Hey, guys. New here and just starting out and WORKING ON A BUDGET!!! i have my carputer hardware setup already together, powered up and running. system is as follows:

2.5G Pent4
1G DDR
Onboard Sound and Graphics w/ 17" flatpanel moniter
CD-RW/DVD
300Gb HDD
completed with wireless mouse keyboard and WIFI pickup through USB

(System is a complete Gateway Profile 4XL, w/ a few upgrades)

I am having a few issues that I need some help on before moving to the fabrication phase. ALL HELPFUL HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED

First issue - I am obviously going to do a custom mount in the trunk for the system as it is niegh impossible to mount a 17" monitor in the dash of a 99 Saturn- my issue now is whether or not to use a touch screen LCD monitor and nix my wireless mouse/keyboard or to go with a CHEAPER straight LCD display and utilize my existing input devices. Any suggestions as to the best choice and then what the cheapest route to go would be?

Second issue - I need to figure out a solid fix for the audio issues - I am running a line out from my onboard audio speaker port to the AUX input port on the FRONT of my headunit. It's not so pretty and now it just WONT WORK as I am afraid I blew the AUX input port on the head unit itself . Once again I am working under budget constraints for now and really want to get this thing up and running so I can get started on fabrication (something my wife is willing to budge a little more on with the money as she will be adding her amazingly artistic touch to the finished products).

Lastly - i need a good solid idea for powerup issues after the car is turned on. Since the main CPU will be in the trunk, I need a way to turn on the cpu from the drivers seat after startup or have it turn on itself when the car starts up. I am currently running the system through a 400W inverter - taking juice through the removed cigarette lighter lines and turning it into 110/120 out for the PC.

Again, thanx for the help guys. I look forward to the suggestions and help. PICTURES ARE SOON TO FOLLOW!