Thread: Any disadvantages in buying pre-built systems?

The main reason people built thier own systems is because in most cases they are cheaper to put together then buying a prebuilt system. Plus you get to customize the system to your needs.

Btw the site you link seems to be overpriced. Their selling the lilliput for $429.
http://www.gnetcanada.com/productdet...NET_70VGATOUCH

Hi Elantro.

I have built over 600 computers in the last 15 years, and the analogy I use to first time builders is that modern computers are just like a big Lego set!
It is virtually impossible to put the wrong components in the wrong place. All the devices are keyed and no electronics skills are necessary.
(Its amazing how many first time PC builders still imagine that you need a soldering iron to put a PC together!)

Car computers can be no different (depending on the extent of customisation and integration you want from your project). But they will be at least slightly more tricky than a standard PC, however all of my comments below still apply.

Here is what you need.

1: A shopping list based on what you want the system to accomplish.
Set your specifications accordingly and assemble a shopping list. Run it past an experienced PC builder or two in order to make sure all the components are compatible.

2: "Quality time" to RTFM's!
For the first time builder, the temptation to start screwing things together immediately is very strong. Read the manuals thoroughly. Ideally before you even start unpacking any equipment. Initially I would read them somewhere where you do not even have access to the kit to focus your concentration on the instructions. (If you work, take them into the office and read them in your coffee break.)
If you follow the instructions, things very rarely go wrong. And by reading all the different manuals together you will be better able to visualise the order in which things will need to be installed which will hopefully avoid needing to dismantle and redo assembly later on.

3: Patience.
(You mentioned that this may be a problem. It is good that you have admitted that, as projects like this do not suit every timescale or personality.)
If you think you can manage the following then read on.

Take your time! If something doesn't work or fit, it is usually not the equipment at fault. Walk away. Have a cup of coffee and look out of the window for five minutes. Perhaps even sleep on the problem. It's amazing how many simple tasks can become confusing when you get too deeply involved in the problem, and tiredness and frustration is what causes mistakes and resulting damage to components. You should ideally think of the build as a learning experience and don't get too caught up planning ahead to what you are going to do when the system is finished.

4: Ideally, Access to a second internet enabled PC at all times. If you can't solve your problem, you can bet that someone else has had the same issues. You may also need to download drivers etc as you go along, or just vent your frustration at a problem to other understanding forum members.

5: A small, but good quality set of tools.
To build a "standard" PC, all you really need are:
1 x Small Knife (Mainly for opening all the packaging!
1 x Medium Phillips head screwdriver (almost all the screws in the case)
1 x Larger standard screwdriver. (For fitting certain heatsinks and removing breakout panels)

5: More Patience.

Something to counter everyone's opinion.

I thought that buying components and building the PC myself would be cheaper, but really that wasnt the case. You have to factor in the time to put into building it, so say you can come up with a parts list that totals 325.00 and a pre-built machine for 400, yes you save 75.00 BUT lets say you run into a problem (contrary to how simple poeple say these things are to put togeather) there are many steps involved and sometimes you may overlook a step which in the end can cause you a few hours of trouble shooting, this is where that 75.00 you saved comes in to play.... Is your time worth more than 75.00 if so buy the pre-built machine save your self some hassle.

If this is going to be a hobby for you, like it is for me, and your really into computers and are very comfortable with building a machine then maybe saving the 75.00 will be put to good use towards another peice of hardware.

If your wanting to just enjoy the benefits of Mini-itx computers in your car and don't really want to know what goes where and what the insides of these things look like, or even why that jumper settings is the way it is... or if you won't enjoy using your computer knoladge to figure out why your machine keeps randomly rebooting when it should be running normally then I suggest buying a pre-built machine.

Hope this little insight helps a bit in choosing.

I think that IntellaWorks has summed it up perfectly.
It all boils down to remembering the first thought you had when you initially got the idea.

Was it:
"I would really like to make a car MP3 player."
or
"I would really like to play MP3s in my car."

If it was the former, then building your own system could be very rewarding, and the time investment should not be a consideration in the same way it would not be for stamp collecting or any other hobby/interest.
If it was the latter then you are just looking for a tool to do a job. In that case value for money and speed of delivery is probably higher on the agenda.