Well i have ditched the (crap) idea of using my laptop to run the carputer system in the WRX. After realising it didnt give me the flexibility i required... ive decided to piece together a mini-itx based system.
without going into precise details... it will run: GPS, DVD, MP3, DTV, PHONE, slideshows of build up etc. It needs to be able to power 5-6 USB devices and will be displayed on three 7 inch touchscreens. Sound will need to be optical digital between the motherboard and the HXD2 headunit. and will need VGA as well as RCA video output as the RCA signal will be sent remotely to the displayboard's 19 inch to display whats on the rest of the system.
Can anyone suggest what components would best suit my needs and where i could buy them from.

thanks all!