pre-built Xenarc carputers any good?

**ayclens** · 07-06-2004, 05:09 PM

Is there any disadvantage to buying a pre-built carputer, like the ones from Xenarc? Link HERE...

I have read on these forums that the Xenarc screens are great, but haven't heard anyone make mention of their pre-built carputer solutions...?! Why not?

For the Xenarc carputers, the specs say they run on 12V DC. To hook this up, is it as simple as tapping into a switched 12V source in the car? Or do I need to do something custom for startup/shutdown with the Xenarc carputers, or is this already done in the Xenarc systems???

Thanks yo

**EBFoxbat** · 07-06-2004, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by Jackboot

Is there any disadvantage to buying a pre-built carputer, like the ones from Xenarc?

Sure they are pre-built.

Have fun wating the price rocket skyward, and don't get too comfortable pawning it off as a hand-made unit.

**EBFoxbat** · 07-06-2004, 05:36 PM

Though I wouldn't mind this case:

**ayclens** · 07-06-2004, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by EBFoxbat

Sure they are pre-built.

Have fun watching the price rocket skyward, and don't get too comfortable pawning it off as a hand-made unit.

OK, so if I don't care about the geek factor of claiming that I built the unit "all by myself" and am not especially concerned about price ($1500 still seems like a great deal for an entire carputer package to me at least), is there any downside to the quality or performance of these Xenarc units?

**vcbb5** · 07-06-2004, 10:41 PM

you could easily build one, probably of better quality, for less. If you like resonlessly spending money, i guess they are ok.

**ayclens** · 07-06-2004, 11:25 PM

Can someone recommend a good website to source parts from then? Maybe I will just build my own...

**vcbb5** · 07-06-2004, 11:28 PM

for epia parts:
www.idot.com
www.directron.com

General Computer Parts:
www.newegg.com

GPS:
www.ebay.com
www.deluo.com

Touch LCD/Opus:
http://www.mp3car.com/store/
www.opussolutions.com

**ayclens** · 07-06-2004, 11:37 PM

Obvious n00b question: what are "epia" parts?

**VanMan69** · 07-06-2004, 11:50 PM

I got one of the Xenarc MC-SC1 barebones. I had a processor, DVD, and HDD already. I also have memory, but I had to write back to Xenarc for the mem upgrade, since I don't have any ultra-slim 0.8" memory, and couldn't even find it anywhere.

Although you could build a "better" one (depending on your needs, which would help define "better") for less, I doubt you're going to be able to build something as small as this, if space is a concern. I'm not sure if you're looking at the MC-SC1 or the MP-FL8 fanless P4, but the MP-FL8 seems like overkill to me, both in terms of price and power.

MC-SC1 Downsides: (1)Can't add PC cards. If you can find a USB equivalent, no prob. (2) No TV out, which can mean something or nothing depending on your application. (3) The one I've got only has USB 1.1, which so far just makes some file transfers a *****. (4) You can't tap the 5v on the power supply as easily as on a normal PSU. You probably can somehow, through soldering, but just not as easy as off a normal PSU. I haven't tried.

Personally, I'd recommend it, if you want to go small and easy. As for the 12v supply, I'm not sure. I've still got wiring to finish, so mine's running of the included adapter off an inverter. I'll eventually wire it into the car straight, but possibly add a 12v DC/DC rectifier if I get any problems. Get the barebones with the memory upgrade and get the rest of the parts on E-Bay. Don't get the MP-FL8 though, that IS too much money (and unneeded firepower). Although, the MP-SC6 looks reasonable as well, if you really want more power and options.

And unless you'd incorporate your computer case right into your car somehow, I don't see what's so whoop-de-doo about a home made one anyway, except saving some cash, so long as you don't plan on adding that 5.1 channel SoundBlaster or dual-display NVidia card. (or USB 2.0... hehehe)