Thread: Carputer attempt and question about that there iDash...

I've been flirting with making a mini PC for my Jetta; with support for DivX, mp3, Quicktime.

I've decided to make my attempt with a mac instead, a PB Lombard I'm retiring. The lombard at 333 is too underpowered for DivX; MPEG1 thought would be just fine (I still have a few of thos old Philips VCD releases for thier video gaming system). The way I'm looking at this, the HW and software involved would look like this:

-Headless Lombard 333 with 256/384 MB RAM and 40 GB HD in custom casing
-Cisco 350 PCMCIA 802.11b wireless card
-Mac OS X 10.3.5 base install with iTunes, Quicktime and open sourced MPEG 1 player
-Alps Glidepoint touchpad (PS2) with PS2 to USB adapter
-Visor mount 7" TFT LCD with S Video input

I think this would be relatively easy, as the Lombard has S video out, USB ports and only draws 45 watts via the power adapter (300w inverter in the car). I'm thinking of mounting the Alps glidepoint somewhere on the center console, and the TFT LCD in the passenger side visor. I may need a new head unit with an Aux in as well. Regardless, I think this souldn't be too difficult, and might point to a way to use a MacMini in the same fashion. This sound sound to you guys?

Also that iDash... possible to drive it via mousepoint? I can't fork over the loot for a touchscreen...