Carputer setup critique?

**carterparks** · 12-29-2004, 07:28 PM

For years I've been interested in putting a computer in my car. I wanted to get a little bit of feedback on what I'm looking at doing. I have built several home PCs. My car is a 95 Civic VX Hatchback. I'm looking at buying a new car in the next few years, so I'm not going to put a lot of effort into a very custom setup. I think I'm going to get a Lilliput 7" Touchscreen display and simply use the dashboard mount. As for the setup of the computer (which would probably sit under one of the front seats:

EPIA M10000
Crucial 512MB DDR266
WD 200GB SE
Slim Slotload DVD Drive
Liliput 7" Touchscreen
OPUS 150w DC-DC PSU (This would have to remain outside the case)
Morex 2699 Case
Delorme Earthmate GPS

I'll probably also get a USB hub and mount it under the dash. I'm also thinking I may grab this keyboard: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...107-114&DEPA=0
Also, I may get a wireless card that will support use of an external antenna and slap an antenna on my car. This would be my primary way of transferring music and videos to and from my car. That and probably a 1GB compact flash card. This system would be sitting around $1000 for parts. Probably another $100 for various cables and what not. Plus I'd be ready to do a more custom setup when I get my new car.

Any comments on this setup? Its nothing really custom but its functional.

**SamDude** · 12-30-2004, 05:45 AM

Ditch the Liliput and go for the Xenarc.
If the Morex case has a PSU (most likely), then get a Carnetix and not the Opus.

The savings on the Carnetix should balance out the spending on the Xenarc.

Otherwise, you've got a good starting point.

**MikeH** · 12-30-2004, 07:04 AM

Carter,

In my (totally unbiased..

) opinion... I would have to agree with Sam. Your setup is perfect for the CarNetix P1260. Check HERE to see the power requirements of a similar setup. Let me know if you have any questions.

**Curly_cat** · 12-30-2004, 07:55 AM

I agree too.

I've been using a Carnetix for ages and it works great with my Morex case.

**muldrick** · 12-30-2004, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by SamDude

Ditch the Liliput and go for the Xenarc.
If the Morex case has a PSU (most likely), then get a Carnetix and not the Opus.

The savings on the Carnetix should balance out the spending on the Xenarc.

Otherwise, you've got a good starting point.

Ditto on the Xenarc, well worth the extra$$

**m3rdpwr** · 12-30-2004, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by SamDude

Ditch the Liliput and go for the Xenarc.
If the Morex case has a PSU (most likely), then get a Carnetix and not the Opus.

The savings on the Carnetix should balance out the spending on the Xenarc.

Otherwise, you've got a good starting point.

Question about the Carnetix.
Did you buy it because the M1-ATX - Smart Automotive Power Supply wasn't yet available?

I'm only asking as it is cheaper than the Carnetix and is a complete solution.

Unless of course you wanted to easily use the morex dc brick in the home for testing purposes bringing the car pc inside.

Thanks...

-Mario

**SamDude** · 12-30-2004, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by m3rdpwr

Question about the Carnetix.
Did you buy it because the M1-ATX - Smart Automotive Power Supply wasn't yet available?

I'm only asking as it is cheaper than the Carnetix and is a complete solution.

Unless of course you wanted to easily use the morex dc brick in the home for testing purposes bringing the car pc inside.

Thanks...

-Mario

I haven't bought the Carnetix (yet). The ability to pull the Car PC out and test it inside the house does appeal to me...

I'm waiting for the newer version (see my sig) in late Jan 05? ...and for Mike's special "Mates Rates Discount"

**m3rdpwr** · 12-30-2004, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by SamDude

I haven't bought the Carnetix (yet). The ability to pull the Car PC out and test it inside the house does appeal to me...

I'm waiting for the newer version (see my sig) in late Jan 05? ...and for Mike's special "Mates Rates Discount"

Thanks.
I was in that debate as well.
1280 sounds appealing.

Currently I have a PC Power & Cooling 100w 12vdc 1U power supply.
Just doesn't have all the shutdown stuff I wanted plus it's a little big from my current project case...

-Mario