Carputers are the only way to go.

[Assyrian]

This is really pretty amazing to me... How much will the total project cost you including the GPS equipment and software?

['00vegas-solara]

That’s a pretty hard question to answer as there are too many variables in computers, i.e. Laptop or desktop, touch screen or not etc. The good news is the “Front End” software is free and it’s great. Here’s a screen shot of what I use.

[/img]http://guino.home.insightbb.com/RRMain.jpg[img]

The easiest route is to find a laptop with a bad LCD display as you wont need it and then get your in dash LCD screen. Here’s a few links for more info.

[/url]http://www.mp3car.com/[url]
[/url]http://www.digitalww.com/[url]

Speaking from my own opinion, once you put a computer in your car you’ll never drive again without it.

Let us know what you decide to do. Good Luck

['00vegas-solara]

For some reason the HTML stuff didnt work. Oh welll just copy and paste to see it.

['00vegas-solara]

I got the Front End Pic to work. Check it out.

[ruffrydasean]

that looks fuggin cool.. wow.. and I was considering the Eclipse AVN7000. But your broken laptop idea rocks...

['00vegas-solara]

It's great. I got a Dell C610 for $200 from EBay. Thats less than a high end H/U. Then another $350 for a touch screen and your almost in business.

[ruffrydasean]

The thing is Bootin up the laptop though.. how long does it take? I dont wanna have to wait 5+ mins for the short trips that i take on average :/

Few Questions if I may?
exactly what brand/model of tocuh screen did you use for your install.. If I were to go the carputer route, I'd want my screen flush like yours. How exactly are you powering the laptop? Can You direct me as to where to search for the front end software? I saw some of the nice carputer gear @ mp3car.com. Whats the diff between a dedicated carputer and using a laptop other than start up times. I think if i went this route i'd be able to get my new struts/spring, intake.exhaust and still be able to upgrade my audio system. Because the AVN7000 is like $2600 @.@... $1800 on ebay though


EDIT: Found the carputer software(s). Still lookin around though

[Down2TheC]

I've been toying w/ the idea since I bought the car in '04. But I have trouble settling on hardware software and just haven't committed yet.

Some things in my design: To stop the boot wait, I want to rig a separate aux batt to feed the PC. That dell prolly draws 60-70 watts so a small batt would keep it in standby for days. As you are, I imagine you only have to boot once a day.

The alternative for those that want a Carputer but don't want to rig it...
http://www.infill.co.kr/eng/products/T3.asp
If they ever sell this thing I might be tempted...The hardest part about the CarPC seems to be the integration and with this it's done. GPS/TV/DVD/Cams/XM/Wireless it's ready for anything out of the box. And all in a double din w/ build in 5.1 amp. No running cables!!!

BTW, MS Streets&Trips w/ a USB GPS is <$90. I have an Earthmate and the thing rocks.

P.S. Get rid of that Honda logo!!!

[ruffrydasean]

All of looks cool.. And i think i'm on the verge of saying screw the AVN7000... Maybe I'm doing the math wrong.. but it said the price of that was $3500, but somewhere else on the site it said all prices are in continental korean currency. I can't find a currency exchanger.. i dont see it on Xe.com anyway. And I think you can get the T3 now...

['00vegas-solara]

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Anyway if you go the Laptop route heres what you use to power everything.
http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=60
This device sends 12volt DC regulated power to your DC adapter for your Laptop. It also has the remote wire to turn your AMP on and Off. It also has a contact closure which will turn your Lapyop on and Off. The only hard part is soldering wires onto the laptop power button.

Next you set up Windows to go into standby or hibernate when you push the power button. Walla, you turn on the Solara your Laptop turns on, your turn off your Solara the laptop goes into standby. The Carnetix power supply completely disconnects from your battery when the car is off so there is no power draw. The laptop stays in standby because it has batteries.

Here is the touch screen I have.
http://www.digitalww.com/VVTModule.htm
It acually comes in a palstic shell which I hot glued behind the Solara Bezel.

It seems everyone really like to get there hands dirty here working on their Solaras, well trust me you put one of these in your car you will be unique.

[AznDragonV]

this is coo...i want to learn how to do this someday so i can control everything from the computer! then ill never get lost doin deliveries again!!! lol hahahahaha

[Down2TheC]

And I think you can get the T3 now...

Lots of links but I still don't find anyone selling it in the US. Other boards are saying it will be around $2500. That includes GPS and wireless and maps etc. So I'll wait for it to get local so it comes w/ US maps. (Unless I get off my a$$ and build one.)

[ruffrydasean]

you have to contact them about gettin one.. look on the site.. i emailed them already...

[ruffrydasean]

dear sean ross,



thank for your interest in the INFILL car pc.



let me introduce myself, my name is soon yang from maxan, in charge of INFILL oversea marketing team.


here’s couple of documents which may help you to make a business plan of our product.




you can purchase a sample Infill unit is through us directly.

our price for an international sample unit is $3199.00 usd. (including S & H)

please let us know if you would like to purchase a sample unit.

also, please check the dimensions of our product and check if it will fit your car.



we are happy to provide any information for your further request.

have good fortune in business.



br.



soon yang.

There ya go... god damn.. that's alot.. but still pretty freakin sweet

['00vegas-solara]

Just got done reading about Infill. I must admit its pretty cool. They basically taken the hard work out of building you own Carputer and did it for you. But that’s not like people typical of this board. We like to tweak, mod, tune and get our hands dirty all the wile learning something in the process. One problem I see with it is what happens when there’s a hardware problem, do you have to send it overseas and the Warranty is only for 6 months. Just my 2cents.