A method is provided for manufacturing an electronically functional
structural component adapted to integrate a plurality of electronic
functions into a laminate cover, layer, and/or laminate component, for
protecting, supporting, and/or forming a complete electronic device (such
as a multimedia device). The method includes laminating a plurality of
structural and/or protective layers interspersed with electronically
functional layers or electronic components in communication with the
multimedia device to form a supportive and electronically functional
layer, cover, protective layer, and/or electronic device. Thus, the
manufacturing methods provided allow for the cost-effective addition of
thin and lightweight functional, protective, and/or decorative layers to
a multimedia device or other electronic device at a sales location or
other customization location.