CarPC for dummies?

**danielkh** · 11-15-2008, 08:50 AM

UMPC

Looks like they are getting closer to an all-in-one CarPC answer. Can't find the audio specs on it though. I've seen others like this, but not with as many features. Front end looks pretty cool too. Definitely not a full carpc replacement, but on the plus side, it is completely mobile from car to car. It could, though, be the answer to the "Bike PC".

ClarionMiND

http://my.clarion.com/en-us/html/products

**DarquePervert** · 11-15-2008, 05:26 PM

I disagree. It is a full vehicle PC.
It runs a heavily customized/specialized version of Linux on an 800mhz Atom processor.

If you read the specs, one of the notes specifically states not to boot the device up w/ a USB memory stick in place because you might not get a system.
That indicates to me that it can likely boot from a USB device, which could theoretically allow you to install Windoze on the unit.

Granted, I think the slower CPU would make a full WinXP install run like a dog, but I believe it's possible.

**danielkh** · 11-15-2008, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

I disagree. It is a full vehicle PC.
It runs a heavily customized/specialized version of Linux on an 800mhz Atom processor.

If you read the specs, one of the notes specifically states not to boot the device up w/ a USB memory stick in place because you might not get a system.
That indicates to me that it can likely boot from a USB device, which could theoretically allow you to install Windoze on the unit.

Granted, I think the slower CPU would make a full WinXP install run like a dog, but I believe it's possible.

Headphone Stereo mini Jack x1
Built-in monaural speaker (0.8W)

That says "almost" to me. I guess with a linux driven usb sound card it might work.

Browser ・Contacts ・Control Panel ・Application Manager
・RealPlayer ・Weather ・Connection ・Power manager
・Navigation ・News ・NotePad
・MySpace ・Email ・File Manager
・YouTube ・Portal Sync ・PDF Viewer

That says "alot closer than most". If you don't mind playing music on realplayer. Only thing really missing is phone, radio, and dvd. Wonder if usb dvd would work? Surprised that with the bluetooth built in, they didn't go with integrated phone and microphone.

Not sure if you watched the videos, but there is a car dock. That might open a lot of possiblities too. Doesn't appear to be just a power dock plug.

Edit: Just read more on the dock and it does route through the cars speakers using added hardware.........guess it's a lot closer than I thought.

http://my.clarion.com/en-us/html/pr_function01_6

Impressive little beast. Just found the base price. $650 base. Not bad. The premium version is supposed to have 3G capabilities. Pretty interesting.

**DarquePervert** · 11-15-2008, 07:01 PM

Remember: That headphone jack is the same connector that most of use to run to a headunit or amp for car audio.

**danielkh** · 11-15-2008, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Remember: That headphone jack is the same connector that most of use to run to a headunit or amp for car audio.

For the price, it would definitely work (after discovering the car accessories). Think it would work better as a "BikePC" or "MotorCyclePC" though. Get that bluetooth set up for audio helmet headset, you would be riding sweet!