because that would be awesome.