carpc or stick with what i have?

**xcha** · 08-04-2006, 12:38 PM

Hi fellas and Ladies, i'm new here and just wanted to start my first post with a question. hopefully you guys can help me make this decision. Alright guys i need a little help with determining whether i should upgrade or not.

what i have right now

-cheap ebay deck that can upload just about anything type of media i throw into it. ($145)
http://cgi.ebay.com/In-Dash-CAR-RADI...QQcmdZViewItem

feature:
-osd (on screen display)
-vcd,dvd... the whole list of movie capabilities.
-i can upload any jpeg as the wall paper
-plays mp3 and all the above music types
-has TV tuner
-radio (foreign country type also)
-jpeg viewer ( I use it for viewing maps when i go on long distance trip)
-45wX4 output with balance feature
-takes about 15 sec to boot from dead cold to playing music
-I also currently have a 7" wide screen.

bad things about it.
-no touch screen ability
-doesn't remember mp3 location
-doesn't remember volume previous settings
-NO GPS!

What I want to upgrade to.

feature:
-I have a fully assembled 1.2 gig AMD proccessor and motherboard with all the available works. (RTR)
-planning to get OPUS 150 for power unit
-have a DYNAMIX 8" wideview Monitor, touchscreen.
-don't have a front end yet but want to get Frodoplayer(i can get to the website but can't find the download link)

basically what i want that i don't have is GPS navigation, touchscreen and OBDII diagnostic. let me know what you guys think.

-xcha

**setite** · 08-04-2006, 01:00 PM

well if you want those 3 things i odnt think you have a choice.. can we get a link to what you have... and if it takes 15 secs to play might as well have a car pc... also does it play the good stuff... divx/xvid etc etc.. those are the real kickers.. download movies, tv shows, etc and watch them... i use it to catch up on shows i like or to watch seasons of shows i never saw when they aired... or to rewatch Firefly or Serenity for the Umpteenth time

by amd 1.2 gig i assume you mean its around a 2200+ model or so... just make sure that opus powers it and your set to go

**xcha** · 08-04-2006, 02:03 PM

I'm just wondering if its worth it, you know? oh yeah about the opus 150 for the amd 1.2gig 2200+, not really sure if thats what i need. i figured i can just hook that one up because it seems to be more stable than the others.

**3onDubs** · 08-04-2006, 02:10 PM

You can attain the missing functionality by simply upgrading to a newer double din dvd/nav player for around the same price it will cost you to put a pc in your car. The double din dvd/nav route will be more straightforward and reliable in the long run.

**Freelander** · 08-04-2006, 02:17 PM

if you're not sure, back away now.

**xcha** · 08-04-2006, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by 3onDubs

You can attain the missing functionality by simply upgrading to a newer double din dvd/nav player for around the same price it will cost you to put a pc in your car. The double din dvd/nav route will be more straightforward and reliable in the long run.

well the thing is that i got the computer that i'm planning to use in my car for $40 and its complete with a nice video card and 512mb ram. Its pretty fast so i think the price wouldn't be too far from what your refering to. plus the double din touchmonitors are only 6.5" you know.

**DarquePervert** · 08-04-2006, 02:49 PM

If I were you, I'd do as much reading as possible on a carPC installation to see what works, what doesn't, how much you might need to spend, etc.
There are lots of variables. Your given PC might be fine, it might not be, but you need to make decisions carefully and much forethought.
The ones who buy everything on Monday and try to install it over a weekend invariably get screwed and have problems later on down the road.
Planning everything carefully will help when it comnes to installation being successful.

**xcha** · 08-04-2006, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

If I were you, I'd do as much reading as possible on a carPC installation to see what works, what doesn't, how much you might need to spend, etc.
There are lots of variables. Your given PC might be fine, it might not be, but you need to make decisions carefully and much forethought.
The ones who buy everything on Monday and try to install it over a weekend invariably get screwed and have problems later on down the road.
Planning everything carefully will help when it comnes to installation being successful.

Thanks for the heads up. I've done the research thing already and found what components which i think i would need. I know my budget already and expect the problems i might be facing but the question i'm trying to convey here is whether it's better to go with a PC or stick to my little dinky player?

**setite** · 08-04-2006, 03:27 PM

no one can gauge the whether a carpc is "worth it" to you... to me its a no brainer... i need somethign that plays all the video compression formats available with the ability to instantly adopt new ones.... no matter what no other device can do that without firmware upgrades which are slow to market and a pita... and ot 3ondubs... what dvd nav will cost the same as a pc...

on another note... the fact that your even asking illustrates that you arent totally satisfied with your current solution... if you have the patience to handle the problems and the budget i dont see whats stopping you.. but i wouldn't do it unless you really want/need the extra functionality... plus you seem to have most of the stuff already...

**xcha** · 08-04-2006, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by setite

no one can gauge the whether a carpc is "worth it" to you... to me its a no brainer... i need somethign that plays all the video compression formats available with the ability to instantly adopt new ones.... no matter what no other device can do that without firmware upgrades which are slow to market and a pita... and ot 3ondubs... what dvd nav will cost the same as a pc...

Thats what I'm talking about

... I need you to look at things from my perspective (given the info) and tell your opinion whether its worth it or not in your own details. Thanks man!