Thread: Dell Studio Hybrid (Installed in vehicle, 12v-24v)

That looks pretty cool! It says it "Uses about 70% less power than a typical desktop, and meets Energy Star® 4.0 standards with an 87% efficient power supply" but what do they consider a "typical desktop?"

I noticed that it includes an AC adapter connector. I wonder if that means it would be easy to convert to DC.

Another thing I noticed was that it has DVI and HDMI only and does not support VGA. Aren't all of the touch screens VGA? Would they work with a DVI->VGA converter?

The one thing I really like aboout it is that it is a Dell. That is all I will buy and had considered using one of their Ultra Small Form Factor desktops as a carPC. This thing is much smaller.

Oh, and the price ain't bad either.

My video card on the Dell I'm using at work has dual DVI and I have one monitor connected to DVI and the other connected to a DVI-VGA adapter and it works fine. I don't see why that wouldn't work. I think that's what the Mac Mini guys do currently.

I also use DVI->VGA on several computers but what I was wondering about was their statement that "...VGA is not supported."

I found the documentation for the system and looked through it. In the setup guide it says that a DVI->VGA adapter is included with the computer, so VGA is supported (indirectly).

I also found the power specs in the setup guide. It uses 19.5 vDC at 3.34 a for 65w. The AC adapter provides 19.5vDC output at 65w.

Now, is it possible to somehow convert 12vDC to 19.5vDC so it can be wired directly into the car?

The Carnetix CNX-P1900 has been used for several Mac Mini installs and has 19v out. So, basically, we'd just need to make an adapter for the plug.

http://store.mp3car.com/Carnetix_CNX..._p/pwr-010.htm

Well it all depends on what type of DVI port it is. If this PC happens to be for multimedia, like for large panel TVs, it may have a DVI-D port, which will not work with a DVI to VGA adapter. You need to buy a special convertor, which runs $115.00 and up. Only reason I know is because my MoBo came with a VGA port, DVI-D port, and HDMI. My setup uses 4 screens, so I used the VGA for the front screen and the DVI-D for all the others. After trying to use a DVI to VGA convertor, i figured my MoBo was messed up. I emailed IEI and LogicSupply and they told me its a 100% digital port and can not be use on a VGA screen. They were correct, so I found a device that connects to the monitor and makes it 100% digital. Now all screens work. If its a DVI-I or DVI-A then it will work with the cheapy adapters.

PS: reading through the stats, I think this PC uses a DVI-D port like mine, since they put VGA is not supported. You will have to buy a converter for the screen like me.

That's what I was wondering, whether it would support VGA at all. The online docs say that it comes with a DVI-VGA adapter so "hopefully" it would be the right one.

Here are a couple of screen grabs. One is the page from the setup guide and the other is a pic of the DVI port. It looks like a regular DVI (unless they all look the same).

Originally Posted by Dan2008

That's what I was wondering, whether it would support VGA at all. The online docs say that it comes with a DVI-VGA adapter so "hopefully" it would be the right one.

Here are a couple of screen grabs. One is the page from the setup guide and the other is a pic of the DVI port. It looks like a regular DVI (unless they all look the same).

I didnt see that page....only the back panel....looks like a ordinary DVI to VGA converter. i think maybe someone should call Dell and confirm the exact type of DVI port it is. We dont know what type of DVI to VGA they are including in the box, it could be the one i was forced to use, but that doesnt sound very cost effective, it would cost Dell alot in the long run, so I assume its a standard DVI to VGA.

Originally Posted by HiJackZX1

I think maybe someone should call Dell and confirm the exact type of DVI port it is.

Doing that right now...stay tuned.

Okay, here is the definitive answer from Dell:

It is a DVI-D port and the documentation is wrong--the adapter does NOT come with the computer. The good news? The adapter only costs $10.99!

Where they really get a piece of you is for the WLAN card--$70 for a wireless-N card.

Still, having a Dell-supported carPC is worth the additional $70 for the WLAN.

More good news--I live in Georgia and we have a sales tax holiday through Sunday, so I may just order one (if my wife'll let me ).