Laptop Carputer - Feasable?

**THQ** · 01-24-2005, 05:35 AM

Hey all,
Being a 1st year uni student, and not as of ye having a job, money is a precious comodity, which is not an idea situation to be in when looking at throwing a computer into ones car.

But in the hope of being cheaper, easyer, and a whole lot more...efficient, what about a laptop.
Ive only been thinking about this for a few days, but here are those thoughts so far.

Idea: A carputer, utilising my laptop, instead of having to put together, and find somewhere to mount a dedicated box. I had in mind simply buying a 7 or so inch touch screen lcd, throwing out the cd and tape player, and giving it a nice factory look about it. From the screen, providing the hookup goes well, i run an extended (dim??) cable to the under the passenger side seat. additionaly, either a 12v supply or a converter and 240 volt charger for the laptop is also hooked up.

Now, presuming all that its possible, id be looking for a sound card of some kinda (usb??), which i could wire to an amp under the seat or somewere like that. and the rest is pretty self explanatory.

A few bonuses that i can see of using a laptop are, it makes undating a breeze, as it my main computer anyway, its light, has the ability to run without an external power source, will play play burn whatever you want...all that kinda thing. Bit of a pain to boot up, but maybe i can figure out a power switch wituout having to open the laptop. (i was imagining id build some sort of shock resistant case which i could put it in)

My main concern is that of the audio out. is it possible to get some sort of surround sound device, via usb? i could always just use two channels, but really...

so, just wondering what people think, any suggestions as to things that could be changed, and how practical it is.

cheers, THQ

i just realised also, one could always leave a wireless trackball and keyboard in for work or gaming on the go.

**hd54321** · 01-24-2005, 10:36 AM

Sorry man, like everyone else here, you need to research your own questions. Start in the newbie forums and with a few hours of reading, you'll be a pro. Good luck,

-HD

**Dudes99** · 01-24-2005, 10:56 AM

HD, a very honorable response.

**THQ** · 01-24-2005, 07:51 PM

hmm, i see your point, but i wouldnt have thought asking opinions was out of the question. Not to worry, thats kewl, itl be a fairly lengthy process.
cya around, THQ

**hd54321** · 01-24-2005, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by THQ

hmm, i see your point, but i wouldnt have thought asking opinions was out of the question. Not to worry, thats kewl, itl be a fairly lengthy process.
cya around, THQ

Sometimes threads like this garner 20 responses from veterans, sometimes none. Believe me when I say, you will answer every single one of your questions and come up with 100 more when you start researching here. Every single type of install you could think of with 1000+ different variations can be found on this board. Good luck on your search and ask questions you can't find answers for. Start in the Newbie forum - you'll get better responses there.

-HD

**gospeed.racer** · 01-24-2005, 11:19 PM

Using a laptop as a carputer will never work. It just cant be done. It is close to impossible. You MUST buy the ITX board, and a Lilliput screen. That is the only way it will work.

A computer is a computer is a computer is a computer. If it will play music or whatever you choose as it is right now, it will be the exact same in your car.

**DarquePervert** · 01-25-2005, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by THQ

My main concern is that of the audio out. is it possible to get some sort of surround sound device, via usb? i could always just use two channels, but really...

so, just wondering what people think, any suggestions as to things that could be changed, and how practical it is.

It's possible. There are multiple USB-based sound solutions, the best being the Creative Audugy.
Practical? That remains to be seen. The biggest hurdle, as you said would be powering it on and off. A serial device and wake-on-ring could resolve that, though, assuming your laptops upport it. Not all do.

i just realised also, one could always leave a wireless trackball and keyboard in for work or gaming on the go.

Gaming and driving don't mix.

**Scouse Monkey** · 01-25-2005, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Gaming and driving don't mix.

Unless it's driving in a game - them that only counts for girls

**Dudes99** · 01-25-2005, 07:58 AM

HD, again very good response and very true (trust me). I'm gonna go out on a limb here but how about a laptop+docking station (kinda like a police car setup) with the audio wired thru a (god help me) cassette adapter and powered via an inverter? The only problem I see is no touch screen, could be hard to operate while driving.

**turbocad6** · 01-25-2005, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by Dudes99

HD, again very good response and very true (trust me). I'm gonna go out on a limb here but how about a laptop+docking station (kinda like a police car setup) with the audio wired thru a (god help me) cassette adapter and powered via an inverter? The only problem I see is no touch screen, could be hard to operate while driving.

why no touchscreen, liliputs work on laptops too

the biggest problem is turning it on & off, but there are solutions out there.....a laptop in a car is a good idea in my book & I've done it several times........ research it man, but it can definately work....one of my favorite installs was a panasonic toughbook chopped & fitted to the point that I used the laptop touchscreen itself, & the motherboard was imbeded in the dash.... added benefit of there anti-reflective coating making it usable even in the worse sunlight.........