Another n00b Joins the ranks...

**XtremeONE** · 07-10-2005, 01:17 AM

I just found out about carputing and I am hooked!

Planning on the following 2002 Chevy Blazer installation:

Lilliput Touchscreen monitor
Earthmate GPS receiver
WLAN and Bluetooth Connectivity
OBDII Monitoring
MP3 and DVD playback

Still undecided about a laptop or custom built PC for the system.

I will keep yawl up to date on the project status!

**KyleYankan** · 07-10-2005, 01:43 AM

Remember - a laptop has better power control, and better durability - but less expandibility.

A custom-built can have good power control for $$, and can be built more durable, with time. It also has TONS of OOBY GOBS of expandibility.

**kiltjim** · 07-10-2005, 02:53 AM

I like the raw mobo for expandability..

But come on, the laptop has easy use, removability, some-what easy powering capability, and the same power for the type of applications that get run on a carputer. It looks a little n00bish once fully in place, but it works. And depending on the type of peripherals you plan on running, it is exactly the same thing.

**Rafster** · 07-10-2005, 03:07 AM

Actually, laptops aren't as unexpandable as people think. With USB 2.0 and Firewire, you can get almost anything added to a laptop. Hell I recently was browsing a computer magazine and saw a USB 2.0 video card for laptops.

It was based on GeForce4 MX440 chipset.

Peace,

Rafster

**12Vsystems** · 07-10-2005, 04:12 AM

Welcome to the carputer world. These project's don't have to require a lot of money if you have the time and patience do everything yourself. You will need to make lots of little tweaks and modifications but the laptop is by far the cheapest way to go. If you use a M/B you have the added expense of a screen. P3 Laptops sell on ebay for nothing. My first installation was a hacked apart Toshiba Porteges 3490ct.

These forums are a great place to start.

**SnyperBob** · 07-10-2005, 04:39 AM

Welcome to the site. Good to see you're considering your options. It's a tough decision between laptop and desktop. Laptops are nice, especially when combined with a docking station or port replicator.

Another issue with laptops is cost. If you want to upgrade the hard drive it'll cost much more for less capacity. Something to keep in mind.

Your Blazer should have tons of room to fit whatever kind of setup you want. There are a lot of ways to cut corners. One corner I suggest not cutting is with the screen. That's the main component that you interface with, so you want it to be a quality one. One that you can view and see and that won't wear out or fail. Xenarc or Lilli - It seems you've already figured that much out

Have fun!