SuperDuty-Puter

**bmzero** · 12-11-2003, 08:43 AM

Here's the plan:
I need to put a PC in my Ford SuperDuty. This will eventually power countless (well, almost countless) USB devices, so it needs plenty of power.

I had originally planned on using a laptop hidden somewhere with a LCD display mounted in-dash, but I may be leaning toward Mini-ITX due to the modularity. Can someone explain the benefits/drawbacks of the laptop vs. Mini-ITX issue?

I have purchased these products already:
Compaq PIII laptop (800MHz, 11GB, DVD, 802.11b)
XENARC 700TSV
Delorme Earthmate GPS
Street Atlas 2004
FM Modulator (incase I decide to leave the current sound system)
Evation IRman Receiver and Remote

Also, can someone recommend the best Mini-ITX mobo for multimedia? I've read around, but there isn't a clear favorite.

Thanks in advance,
.brit

**guitar333** · 12-11-2003, 09:10 AM

m1000 epia + opus 150w dc-dc psu, you'll be set

**bmzero** · 12-11-2003, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by guitar333

m1000 epia + opus 150w dc-dc psu, you'll be set

In what ways is that setup better than using a laptop?

thanks for info,
.brit

**greaper007** · 12-11-2003, 12:41 PM

I think that the epia would probably beat the laptop due to the epia's ability to be upgraded vs a laptop.

**bmzero** · 12-11-2003, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by greaper007

I think that the epia would probably beat the laptop due to the epia's ability to be upgraded vs a laptop.

Yeah, that's my major concern. I agree, but I already have the laptop. **ouch**. Oh well, it was free anyway.

I've been doing some reading on the epia. What is this LVDS option? Do I need that to push my Xenarc?

thanks,
.brit

**The Durango Kid** · 12-11-2003, 12:47 PM

In what ways is that setup better than using a laptop?

1) You would be using a PSU built for the car and would NOT require a inverter (sometimes noice and gets hot) and could power down your PC safely after turning off the key..

2) (well I'm not sure about your laptop but) have a nice graphic card with Mpeg decoding built it.. Great for watching DVD..

3) Again not sure about your laptop but has a 5.1 surround sound if you ever wanted to go that route..

Personally if you have the laptop and it works for what you need then use it.. It will do the job that is for sure.. If you were working with nothing I also would suggest a Epia and Opus..

**DodgeCummins** · 12-12-2003, 09:31 AM

Your laptop can be powered directly off the 12v supply with a laptop adapter. Your laptop has a battery already, so it is unaffected by the voltage drop during the engine start.

If you connect said 12v adapter to a switched power source, you have an automatic computer shutdown built in. Just set the laptop Power Settings to shut down the computer when external power is disconnected.

If you set up a docking station in your truck (I am sure you have the room) you can remove your laptop and use it elsewhere.

And so on.

The only real drawback of the laptop is if it has a junky sound card. I had to run a USB soundcard for mine. (again would be no problem if you had a docking station.)

**bridqer** · 12-23-2003, 01:34 PM

next summer I will prabably switching to using a slimpro sp600 from http://www.cappuccinopc.com/2baypc.asp with a xenarc screen. I could expand the audio with an external sound card. If you need to upgrade video you would need a different PC model with pci or agp slots. I don't plan on doing video games in my truck but DVD's would be nice, hopefully the onboard video will be sufficient. As far as power goes I thinking about a deepcycle battery charged off my dual batteries with an isolator. That way it would not be affected by ignition or kill my truck. Just some ideas to think about.

**guitar333** · 12-23-2003, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by bridqer

....zenarc screen

for future reference it's Xenarc

**bmzero** · 09-28-2005, 12:02 PM

Ok, so I've finally gotten around to starting this project back up. The good news is I have most of the parts already. I just purchased a m275 TabletPC from Gateway. It will close flat with the screen open for easy mounting and hopefully I can get the TabletPC functionality to work within Windows Media Center which I already have installed.

I also just installed the Auxillary Input Adapter from P.I.E. It works flawlessly in the 2005 models. Here is an explanation of the install.

I have a port replicator coming that, when coupled with the proper mounting apparatus, should allow easy removal of the laptop for security purposes.

.brit