Where to buy a small USB LCD screen?

**hutacars** · 07-13-2009, 12:49 PM

Hey guys, I'm looking to purchase a small (about 3-4") display that would go between the gauges on the dashboard (like you might find in a BMW or Audi). It will be used to display song/artist info. My only requirement: It has to interface with the computer through USB only, because I want to purchase an older Mac Mini, which only has one DVI port (which will obviously be used for the main screen). It would be even nicer if it were powered via USB, but I can get around that if need be. Does anyone know where I can get one of these, and how much it would run me? Links would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

**mdawg** · 07-13-2009, 01:00 PM

I don't think they make anything like that(iono). I am planning on doing the same thing as you but I am using a 20x2 char. lcd and wiring it up through the parallel port. They make programs(Called Smartie I think) that will pull the info from winamp and send it to em. Example of one showing system stats [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWfIc2gImWg&feature=related[/media]

**hutacars** · 07-13-2009, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by mdawg

I don't think they make anything like that(iono). I am planning on doing the same thing as you but I am using a 20x2 char. lcd and wiring it up through the parallel port. They make programs(Called Smartie I think) that will pull the info from winamp and send it to em. Example of one showing system stats [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWfIc2gImWg&feature=related[/media]

Where did you get that, what is it called and how much did it run you?

**soundman98** · 07-13-2009, 02:42 PM

depending on your mounting location, this might work, it is usb, but might not have mac drivers--Matrix Orbital Gx Typhoon Black Insert Tri Color USB:

http://www.crazypc.com/products/90610TC.html

**2k1Toaster** · 07-13-2009, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by hutacars

Where did you get that, what is it called and how much did it run you?

Also by using an older mac, you are limited to osx. Weird little programs like these are usually much harder to find for non-windows systems.

**joshuo** · 07-13-2009, 03:28 PM

you could run it in a VM...

**hutacars** · 07-13-2009, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by soundman98

depending on your mounting location, this might work, it is usb, but might not have mac drivers--Matrix Orbital Gx Typhoon Black Insert Tri Color USB:

http://www.crazypc.com/products/90610TC.html

This is perfect. I'll nab one once they're back in stock. Thank you very much!

**hutacars** · 07-13-2009, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Also by using an older mac, you are limited to osx. Weird little programs like these are usually much harder to find for non-windows systems.

I'm not using a Mac that's _that_ old. I just mean it won't be current generation, meaning I'll only have one video output. I will be running Windows under Parallels-- the main reason for buying a Mini is the compact size, plus the instant-wake capabilities of OS X.

**mdawg** · 07-13-2009, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by soundman98

depending on your mounting location, this might work, it is usb, but might not have mac drivers--Matrix Orbital Gx Typhoon Black Insert Tri Color USB:

http://www.crazypc.com/products/90610TC.html

Thats nice and prob. more practical for someone who doesn't want to bother wiring up the LCD like the way Im doing it, better screen than what I am using but mine only ran me about $10 vs $100. So I am happy. lol

**hutacars** · 07-13-2009, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by mdawg

Thats nice and prob. more practical for someone who doesn't want to bother wiring up the LCD like the way Im doing it, better screen than what I am using but mine only ran me about $10 vs $100. So I am happy. lol

What are you using?