The Mac OS (10.3/4) AS a carputer frontend...

**thecapitalizt** · 01-15-2005, 08:42 AM

I think for now we'll just use Route 66. They have a current version of their software for OS X, so it should work fine. Probably not applescriptable, but at least we have an app.

My view is that we should go ahead and start developing an app in Applescript, so that it can be native, and not some cross-compiled code. If we do this natively, we can use the versatile OS X for many things, like doing Bluetooth phone control, voice recognition and synthesis, and other cool stuff.e A cocoa rewrite will follow when someone with skills starts attacking this project. I'd rather have something here that everyone can work on, than something that only a few can.

**Mike00** · 01-15-2005, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by thecapitalizt

I think for now we'll just use Route 66. They have a current version of their software for OS X, so it should work fine. Probably not applescriptable, but at least we have an app.

My view is that we should go ahead and start developing an app in Applescript, so that it can be native, and not some cross-compiled code. If we do this natively, we can use the versatile OS X for many things, like doing Bluetooth phone control, voice recognition and synthesis, and other cool stuff.e A cocoa rewrite will follow when someone with skills starts attacking this project. I'd rather have something here that everyone can work on, than something that only a few can.

Even if it's just voice turn by turn directions I'd be happy. It's a lot more useful then the map.

**Seraph** · 01-15-2005, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by DocNupe

That is the major problem, most coders wont touch mac with a 10 foot pole because it is not a "real computer"

I am a coder and I have coded on Macs. They are as "real" as the PC infront of me or the solaris box in the corner of the room. With *nix backend, I forsee things going their way a lot more. Needless to say, my interface I am making is still for PCs but sometimes, you have to take road less travelled to get pleasent surprises. I see a future in it if we can get a good GPS solution for them.

**Seraph** · 01-15-2005, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by agentofchange

The problem as I see it is: building a front end to GPS/routing applications. All the information is stored in files - but the processing and logic of giving turn by turn destinations is quite a bit of work.

Depending on how the Darwine project progresses, simple GPS applications written for windows will be able to run on OS X.

At this stage the Darwine project can run Windows 32 applications that are compiled on a mac. Running precompiled .exe files is a while away though.

In the meantime, you can run virtual PC. Not a complete solution but i works on my MAC.

**kandyman676** · 01-15-2005, 11:57 AM

which version of Virtual PC are you running Serapah? have you tested any nav programs with it?

**Bugbyte** · 01-15-2005, 12:51 PM

If you already own a copy of Windows, VirtualPC for Mac version 7 is going for $109 at Amazon.

Virtual PC for the Mac

**EBFoxbat** · 01-15-2005, 01:56 PM

The mMac is going to catch on like the iPod. It is all the computer that most people need. If you don't game, then it's perfect. My mother, father, sister, grandmother will all fit in well. It's not a power machine, so it's not for me thats all.

I havn't worked on a Mac in 6 years. How are the power supplies? I read that this has no PSU in it, but runs off a brick on the AC line. I assume 12v which means a carnetix unit would suit it well... detailspending.

I also read in another post that Macs take nativly to the common touchscreens in this forum. Is this true?

I also assume there are players to play all the standard media that we use.. divX, etc.

I'd need an OBDII program for Mac (OBD-II widget anybody?)

Also, from a mac-pro.. is this enough computer for us?

**Mike00** · 01-15-2005, 02:57 PM

My understanding at least in terms of power is that it will blow away the Via M10000 which is rather popuplar among us.

**MikeH** · 01-15-2005, 06:41 PM

I read that this has no PSU in it, but runs off a brick on the AC line. I assume 12v which means a carnetix unit would suit it well.

I am waiting "patiently" for someone to take a close look & pics of their brick so I can see if we have a product match. I've been told that I at least need to paint it white and rename it i1260...

**meatwad** · 01-15-2005, 07:27 PM

In terms of software available for the Mac on playing back media files there are:

VLC (Video LAN Client)
mPlayer (of the Linux fame)
Quicktime Movie Player (will handle MPEG-2 file if you throw $20 at it...yeah, I find that absurd too)
Windows Media Player 9 (sucks, does not handle DRM encoded files properly if at all)

Between all these choices there is something to suit everyone I believe. I just downloaded the mPlayer on Friday and found it to be MUCH better than a version I used about a year ago (DUH!)

In terms of audio, there is:
iTunes, and a million and one ways to talk to it (various scripts and frontends).
Audion (which is now free and supports skinning as iTunes does not and likely will never).
Winamp for Mac (which I THINK is Audion anyways?)

for TV stuff there is the Eyegato setup which is an MPEG-2 USB 2 setup for watching and PVR for TV

There is probably more, but I am late in picking up my GF

...so later!