Hi again! Ohh i think im done with the hobby...

**Will Albers** · 01-23-2008, 05:31 PM

See that date to the left... September 2004. That was a while ago and a HUGE interest for a long time but I come to you today not because of innovation... but because of frustration. I think I am done with my AutoPC days.

< /rant on >

A quick search of my name should bring up my system and some history. I'm running a mini PC with a mobile P4 chip (forget speed). 512 ram, 256 nvidia card, Xfi (optical out), 250 gig drive, DSATX, slot loaded DVD up front, Hub, Keyboard in visor, bluetooth, TONS of USB slots, Verizon wireless card, USB GPS, Xenarc 7 inch touchscreen flushed into dash... basically the core system. I was using a Hifonics Zeus 5.1 with eventual desires for surround sound.

I loved the initial glory of the unit, challenged myself with the install, played with all the bells and whistles, found the annoying bugs and enjoyed the hobby. It was great for navigation in a pinch and the 8 hour road trip. Hell, it impressed the **** out of people!

Now its become a hassle. I really would like the space back. I lost the space below one of the back seats in my element cutting out a HUGE amount of utility. I have had more dead batteries than i care to admit. I use my blackberry for email and navigation (and even internet). The unit now serves 3 purposes - mp3 player, video player and DVD player. Yup, thats it. Those are all the functions i use and can honestly say i havent touched a single other skin or feature in a year... Hmm, when was the last time i was on the forum? Thats a good thing actually. It meant the set up was working great!

I'm beginning to consider the simplicity of an ipod touch. I can move it between any of my vehicles easily and combined with my cell phone, it covers a large percentage of features i need without the little annoyances. What would it take to hook up and ipod touch to a xenarc 7 inch touchscreen and maintain most of the usability?

So now as i think about selling my Element and moving to simplicity, I'm thinking about tearing out my carpc. Anyone interested in lots of road proven gear?

< /rant off >

**goldtooth** · 01-23-2008, 08:33 PM

subscribed for ipod to touchscreen idea!

**TruckinMP3** · 01-23-2008, 09:00 PM

You are currently using more functions than I have in my set up.

But, I am an old school guy. Music is what I was after and what I still enjoy. I could get an Ipod (or other portable) but I prefer the windows and winamp combo I have used from the early days when very few options where available.

**jontz** · 01-23-2008, 09:08 PM

Hey, more power to you. Sometimes the fun is in the challenge of the install. When the challenge of the install turns into annoyance of operation, then it is time to move on. I am not done with my install (yet), but I will be using mine for more things than you, so I plan on sticking with mine. We'll see what I think in a few years though

Good luck in whatever mountain you choose to scale next!

**RedGTiVR6** · 01-24-2008, 05:02 PM

I think the numbers of users who get turned off of Car Computing do so because they try to do too much with it...

K.I.S.S. right?

Sure, it can get overwhelming considering all of the things that you can do if you wanted to...but then things start to get entirely too complicated.

I've installed a CarPC to get great sound....that was it. I have a few other features, but that's pretty much it. I wanted a place to store lossless music files on a large scale. No iPod will ever give me that.

Sorry to hear that you've been turned off...sounds like you're taking a step back in functionality but K.I.S.S.ing it...

**84RegalRider** · 01-29-2008, 04:54 PM

Been running carputers for about 3 years now and the fact that i can add anything in the world to it is what makes it so appealing.

to me your issues dont apply.

Big car and i have a second isolated battery.

but you got to do whatever makes you happy.
For me, I will never go back.
haha

**brucedog** · 02-04-2008, 10:34 AM

Yep, we live such over-complicated lives today, don 't we?

It's refreshing that someone was able to throw off the crapppola and simplify. I hope that you get what you want/need out of yr simplification. It can be hard to take a step back...

Somewhat like Darque, I primarily installed my carpc to be used as a high-quality car stereo. From what I understand, he's into competition; I just went with .wav ripped audio files and a good Creative sound card, etc. Sounds really nice, tho'.

I hear ya. I use the wireless for internet extensively, but <<RANT>> Street Deck is glitchy and awful - won't even let me config my GPS as it believes my car is moving when I'm sittin in my driveway. At this very moment, I very much regret the outlay of my hard-earned cash for that (possibly) turkey!

Even using a nice desktop w/Vista in my car, there are little issues that bug me. I just decided for now to just enjoy what does work, then tackle the issues when I'm ready - maybe in warmer weather!

Greetings and Blessings to all in yr carpc endeavors.

**moboman** · 02-06-2008, 11:48 PM

I would assume it is probably impossible to hook an ipod touch to a Xenarc. The Ipod doesnt have vga out, does it? How about touch screen controls?

**caliguy2004** · 02-08-2008, 11:46 PM

well i actually looked at the ipod touch idea like 6months ago. i called apple and asked them if it was possible. They said did not know and asked like 50 people while i was on hold and told me no. Then i remembered that Steve Jobs did it on his keynote speech for the iphone. If you pay attention he has a HUGE wire connected to it. So that tells me its possible. I have not figured it out.

Anyone that figures out how to fully control the itouch from a 7" lcd i will paypal you money!

Whats the best way to insure you dont get dead batteries? I thought the mx-2 PSU fixed that?