Thread: How many here are using a laptop instead of....

I started off with a laptop but in the end it just wasn't customizable enough for me.

I used laptop, but it's a dedicated laptop.
I used a docking station, so if the car goes to service, I just unplug the laptop.

very reliable and trouble free (I meant major trouble)

I use the laptop as it was a lot easier for me to set up and I don't need to do too much with other than use it for GPS & music ect. I wouldn't mind getting the phone to work through it though.

I use a docking station and a laptop that is always in the car unless I am traveling, and then it clips out and comes with me.

There are four issues I can identify that will need your consideration:

1) Power supply and turning the laptop on
2) Getting 800x480 video to work
3) Sound card
4) Mounting

1) A good power supply is critical to reduce noise introduced to the system, as well as let the computer and accessories work correctly. I use a Kensington 120w auto power supply wired to a power distribution block in the trunk. Other and probably better options are to use the Carnetix 2140 or 1900, either of which provides power for the laptop directly, as well as an additional 5v or 12v lead which will allow you to power your USB hub and soundcard.

Regardless of the power source, you will have to solder a lead to the power button on either your laptop or dock (will not work with a generic USB dock) to turn the computer's power on. If you have a dock, you will not have to risk drilling and soldering your (more expensive) laptop. I soldered a lead to the power switch on the dock (do a search for this topic) and connected it to a female jack that fit into the hole I drilled in the side of the dock.

A momentary switch in my dash is wired to the male jack that fits into the socket I affixed to the side of the dock. This allows me to power my lappie on from the dash, as well as hold the power button down for 5 seconds to hard shut it down when it crashes. I have it set to hibernate when the button is pushed for less than 5 seconds.

2) If you have a 800x480 screen, you may have problems getting your laptop's video out to drive that resolution. I am running 800x600 and cannot really notice, though I guess it is less sharp than it could be. A program called "Powerstrip" may help, but not for my video driver

3) Most laptops have poor sound quality, not to mention audible interference due to poorly shield internal components. An external USB sound card is a necessity if you want to have quality sound. This is a topic unto itself and your choices run the gamut from a cheap no-name brand USB dongle, to a decent Audigy 2 NX, to USB DACs that provide get sound (at a price).

4) You will need to secure your setup somewhere. Since I use my laptop for other purposes, I needed a secure, but easily removable setup. I mounted my dock into a plastic case (pistol case from k-mart: $9.99), drilled holes for all the wiring, and cut insulation foam to allow the laptop to fit snuggly, yet be removed. It may take up extra room, but the computer is safe and doesn't risk flying around.

One day I'll post photos, as I think my install is looking pretty clean, with no stray wires and a pretty good sounding setup. Oh yeah, I can play music, watch DVDs, connect to the internet, run GPS software, and play games while doing 80 mpg


Good luck

I'm going the laptop route. Of course, I had a HP ZD7000 dropped in my lap with a problem with the video to the LCD. Otherwise, it's in perfect working order.

I question one of the previous posters about "doing it properly". My point of view is with a laptop you have most everything you need in a system that is generally more powerful. With USB, Firewire and PCMCIA theres little problem expanding the system.

If you have the laptop and you're not using it for anything else, then put it in your car. If it's something you're going to be porting back and forth then I'd say get something you can dedicate to the car. If you will be porting then mini-ITX may be the way to go. Personally, had I not already had the laptop I would probably go mini-ITX as the ZD7000 is way over powered for application in a car. If the LCD was working I'd use it in my office. Of course, I have like 4 other P3 laptops laying around that would work well for a carpc environment. I was going to use one before I got the ZD7000. Having the hardware already at hand and considering the cost of a mini-ITX system I'd have a hard time convincing myself NOT to use a laptop.

Originally Posted by ThunderStick

Dont even think of using a laptop. Do it right the first time. Get a mini itx or small form factor computer that has a lot of expanability. You will want it in the future.
A lot of people started with laptop but there are only a few that keep them as there system. As you start your build you will desire upgrades and more features as they become available.

what you need is not what I need.
I used laptop for months and I don't regret anything about it. Everything a mini-itx do, a laptop setup can do. (if not easier)

you can't really upgrade anything on mini-itx either. most had the processor soldered into the board.
mini-itx had :
pci (for soundcard etc?), laptop can use pcmcia and usb
power supply with on/off function, laptop can use cheap dc-dc regulator and auto on/off device scattered out there

I don't think anyone should buy a mini-itx if they already had laptop laying around doing nothing. cost effective solution..

Originally Posted by RodeoTristan

I use the laptop as it was a lot easier for me to set up and I don't need to do too much with other than use it for GPS & music ect. I wouldn't mind getting the phone to work through it though.

can't open the link, registration needed.