Computer

[webmaster]

I want to install a computer into my car

i want the monitor to be a 8 to 10 inch touch screen

i want to use it to play
dvd movies
cds
mp3s
have various screen savers ect for effects
also be able to put pc games with retractabel controller

i need to be able to hook the audio of the computer to the sound system

the computer wil prolly be a laptop of some sort but it has to be intregrated with the dash entirely

im have much experience with computers but im a total newbie when it comes to cars

i wanna kno if this is a workable idea or i should attempt something else?
and ideas of getting started?

thx

[Bones]

We use the Panasonic Toughbooks at work and it works great. The laptop has a docking station in the trunk and we use a remote mount monitor and keyboard. Wireless keyboard is possible. Panasonic's monitor also has touch screen. Depending on the size and type of screen you want to use it may or may not have touch screen capabilities. You would have to use the audio out of the laptop to an amplifier to power your speaker.

You can run any OS and use media player for your music.

[Nutzoids]

Looking to spend around $2,000??? That's about cheapest you can do it for!

Click Here:
http://www.azentek.com/webpages/atlas.html

It's the Azentek Atlas CPC-1000

I spoke to Chad Stayton and he was totally cool.

If you get in touch with them...Tell him Stephen sent ya!

:evil:

[ChinoCharles]

Looking to spend around $2,000??? That's about cheapest you can do it for!

That is :bs: . You could do it for half that easy... the most expensive part of the outfit is the screen, which will be about half of that.

That is, of course, if you don't use a laptop. You'll get a much cleaner, much more functional install if you go the desktop route. In fact, you can make a carputer look downright OEM.

I am also planning on doing a carputer install in the Yaris, being that I am a computer science major and have built my own computers since I was in high school. I have been reading up on it (slowly but surely) and have found that there isn't really that much involved. The hardest part about it is the power source and finding where you want to mount your peripherals.

You don't need a high-octane machine for a car. 1-2 GHZ would suffice, and you can get the proper AMD CPU in this range for under 50 bucks. Add in...

MicroATX Motherboard w/ built in video and six-channel audio
Hard drive... 100 GB or so
Memory... maybe a gig
DVD-ROM
A couple wireless controllers

You're at what, 300 bucks? Get a nice motorized in-dash touchscreen...

http://store.mp3car.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=61

And you're still well under a grand. Should give you a couple hundred bucks for things like that power supply, wires, nuts and bolts, maybe an infrared device, etc...

The following link is Mecca for carputer buffs. Go make an account and check out some of the installs done in other cars. It will help get your wheels turning.
http://www.mp3car.com/

[vodkalush]

The biggest thing thats gonna end up bothering you (at least it would me) is the PC boot/load time. You could rock a xbox with modchip, 100-200gig harddrive and xbox media center (about $300) and the boot time will be about 15-30secs vrs 1-2min (after everything is loaded into mem and what not) for a carputer. The one thing that you would probaly not like is the lack of touchscreen support... although after a little research you may even find it.

[mikeukrainetz]

If you havent already read about this car in PASMag then PLEASE READ!!!!

This is about the most advanced system Ive seen so far and right up your alley.... The infrared keyboard idea is awsome (among everything else).

Theres no picture that I could find on the site of the keyboard setup but shouldnt be hard to find on the Net. It in the mag but that wont help you much unless you run out and buy the latest copy.

Heres the link nonetheless...

http://www.pasmag.com/article.asp?ID=390

[bonjournaste]

What about a Mac Mini?

http://www.ouvre.com/wp-content/mac-mini.jpg

[mikeukrainetz]

Thats what they used in the vehicle I posted above...

[spkrman]

to shorten boot time you keep the puter on standby, or hibernate.

www.mp3car.com really has all the info you need on this subject.

[Nutzoids]

That is :bs: . You could do it for half that easy... the most expensive part of the outfit is the screen, which will be about half of that.

That is, of course, if you don't use a laptop. You'll get a much cleaner, much more functional install if you go the desktop route. In fact, you can make a carputer look downright OEM.

I am also planning on doing a carputer install in the Yaris, being that I am a computer science major and have built my own computers since I was in high school. I have been reading up on it (slowly but surely) and have found that there isn't really that much involved. The hardest part about it is the power source and finding where you want to mount your peripherals.

You don't need a high-octane machine for a car. 1-2 GHZ would suffice, and you can get the proper AMD CPU in this range for under 50 bucks. Add in...

MicroATX Motherboard w/ built in video and six-channel audio
Hard drive... 100 GB or so
Memory... maybe a gig
DVD-ROM
A couple wireless controllers

You're at what, 300 bucks? Get a nice motorized in-dash touchscreen...

http://store.mp3car.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=61

And you're still well under a grand. Should give you a couple hundred bucks for things like that power supply, wires, nuts and bolts, maybe an infrared device, etc...

The following link is Mecca for carputer buffs. Go make an account and check out some of the installs done in other cars. It will help get your wheels turning.
http://www.mp3car.com/


What do you know… Your wrong!

Motherboard & CPU: JetWay & VIA C7 Nano -$189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813153050

Memory: WINTEC AMPX 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 400 - $62.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820161652

Harddirve: 100GB Western digital 2.5” - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136005

DVD: Panasonic Slot Load DVD-ROM - $75.00
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=OPT%2D002

Case w/ Power Supply: APEX DM-318 Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case - $44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811154062


Right there is $452.96 (did you want wireless internet or Bluetooth) add another $100

Plus your Monitor- Lilliput 7" In-Dash Motorized Touchscreen - $469.99
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MON%2D020

There is $922.95

Plus a shutdown controller- Micro Shutdown Controller - $41.99

We are up to $964.99

Power Regulator- Carnetix CNX-P1900 140 Watt 12V DC-DC Regulator – $99.95
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PWR%2D010

Now $1,064.89

To be honest I don’t even know where to start looking for all the cables, adaptors, spacers, screws, bolts, fans, connectors, and tools to get your PC to fit in your car and play out of your speakers.

But I’m guessing that should be around another $200-$300

So with that and Bluetooth and wireless we are looking at about $1,400

And that is the cheapest way…If you build the computer yourself and install all the components yourself!

Go back to school Junior… (Mr. Computer Science Major)

:evil:

[Wayside]

Go back to school Junior… (Mr. Computer Science Major)
:evil:

Yeah, I found that a bit unessacary as well.

Use an old laptop (ebay) and keep the os clean so it doesn't get bogged down (laptops and the 2.5" drive will take a little more abuse then a desktop and offer a built in battery backup).
Set the power scheme to switch to standby after 1-5 minutes when running on batteries and just shut it down when you park for the night.
Grab a $20 power inverter and hardwire it to a switched ignition source, plug your laptop brick in to it.
To save cash and fabrication time go with a 7" in dash VGA touch screen.

Should be able to do all that for around 1K...

[vodkalush]

yah, I would love to see someone fabricate a oem style front face/case to fit into a yariii. Since, that will must likly never happen your better off getting the double din 7inch pc controller screen (with built in DVD) for $650+.

Also Nutzoids you might want to learn alittle about being a savy shopper, and not only look at one place for computer equitment on the internet... oh well I've given up on this idea still have the $650+ to waste on a touchscreen carputer controller thingy; so I'm not gonna be nice and search for better prices. But feel free to check either newegg.com and/or pricewatch.com .

and with that said, $1400 is "near" half of $2000 :smile:
luck to those that do this, please post pics and info on your build :thumbsup:

[ChinoCharles]

What do you know… Your wrong!

Motherboard & CPU: JetWay & VIA C7 Nano -$189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813153050

Memory: WINTEC AMPX 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 400 - $62.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820161652

Harddirve: 100GB Western digital 2.5” - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136005

DVD: Panasonic Slot Load DVD-ROM - $75.00
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=OPT%2D002

Case w/ Power Supply: APEX DM-318 Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case - $44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811154062


Right there is $452.96 (did you want wireless internet or Bluetooth) add another $100

Plus your Monitor- Lilliput 7" In-Dash Motorized Touchscreen - $469.99
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MON%2D020

There is $922.95

Plus a shutdown controller- Micro Shutdown Controller - $41.99

We are up to $964.99

Power Regulator- Carnetix CNX-P1900 140 Watt 12V DC-DC Regulator – $99.95
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PWR%2D010

Now $1,064.89

To be honest I don’t even know where to start looking for all the cables, adaptors, spacers, screws, bolts, fans, connectors, and tools to get your PC to fit in your car and play out of your speakers.

But I’m guessing that should be around another $200-$300

So with that and Bluetooth and wireless we are looking at about $1,400

And that is the cheapest way…If you build the computer yourself and install all the components yourself!

Go back to school Junior… (Mr. Computer Science Major)

:evil:

CPU: AMD Sempron 2500+ Thoroughbred 1.75GHz Socket A Processor OEM
$44.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819104204R

MoBo: PC CHIPS M825G (v9.2a) Socket A VIA KM266Pro Micro ATX MoBo
$25.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813185082

Heatsink: Dynatron I51 CPU Cooling Heatsink - Retail
$18.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835114032

Memory: BUFFALO 512MB DDR 333 (PC 2700) Desktop Memory - Retail
$54.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820150065

HD: HITACHI Deskstar T7K250 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache IDE Hard Drive - OEM
$54.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822145091

DVD: ASUS Black 52X CD-ROM E-IDE/ATAPI CD-ROM Drive Model CD-S520/A5 - Retail
$12.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827134012

TOTAL COST: $207.00 (before shipping)

SPECS
AMD Sempron 2500+ processor w/ heatsink
PC CHIPS MicroATX motherboard
onboard 6 channel audio
onboard video
160 GB 7200 RPM HD
DVD-ROM
512 MB DDR 333 memory

:flame: :stupid: :slice: :middlefinger: :moon: :thanks:

So yeah, there is your true basement-budget car PC. You wouldn't buy a case, because if you're trying to save money you could fab one up yourself. You'll want to anyway in order to make your mounting points for the computer components as shock-resistant as possible, especially if you have a suspension/drop.

As for your products, the CPU you chose was an off-brand piece of shit, your hard drive price was through the f'n roof, and the slim DVD-ROM wasn't necessary. All the money I just saved building my carputer the right way frees up room for an $80 WiFi car antenna. You could buy that just with the money I just saved you, and you'd still have some left over for some Chipotle and a blunt.

$200-300 for cables, screws, connectors... are you kidding me? You even had tools in there... I mean, did you include the price of a bandsaw to hack up all the MDF it would take?

I'm done flaming you, this is a waste of my time and I have lights to smoke. Just do yourself a favor and stick to what you know. It obviously isn't computers.

vodkalush, you're right... it would be quite the feat to fit a computer in the front of the car. I think the best bet is to house most of the components in the rear, maybe in the spare tire well. The only periphery you'd need access to is the DVD-ROM, so its a matter of finding a clever spot to mount that up front and running a whole lot of wire. Still, it can be done.

I have an idea for mounting the computer up front, but I would have to see a MicroATX board in person before I know whether or not it would work. You know that space underneath the climate controls, right below the 12V power outlet? There is nothing underneath there but shifter cables. You could fab up a case (assuming the board is small enough) and bolt it right though that thin plastic. Just an idea...

[Nutzoids]

OK... Let me know how that works out for you Mr. Computer Science Major.

:evil:

[bigsky2]

snip...

Resident Shit Disturber knows his doo doo.

[tomjasz]

OK... Let me know how that works out for you Mr. Computer Science Major.

:evil:


:evil: Another kid buys a Yaris....:evil:

[ChinoCharles]

YOU KNOW?!?!?!

He should take elsteverino on a date.

[Nutzoids]

I apologize to all… I was Wrong!

ChinoCharles- I stand down and wave the little white flag… Also as a sign of peace and gratitude I would like to purchase something for your Yaris… Perhaps some Grounding Wires? As a sign of friendship of course… We are all on the same side here (the Yaris Side) and should not be arguing over something so trivial…

:respekt:

[ChinoCharles]

Haha, its all gab dude. Don't take it to heart, and buy yourself some ground wires.

[eTiMaGo]

Computer Science Major? Is that like an MCSE (Minesweeper Consultant and Solitaire Expert)?

:laugh:

Anyway back on topic I almost went the carputer route (and might just rip out my headunit and get one done someday), but I would have used an old laptop I have lying around, I'm sure there's a way to fit it somewhere :wink:

There's some really cool media control software for carputer use, one amazing one is called Centrafuse, more functions than you can shake a stick at!

[spkrman]

carputer can do more at a lower cost than any other solution, or set of solutions... the issue is setting it all up! It can be a headache, but in recent years there has been alot of development, so things have gotten way easier!

searching around will yield every bit of info you need.

[tomjasz]

Haha, its all gab dude. .
Especially given you called AMD and "off brand"!!!!:iono: :drinking: :drinking: :drinking: :drinking: :drinking: :drinking: :drinking: :drinking: :drinking: :drinking: :drinking:

[ChinoCharles]

Naw, I wouldn't do that. I swear by AMD... all my computers run on AMD chips.

I was talking about the original motherboard he sourced...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813153050

[tomjasz]

Naw, I wouldn't do that. I swear by AMD:thumbup: ... all my computers run on AMD chips.:thumbup:

]



:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:

[eTiMaGo]

nothing wrong with AMD chips, using one myself now.... but keep in mind that between intel and AMD, there's a lot of innovation, and the value for money crown gets passed around pretty often. And as much as I hate to admit it, it's pretty hard to beat intel's core 2 duo chips right now... just ahrd to find a good cheap motherboard for them i guess!

[spkrman]

for car, its all about low power consumption and low heat. Good thing in recent years the desktop market has provided us with some lower power/heat CPU's!

Back when I did my carputer in 03, none of the "carputer" stuff really existed... Big heavy/hot desktop with an inverter was a real PITA, but it worked well... now that same speed can be had on 1/10th the power and 1/100th the heat!

[Nutzoids]

I know the heat is a big issue... That's why I suggested the VIA chip...It has the lowest power consumption and heat of any processor... True it's not as well known as Intel and AMD, but I always vote for the underdog anyway!

:evil:

[spkrman]

I know the heat is a big issue... That's why I suggested the VIA chip...It has the lowest power consumption and heat of any processor... True it's not as well known as Intel and AMD, but I always vote for the underdog anyway!

:evil:

the via setup, at least from my outdated knowledge, isn't as good as a "comparable" AMD or INTEL setup in regards to performance.

[tomjasz]

http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/headunit/
http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/cPath/23_84/products_id/401
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813153050&ATT=13-153-050&CMP=OTC-Froogle
http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/it.A/id.403/.f?sc=8&category=101

[tomjasz]

http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/headunit/
http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/cPath/23_84/products_id/401
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813153050&ATT=13-153-050&CMP=OTC-Froogle
http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/it.A/id.403/.f?sc=8&category=101



http://www.cartft.com/:thumbup:

[webmaster]

THx for the ideas everyone
ima prolly get started on this prject once the new year hits and i have a lil more cash on my hands to kill

lol

[Dremor]

:laugh: People, what do you think about this?

http://www.cybernetman.com/default.cfm?DocId=602

I Think is really great Idea! :biggrin: Im thinking to buy it. :rolleyes:

[eflb55]

I've always been looking for a really small simple computer like that. That's pretty cool.

[paultyler_82]

for those of you wanting a nice head unit for your carputer... here's probably the most fully featured one I've ever seen: http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-6500.htm

I also saw some site that was selling 12vDC-DC Power supplies for carputers that were TINY... I'll have to find that again

EDIT: Found it... the picoPSU, an extremely tiny snapin DC-DC power supply: http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=10#picoPSU

And for those who like VIA... a very tiny motherboard with a 1GHz VIA processor. It's only 12cm x 12cm!: http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=26

[qbunnie]

If you are looking for a cheaper route, the Ex-Audio 7" VGA LCD/Lilliput EBY701 are in the 200 dollar range.
www.ex-audio.net/shop/product_info.php/products_id/151

They are the closest fit VGA LCD Touch screens i have been able to find. They are .25 inches too short lengthwise, and .5 inches too tall height-wise. Even with trimming, the LCD panel is still .25 inches too large... But I think I might be able to use overscan correction to account with that. I don't really have the time to do an install now, but this looks like the best bet in the 200 dollar price range for LCD's. Expect more coming this May.

[sqcomp]

...interesting.

Take a look at this vehicle I was able to put some elbow grease into:

http://www.oregonsoundchoice.com/2000excursion/index.htm

Feel free to take a look at the other SUV's on there, you guys might get some good ideas.

[Razr]

Computer Science Major? Is that like an MCSE (Minesweeper Consultant and Solitaire Expert)?

:laugh:

Anyway back on topic I almost went the carputer route (and might just rip out my headunit and get one done someday), but I would have used an old laptop I have lying around, I'm sure there's a way to fit it somewhere :wink:

There's some really cool media control software for carputer use, one amazing one is called Centrafuse, more functions than you can shake a stick at!

Well, my company has MCSP certification, so I guess that makes us Microsoft Certified Solitaire Professionals! :thumbsup:

I'd also recommend going the 2nd hand notebook route: It's small, so you can jam it almost anywhere, they draw way less power, are easier to power up off 12VDC, are quieter, more rugged, already assembled, have all the connectivity features you'll be wanting (BT/WiFi/IrDA/Firewire) and generate way less heat. Plus if you get one with an ATI X1600 or GF7400+ graphics adaptor it'll even be able to run 3D games at the screen resolutions you're likely to run - even newer games..

I currently have an old lappie running as a media server in the bedroom, using the (uber cool) open source Media Portal software (http://team-mediaportal.com/). For control I just use a Logitech wireless gamepad (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2225,CONTENTID=9069) with a key mapping utility - cheap. simple and effective..

I could jam it under one of the front chairs and have it up and running in the Yaris in minutes - fuck the headache of building a PC and then trying to power it and find a place for it to go :tongue:

[Black Yaris]

ok I just stumbled upon this thread... just wondering if ya'll knew most home computers ran off of 12 volts.... you will need to remove the power supply that converts 110AC to 12DC and put a voltage stabilizer(wave rectifyer) in there, but that sure beats going from DC to AC to DC again for no reason

[Razr]

ok I just stumbled upon this thread... just wondering if ya'll knew most home computers ran off of 12 volts.... you will need to remove the power supply that converts 110AC to 12DC and put a voltage stabilizer(wave rectifyer) in there, but that sure beats going from DC to AC to DC again for no reason

Unfortunately it's not quite that simple. The ATX specification requires 12DVC, 5VDC and 3.3VDC - all of which must be tightly regulated (i.e. no voltage fluctuations) and clean (i.e. no ripple)

In order to run a desktop PC in a car you will absolutely need power supply of some description, be it a purpose built DC-DC one, or DC-AC-DC in the form of a regular ATX PSU and a DC-AC inverter.

Notebooks with car charger kits are a lot simpler :)

[eTiMaGo]

Unfortunately it's not quite that simple. The ATX specification requires 12DVC, 5VDC and 3.3VDC - all of which must be tightly regulated (i.e. no voltage fluctuations) and clean (i.e. no ripple)

In order to run a desktop PC in a car you will absolutely need power supply of some description, be it a purpose built DC-DC one, or DC-AC-DC in the form of a regular ATX PSU and a DC-AC inverter.

Notebooks with car charger kits are a lot simpler :)

Exactly. Each route (old laptop vs Mini-PC) has its advantages and drawbacks. My old laptop has two problems: USB 1.1 only, and crappy sound. What I was planning was to get a USB2.0 PC Card, and an external USB sound card like one of the Creative Extigy's. With a custom-built PC, you would avoid these kinds of headaches!

[Razr]

Exactly. Each route (old laptop vs Mini-PC) has its advantages and drawbacks. My old laptop has two problems: USB 1.1 only, and crappy sound. What I was planning was to get a USB2.0 PC Card, and an external USB sound card like one of the Creative Extigy's. With a custom-built PC, you would avoid these kinds of headaches!


Wow, your old laptop really is old LOL :wink:

[eTiMaGo]

First laptop I ever owned, even though it's just gathering dust now, it has sentimental value :biggrin:

It was pretty fancy in its time, one of the thinnest lightest laptops available (Asus M2 series, just about 2.2kg for a 14"...)

And the specs are still good enough, 1.8GHz Pentium M, but gonna need a boost in RAM as well. Not gonna do any gaming with it, though, that's for sure!

[Razr]

If you only need USB2.0 for the Creative sound card, an alternative would be a more basic USB audio adaptor (like those that come bundled with better headphones (http://www.dansdata.com/quickshot022.htm), and actually sound VG), or if you're going full audiophile maybe one of the Creative Audigy 2 ZS Notebook (http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=204&product=10769) PCMCIA cards -though the latter is a pricey option.

[eTiMaGo]

Hmm that is a possibility, but can those handle plain old USB1.1? I'm not looking for audiophile quality, but if I can get 4.1 or 5.1 output it would work well with my current amps and speakers. And, I would still want the PCMCIA slot for a USB2.0 adapter, that way I can have a bit more flexibility for peripherals.

[Razr]

Yep, no problems running a headphone style adaptor on USB 1.1, but most are only stereo output. A bit of googling should turn up something suitable.

[Razr]

OK, just googled for: 5.1 usb audio adaptor
Here's a couple of hits on USB 1.1 compat devices:

http://www.usbgear.com/usb-audio-adapter-5/index.html

http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/products/audioadv/micro/

[eTiMaGo]

Hmm OK I'll see what I can find :smile:

Problem now is the screen...

This one seems just the best:
http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-6500.htm

but seems to be out of production until May when they introduce a new version... Not many other choices for double-DIN touchscreen VGA screens...

Even the single-DIN ones available on mp3car.com seem to have some bad reviews. I'm not even going to waste time to start thinking about finding something suitable locally :biggrin:

Is this just a pipe dream?

[eTiMaGo]

OK, just googled for: 5.1 usb audio adaptor
Here's a couple of hits on USB 1.1 compat devices:

http://www.usbgear.com/usb-audio-adapter-5/index.html

http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/products/audioadv/micro/

Sweetness! The turtlebeach one looks good, but 5.1 seems to be only achieved through digital output, that's gonna be a pain in the @$$ to interface with plain analog amps :biggrin:

So, that usbgear one looks very promising, thanks for the heads-up!

[Black Yaris]

Unfortunately it's not quite that simple. The ATX specification requires 12DVC, 5VDC and 3.3VDC - all of which must be tightly regulated (i.e. no voltage fluctuations) and clean (i.e. no ripple)

In order to run a desktop PC in a car you will absolutely need power supply of some description, be it a purpose built DC-DC one, or DC-AC-DC in the form of a regular ATX PSU and a DC-AC inverter.

Notebooks with car charger kits are a lot simpler :)

no problem there guy, that is what a dual wave rectifyer is for :), The power supply in a computer is basicly a transformer and a dual wave rectifyer, the rectifyer will set a specific voltage, no problem, and is basicly a couple Diodes

[Razr]

the rectifyer will set a specific voltage, no problem, and is basicly a couple Diodes

The keyword being rectifier of course :)

In any case, what youre describing is a DC-DC converter, so we're in agreement :thumbsup:

[Razr]

Not many other choices for double-DIN touchscreen VGA screens...

Well, it doesn't necessarily need VGA (or DVI) input - so long as the video adaptor in your notebook can do overscan on its TV output you will get full screen output via composite video. Any ATI 9xxx/1x00 or Nvidia x2GO/5x00+ can do this with the right driver and/or utility, and even some on-board video chipsets can do it.

The only issue then is compensating for the overscan in your media center software, which Media Portal (http://team-mediapoertal.com/) does very nicely :thumbsup:

[eTiMaGo]

yeah but the picture quality won't be anywhere near as nice, I'd prefer the pixel-sharp look of a proper PC connection, especially when running software such as Centrafuse (http://www.centrafuse.com)

Plus, the laptop has no TV out, so it's a moot point :biggrin:

[Black Yaris]

The keyword being rectifier of course :)

In any case, what youre describing is a DC-DC converter, so we're in agreement :thumbsup:

Yes sir:thumbsup: lets go drinkin :drinking:

[jdubau55]

Ihave this one on my desktop (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829126101)....works nicely for what I want.

[Razr]

yeah but the picture quality won't be anywhere near as nice, I'd prefer the pixel-sharp look of a proper PC connection, especially when running software such as Centrafuse (http://www.centrafuse.com)

Plus, the laptop has no TV out, so it's a moot point :biggrin:


The question remains as to just how pixel sharp those VGA screens really are of course :wink: If they had DVI input I'd be a little less sceptical..

As you note, moot point anyway :biggrin:

That Centrafuse software looks pretty cool - the skin especially is perfect for small touch-screens / car use. The nav and sat radio features aren't terribly useful for us here in the land of smiles (and technology retardation) though :frown:

I'm signing up so I can download the SDK and see what's possble with it :thumbsup: