Help The newbie with his carputer idea.

**stonep** · 07-07-2005, 05:10 AM

I am just starting my general planning, although thought I'd list what I have so far and people could chim in as some weak links, perhaps where I could make it better without spending much more, or maybe even save some money. My mail goal with this system is MP3 , and I must be able to contect my carputer with coax cable because my head unit is a eclipse 8454 and I want to take use of the all digital coax connection. Second would be Wireless for email & DVD playback, and third GPS.

I also plan to mount the touchscreen LCD onto the screen, although I'm still trying to fiqure out what OS to use, to take advantage of the touchscreen. Would windows media center work, something like this?

Mini Case: http://www.computergate.com/products...dcd=HDRCM267BR $74

( Here is the specs inside the case's motherboard, INCLUDES video card. )http://206.14.132.88/products/MB/min...4-ITX-Spec.jpg

Intel Processor 2.0GHZ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819112173 $71

Hitachi TravelStar 2.5" Hard Drive Laptop (too fit the tiny case) $49-$59 on ebay

Slim CD/DVD Player http://www.computergate.com/products...odcd=MWRSY835E $64

512 ddr pc2100 ram http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16820145005R $39

USB GPS http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...onics&n=541966 $65

lILLIPUT 7" Touchscreen LCD http://www.allcam.biz/products/lcd_touch_screen_7.html $200-$250 ON EBAY

Thanks!

**anitanium** · 07-07-2005, 06:23 AM

there are windows compatible front ends in the Software section of the boards
these programs are touchscreen friendly and allow you to play both music and video, as well as GPS and other computer functions

**MaHk** · 07-07-2005, 06:36 AM

looks good so far, just keep in mind that u'll also be needing a wireless lan card or dongle etc.

i'd say u'd be best using windows xp for many reasons, including the fact that there are so many front-ends to chose from and also the hardware support.

goodluck

**fromplanetbob** · 07-08-2005, 08:06 AM

I'd consider using a PCI Wireless card and a high gain antenna in your car - you will also need a high gain antenna in the house for best results.

If you use a USB wireless adapter, you normally can't attach an external antenna to it.

**Bugbyte** · 07-08-2005, 03:20 PM

I have a PCI wireless card and it causes the system to skip momentarily every 4 or 5 minutes when playing back mp3's. It causes the system to go to 100% utilization momentarily. Could be the Via mobo, could be something else. Doesn't cause it on XM.

The USB's don't do that.