Computer

[eTiMaGo]

Originally Posted by Razr

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]

Originally Posted by eTiMaGo

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