Thread: Carputer -vs- 07 Toyota Factory unit

I think for me the biggest attraction about carputer is that flexibility.
1. Wifi, autosync musics/videos, having a large library.
2. GPS map updates
3. Mostly a fun hobby, expensive at times, and lots of headaches too.
otherwise other units are quite up to par with carputer in terms of features, and a lot less headache, but keep in mind that factory units are usually around $2000, for that price, you can build one wicked carputer setup.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I'm looking at less than 1k for the factory unit. (slightly used of course)

But almost headache free.

Thanks for not taking it the wrong way, it like any other project. I don't want to get in to something that time consuming and expensive unless the cost / benefit ratio is in line with the effort.

I'm gearing up to replace my ride this winter and asking the same questions.

Factory units are pricey but the Pioneer and Alpine in dash gps/dvd systems are everything I'd want for about $1000.

I replied to this thread already but I got a message saying that it had to be reviewed by a moderator before it would be posted.

I just got done building my setup. I researched this for over a year asked questions and what not. My biggest benefit is my music and video library. To have access to your whole library without any adapter issues is great. I used my apple i pod for over a year and hated it. Finally bit the bullet and started to by the parts. Out the door finnished under $700. My setup does backup camera, video play back, movie play back, audio play back, and navigation.

True, the Tundra system is awsome. However, as mentioned earlier, you don't have the flexability with that system. Cost and time are relative and usualy inversly perporsional. You can spend lots of money and save yourself lots of time. Inversly, you can spend little money and lots of time. Being that you work in computers for a living, you already have the knowledge to do the pc end of this. You might even have access to used components that can save you money. If not, you can easily do a cheap laptop install. Go on ebay and buy a used, possible non functioning 700-900 Mhz laptop for $50. Get it up and running and sell the screen and keyboard on ebay. Buy a lilliput monitor for $200. The only thing left is to figure out how you will get the lappys sound to your speakers. All the rest can be added later.

I think most of use do this for the unique outcome/flexibility. If you look through the show off your project section, most installs are done to "look" stock. However, there is nothing "stock" about building carputers. I get asked all the time, as most do I'm sure, why put a computer in a car? I say why not. I did it for myself. I got tired of changing CD's. I went to an indash dvd player. No flexibility there. Now I have thousands of songs at a touch screen press away. I have access to gps without another unit hanging on my dash. True the detail is not as good as yours. But how much detail is really needed? It gets me where I need to go. Plus, if I'm PO'ed, I can tell my puter to shut up, and unlike my wife, it does.

Originally Posted by HiJackZX1

You could always keep the headunit you have and connect the PC to AUX in on the headunit (if it has AUX). Then maybe have another screen that controls the PC?

Very valid concept!

Actually so simple I didn't even consider it!

lol!

Thanks!