Newbie G4 Questions

**groggrog** · 01-11-2008, 08:49 AM

Hi -

I'm researching a carputer purchase on this site and find that there are tons of hardware options available. I'm not much of a hardware guru, much more of a software-type, so I'd like to buy a pre-built system instead of piecing it together myself. I understand that the G4 is the current hot pre-built system, so I'd assume I'd go with that. I really love the freedom of a carputer vs. an aftermarket unit because I can mess with the software all I want. I don't really want to mess with hardware much, but I do want high-end hardware, so basically my questions are about the flexibility of what appears to be the top level pre-built hardware out now.

What I'm not clear on is what I'd be losing by getting a pre-built vs. building my own. For example, does the G4 allow all of the software customization that I'd get if I built my own, or is it more restricted so I can't mess with it as much? Can I put on whatever front-end I want?

Another thing is I see lots of discussion about XM for the G4 but none about Sirius. Is it possible to use Sirius with the G4?

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.

Greg.

**Marassa** · 01-13-2008, 05:44 AM

Originally Posted by groggrog

does the G4 allow all of the software customization that I'd get if I built my own, or is it more restricted so I can't mess with it as much?

The only highly proprietary component of G4 is its FM radio tuner - the manufacturer does not officially provide nor support the drivers. AFAIK, only three front-ends support this radio so far: Infill Station (shipped with G4 from the factory), StreetDeck (bundled with G4 from MP3Car.com) and Centrafuse. You can sort of pry the radio software out of StreetDeck or Centrafuse installations but since the software API is proprietary you'll have to resort to programming if you want to use the radio with any other front-end/application.

Originally Posted by groggrog

Can I put on whatever front-end I want?

Yes you can (read the radio warning above) but you'll lose your support from MP3car.com if you do that.

**groggrog** · 01-29-2008, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by Marassa

The only highly proprietary component of G4 is its FM radio tuner - the manufacturer does not officially provide nor support the drivers. AFAIK, only three front-ends support this radio so far: Infill Station (shipped with G4 from the factory), StreetDeck (bundled with G4 from MP3Car.com) and Centrafuse. You can sort of pry the radio software out of StreetDeck or Centrafuse installations but since the software API is proprietary you'll have to resort to programming if you want to use the radio with any other front-end/application.
Yes you can (read the radio warning above) but you'll lose your support from MP3car.com if you do that.

Marassa - thanks very much for your informative reply. Do you, or anybody, know if there are plans to allow Sirius satellite radio on the G4 instead of XM?

Also, if you wanted to buy a prebuilt system, would you choose the G4 or is there another prebuilt car pc I should look at?

Thanks again,

Greg.