PocketPC based Carputer?

I've seen a lot of "carputers" on ebay that use 400Mhz Chips, and run Windows CE 5.0, so it sounds to me that they are basically a pocket PC?

Anyone know anything about any of them? Is it possible to update them? eg to put a newer version of the GPS software on them, eg Destinator, etc?

I'm just considering this as an option, as it the instant-on and variety of GPS software available for PocketPCs that have maps for Australia is much more appealing than my limit of one option for a desktop pc based Centrafuse carputer...

I want to be able to use it with my iPod and be able to select playlists that are on the ipod and also be able to select podcasts (I mainly listen to podcasts in my car from my ipod so thats important). I want to be able to use Destinator or TomTom programs so that I can update it, with the current maps.

Also want RCA outputs to allow it to be connected to amplifiers for my sub and speakers. I'd like to have Dual Zone, so that I can it display a DVD on a 2nd screen while displaying Nav on main screen.

Most nav systems are already similar to this. But keep in mind most of these systems are very locked down, and installing anything is a tricky task.

Also keep in mind you can virtualize PPC on a windows based computer as well.

I have been looking at the same idea, with one of these,
http://www.lilliputuk.com/content/view/55/120/ mainly for gps so i can use the latest apps and maps that will only run on pda's,pna's etc they run 800 x 480. Am having a bit of trouble finding how bright they are , all the specs i can find dont mention it.I would go back to a head unit for music/radio and use this for gps as that is all i use, and would have instant startup also there is quite a bit of software going around for win ce.

Hello,
Not all CE systems are ARM-based.

You can have a looky at the HP T5530 Thin-clients, which are X86-based CE computers. Quite many of the TCs either use XPE or CE4/5/6 as the OS - same goes for Industrial apps.

I'm playing with this at home, pretty nice, and you can have one of these for around $100 USD of ebay.

I have a pretty powerful (800mhz, 128Mb Ram, 64Mb CF) T5530, and it runs CE5 very well - I will download the CE 6 image soon :)

Enjoy, it's good fun.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrbean_phillip

Hello,
Not all CE systems are ARM-based.

You can have a looky at the HP T5530 Thin-clients, which are X86-based CE computers. Quite many of the TCs either use XPE or CE4/5/6 as the OS - same goes for Industrial apps.

I'm playing with this at home, pretty nice, and you can have one of these for around $100 USD of ebay.

I have a pretty powerful (800mhz, 128Mb Ram, 64Mb CF) T5530, and it runs CE5 very well - I will download the CE 6 image soon :)

Enjoy, it's good fun.

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Yah another Aussie... Any experience with it, whether it is instant on? or does it at least have a much faster boot speed than a "regular" pc? Is it possible to run Windows CE on a regular x86 PC? Is XP embedded and quicker than XP? I want to try to get my carputer to look as factory as possible, and have quick bootup like the factory GPS systems etc...

It's about 20 seconds to desktop - fairly quick considering the cpu clockspeed.

You can run CE on a regular X86, provided to develope an image for it - go check on Microsoft for a trial dev package, and have fun :)

XPE will be quicker than XP on the same hardware, provided it is trimmed down to that hardware - much smaller footprint, smaller kernel et al.....

So, bearing that in mind, yes, it can be significantly quicker - or not at all, depending on your image-developer, and how well he knows the specific hardware, and your software requirements......

Ok well today I decided to buy Centrafuse while there's the 30% of the Aussie version and while the Dollar is strong... cost me $235... Also will get the free update to 3.0 when it comes out :-)

Now I'm wondering if I should try a XPe install? I'm getting about a 35sec Cold boot time, (thats into Centrafuse with Centrafuse as the Shell). Thats a stock install of XP no optimisation at all (any suggestions for optimisation?)

I've got a Pentium Mobile 1.8Ghz with 1Gb RAM... and a 2.5" 120GB HDD... I wondering if I should get a SSD drive (I saw one guy report a 10sec better increase going from regular hdd to SSD)? though I don't have SATA on my Mini-ITX Mobo...

Google for nLite and use that to trim your OS. Goiung to be a lot easier than going down the XPE path, if you're just starting out - trust me on that one.

Enjoy.

i did a review on this topic years ago. someone made a super cradle for the dell axim. all your requirements have been met. :). pick up a cheap x51v and have some fun!