Thread: Laptop as carPC

well it's a lot easier to put a laptop in your car with a AC/DC inverter, stick a GPS in it... and there you go but my guess a lot of people are not doing it like that is because it's a lot nicer to integrate it to your car (dash)

so it's not a bad idea.. just a preference

Well I was thinking of doing a little more than that. Such as GPS(like you mentioned), touchscreen (Lilliput), keyboard, OBDII software, and some others. I would mount in trunk, but I guess my real question is with a laptop would it be viable, or just go with the build one from scratch.

I don't think you searched very well.. I've been able to find more than information to get me started.

I have searched and continue to do so, although maybe not as effective as you. If you would be so kind as to post any links you have found. However if all you have is sligh remarks, PLEASE be respectful and not try to up your post count on my behalf.


SO this is what I'm plannig. A laptop w/ touchscreen in dash; laptop placed in trunk area via docking station of sorts, I have found a wireless mini keyboard, some kind of Emanage/OBDII software, of course GPS, MP3, PS2(existing), SlingBox(video),etc...(basic stuff). What I'm basically looking for is some similar systems to use as a template for mine. I use my vehicle for alot of distance traveling, staying in hotels, etc. So for me a laptop is ideal because it can be removed. But while in use in the vehicle would be used as CPU with access thru periphels(sp?). I've got a basic idea, but lack direction. Help is appecitated.

I'm in the same boat as semaj3708...I've been all over these forums trying to decide what to choose. i can't decide if I want to build a desktop, or just put a laptop in a docking station. I haven't been able to find information about the whole laptop/ docking station idea...can you hook up a touchscreen liliput to the docking station and still have the same control as if it was wired from a desktop? same as semaj3708, we just need a little push to get going. Thank you

The FAQ emporium is all you need to get quickly started. The truth is that you are better off to continue searching rather than hoping that someone more experienced will respond to this thread (Seems like 90% of the threads in this forum have < 5 posts). Don't expect too many answers with a thread title like this and an OP that doesn't ask a specific question. Just search for laptop in thread titles you should get tons of information.

i am thinking the same thing. i am only using a laptop because i have one.
a multipurpose carpc/laptop is a good and economical idea but what you need to understand is that you laptop hard drive is only one pothole away from being fubr. i am assuming that your laptop is more valuable to you than just some mp3,videos and navigation, or a thief. not to mention have you thought about CD/DVD drive accessibility, powering on and off, sound to your speakers and your car not looking like a mr. wizard on crack hack job. all of these things need to be considered. unless you have $$ to throw away redoing your project because it just doesn't meet your standards.
i do not want to discouarge you from doing this, just research all variables and you should be happy with your install.
dude if you already dont know that google will find ANYTHING. try it before starting work on your project.
contact me if you have some questions. i could help you along the way as i said i am doing a dell inspiron install. my major concern is heat. something else to think about.
i have learned alot from MP3 Forums and google. dude take some time research and save links.

Semaj3708 and Garretto,

I've got a laptop installed in the trunk of my civic, with a 7" lilli, GPS, and the beginnings of a decent sound system (needs a good amp). Laptops are not as flexible as systems with PCI cards, but are are often designed for low power usage and flexible power sources.

slvrsol & stiv - Don't jump on someone because they ask a question. None of us have been around that long to act like that. And those who have been around for such a long time that think they can only tell people to Search!! and that is helpful are usually assholes about it and not helpful themselves.

My laptop, an IBM R51, is mounted in a docking station, which is in turn mounted into a foam-lined pistol case. A cut a board to fit the bottom of the case and bolted the docking station to the board and the case in order to provide a solid foundation. I also strategically placed hard styrofoam blocks around the perimeter of the case to help guide the lappie onto the dock, as well as help keep it in place and safely docked during some spirited driving.

For power, I use a Kensington 120W adaptor wired to a fused distribution block that is wired directly to the battery (with another fuse within 18" of the battery terminal). The distribution block is switched on and off via a relay from my ACC line on my headunit, so the power is only on if the car is in ACC or running.

Probably the best option for a laptop are the Carnetix power supplies, which can also survive engine cranking and provide plenty of well-regulated power. These units seem costly initially, but are just a little more in total cost than the Kensington/Distribution box/Relay (and all the wires) system I use, not to mention a lot cleaner to install and much more flexible in their power options.

An on-off switch is the most difficult solution you will have to devise. Read up on the various possibilities. A dock built for your laptop (not a generic dock) will usually have a power switch. To turn the laptop on, you will have to remotely control this switch. I wired a switch in parallel to the on-off switch on the docking station. This was connected to a standard female plug which was attached to a hole I drilled in the docking station. I then ran a wire, with a male plug on one end, to a switch on the dash that allows me to remotely switch the computer on and off and detach the cable easily in case I wanted to move the docking station (haven't yet). I did have to open the docking station up and solder two leads to the (very small) leads on the power switch in the dock, after figuring out which ones turn the lappy on.

I would recommend that you look into USB soundcards, as the internal soundcards on most laptops (certainly my business oriented IBM) as pretty crappy when amplified. I use a Phillips Aurillium external USB devce and it sound pretty good, but there are a number of others ranging greatly in price and performance. Good, heavy-duty shielded cables to my inputs also helped in both cutting down any noise and increasing the volume of the soundcard's output.

The other devices are relatively easy, such as the GPS, remote, keyboard, etc. However, if you have a number of devices, plan on sorting out how to get 5V / 2 amps power to your USB hub. This is where the Carnetix mentioned above really helps.

One more thing. I have not been able to get my IBM laptop to display at 800x480, which is the native resolution of many 7" screens. I really don't notice too much and it seems that this is very graphic chip dependent. Several program exist to tweak this and I think its possible with the Intel chip my laptop has, but I stopped pursuing the (non-) issue.

Overall, my system is very well integrated into my vehicle. I ran all the wires under the carpet and up through the back seat. They are zip-tied and in plasic housing where visible for the short distance before they attach to the docking station. There is enough slack to pull the case forward slightly to use the laptop from the trunk if needed. It also pulls out easily and I use it for everything else when I am on the road.

Good luck and don't let two disparaging comments discourage your questions.

Cheers

Thefdog- Man, much thanks for such a detailed explanation, you have really given me some starting points to think about. I've google'd and have come across 2-3 good posts, and just need to sort out some of their info and add to mine.

And as for the other 2 comments, I don't let people like that hinder my progress.

Garretto who my have to network w/ fdog and some other people one here to accomplish our goals. Get at me if you want, and I'll share some of my links with you.