Thread: Some questions from a New guy!

The Mac Mini has good sound. If you want 'really' good sound, you'll need a sound card, but it will have to be external.

Keep reading up on on front ends. Take a look in the software forum for lots of frontends. Road Runner is the most popular free front end for PC. Streetdeck and Centrafuse are two of the pay options that are good. The selection is much slimmer for the Mac.


Hook up your computer and your screen to your power supply so you can get regulated and clean power to them.

Check both the FAQ link in the nav bar at the top of this page and also the FAQ Emporium's 'FAQ to the FAQ's' for way more info. If that's not enough for you, look in the wiki for info on front ends. Try search terms "what is a front end?" for additional info.

Originally Posted by fbcbeer

I want really good sound from my car...

Good sound is subjective to the listener. Most of us are really happy with what the Mini itself can do (without really tuning it with CoreAudio), but it would pass the test of an Audiophile.

As far as limiting the number of amps, that is more dependent on the goal of the system than the Mini (or any carputer). I personally use 3 (front, back, sub), but I think most use a single Amp (or connect as an AUX input to a head unit). Plenty of options there and most are easy.

Also, I dont know what a front end is, but I want to know if people give out their front ends for other peoples cars?

A front end is an application that is used to control the functionality you want for the carputer. Normal applications don't have interfaces that are easy (or safe in most cases) to use in a car, so we build custom applications to make the computer easier to use.

As far as them being available, it varies from app to app but most are available in some form or another.

I dont care about the OP system, I just wanted something concise.

If you don't care about the OS, then honestly I would suggest going with Windows if you can. Using a Mac in a car is a labor of love as we don't have nearly the community or available options that Windows does.

I plan on using the Carnetix CNX-P1900 for a power supply, I suppose. Also, with that, do I just hook up the screen to the computer, or hook up the screen and the computer seperately to the power supply

The P1900 has two (optional 3rd) power outputs. The primary is for the Mini and the secondary can be used for either 5v or 12v (LCD) output. You can also get an optional 5v additional output to hook up.

-dave

if you do go with windows you should still keep you eye out here for future developments. things will pick up for the mac. at least with the mini you get the option

Sweet, this is helping out soo much!


Do you think it would be cheaper to build a windows computer for the car or just to buy a used mac mini for say $325?

The mini really is nice for an in car setup. Very durable little machine. Just get an Intel mini so you have the option of running windows.

Originally Posted by onepuff

The mini really is nice for an in car setup. Very durable little machine. Just get an Intel mini so you have the option of running windows.

Do you mean running parallels?

How could I hook up a secondary sound card to that?


I feel like the pc would be easier to upgrade, possibly.


Any ideas on the cost of building a pc?

Originally Posted by fbcbeer

Do you mean running parallels?

That's one option. Using an Intel Mini also allows you to run (with BootCamp) Windows or any other x86 OS instead of Mac OS X.

I feel like the pc would be easier to upgrade, possibly.

Depends on the PC. If you scratch build your own, probably as you'll be able to select a MB with the most flexibility. If you go with a pre-built, you may have a bit more than the Mini (internally) but probably not much.

Any ideas on the cost of building a pc?

We're the wrong people to ask about that

-dave

Originally Posted by fbcbeer

Any ideas on the cost of building a pc?

Search on terms "how much does a car pc cost". There's a poll out there. Prices range from zero to $4,000+

So what's the opinion of the M-Audio Transit, and Edirol UA-1EX? Both do 24/96