Thread: Newbie with a few design/product questions

Car Computer System Specifications

Necessary Now:
Digital Music Playback
Video and DVD Playback
WiFi networking
Basic Games

For Later:
Broadcast Television Reception
OBDII Gauge/Sensor Display
Mobile Internet Access
Hands free Cell phone Control
Cameras (backup, etc.)


Hardware Needs/Wants:

Power Source (DC)
Motherboard/Processor
Case
Hard drive
DVD burner
Memory
Touch screen Monitor
WiFi
Screen Mount

Maybes:
Sound Card
Video Card
Wireless Keyboard/Mouse/Gamepad

Here’s the deal: I want a carputer capable of what’s written above, but I don’t have much of a budget to spend on it. I hope to build it within the next month while I’m home from school because after that time and other resources will be scarce. I, of course, want to take care of the things in the necessary now category and add the rest (for later) when I have more time and money. Still, suggestions regarding the “for later” stuff will be appreciated. I want to put the carputer in my RX8 (the reason money is so scarce) which as some of you may know causes some serious monitor installation problems. The radio head-unit is devilishly integrated with the AC control, clock, outside temp, and an LED display. I would prefer to mount the screen in place of the head-unit, but that’s not possible (for me anyway). So the plan is to use some sort of goose neck mount or other type of mount. My concern is that having the monitor propped up in my car rather than integrated into the dash will inspire a smash and grab theft. So my first question is do the cords disconnect easily from the back of either of the two monitors sold in the mp3car.com store? or can anyone suggest a method of storing/hiding the screen when doing so may be necessary. I can provide pictures of the car interior if necessary. My hope is to easily be able to put the screen in the glove compartment or under a seat when I’m not in the car.

Next, I want to be as cost effective as possible with this build, but still be able to expand the computer later so that it can eventually do all of what I wish. So basically I’m asking what products and methods I should use to accomplish my goals as inexpensively as possible. It seems pretty unanimous that I must get an opus, probably the 150W Opus. I’m still, of course, open to suggestions. Also, the motherboard/processor will likely be the VIA EPIA M10000 Nehemiah, but again I would appreciate a less expensive alternative if a viable one exists. I plan to build my own case because I want to use a 3.5” HD and desktop sized DVD writer. I’m yet to find a small case that will fit all of that and still fit under my front seat, so it will have to go in my trunk. I may mount the dvd-writer in the glove box for easier access in which case I could use a smaller case and fit it under my seat. Suggestions please. If someone knows of a good case for a good price please let me know. Like I said, I want a full size HD because the price and amount of storage are much more attractive than the price and capacity of laptop drives. Also, I prefer a desktop dvd because of price and I may put it in my glove box anyway (so heat and case space wouldn’t be much of an issue). I don’t know how to make an external laptop drive but I would like to know if they exist. My last questions for now are: how much memory would I need for the initial system and then complete system. Oh yeah, I plan to run XP and Mediacar. I plan to use the burner fairly often, but now while doing much else. Also, would I need an additional sound card, video card, or any additional input devices beyond the touchscreen. Like I said, I plan to play only the most basic games, like solitaire or AOG, while (at rest of course) in the car. I don’t expect to play any 3D or graphics intensive games. I’ll connect my XBOX to the screen for any serious gaming and may even get one specifically for the car, later of course. I think that is all. I am new to carputers but have done some research and know of the search button. I appreciate any help I receive.