New CarPC Kit $300 - Worth it?

**arawas** · 12-03-2005, 02:03 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/CarPC-Kit-Via-MI...QQcmdZViewItem

well im a total noob to this carputer stuff but i want something where i can comfortably run dashpc software (unless there is something better, i have no idea what a good software may be) i can get a touchscreen for cheap from somewhere else, just wanted to know if this carputer would be like plug and play kinda thing. Dont have too much cash to spend so i want a decent deal worth my money and be able to have navigation, entertainment, have the computer integrated with the car (locks, windows, etc.) and anything else that seems to be usefull with car pc's.
Thanks for anyones input

**Montanaja** · 12-03-2005, 02:08 AM

I bought almost the same thing from that company... except I got the MII1000... I would recommend them, my mobo died and the replaced it no questions asked.

I would do more research if I was you before buying though

**buurin** · 12-05-2005, 11:58 AM

i got the mii10000 package from them.. the case was cracked, the psu was missing capacitors, and the cpu fell off the mobo.

i'd reccomend getting your stuff from mp3car.com

okay... i lied, my stuff came in tact and works. however, you should support the forums

I'm a hypocrite, dont be like me.

**mccdeuce** · 12-05-2005, 12:01 PM

i got the case and power supply from them. good guys at reasonable price.

**WebDog** · 12-05-2005, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by arawas

http://cgi.ebay.com/CarPC-Kit-Via-MI...QQcmdZViewItem

well im a total noob to this carputer stuff but i want something where i can comfortably run dashpc software (unless there is something better, i have no idea what a good software may be) i can get a touchscreen for cheap from somewhere else, just wanted to know if this carputer would be like plug and play kinda thing. Dont have too much cash to spend so i want a decent deal worth my money and be able to have navigation, entertainment, have the computer integrated with the car (locks, windows, etc.) and anything else that seems to be usefull with car pc's.
Thanks for anyones input

Well you still will need RAM and a HDD... Thats another $200+ depending on what you get.

Then you need a GPS reciver and software, thats another $100-200.

No carpc is plug and play, my last computer it took a week to get it built, pre iinstall and configured in the house and a full day to install it in the car.

**tangeray** · 12-07-2005, 01:16 AM

im not a fan of the epia via boards due to the whole integrated processor bit. Price a micro atx setup from newegg.com and you can get a more powerful computer for about the same price or even cheaper if you bargain shop. This is what I run:

-Biostar MicroATX motherboard w/SATA, AGP 8X etc..etc. fully functional
-AMD Athlon XP Mobile 2500+
-512 MB PC2700
-40Gig Western Digital 7200 RPM
-Opus 150 watt DC/DC pow supply
-Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS 192,000 samples per second rated
-Homestech TV/FM card tuner
-Acrylic Micro Home Theater PC case
-D-Link Wireless Ethernet adaptar
-Lilliput 7" Touchscreen
-Standard DVD ROM

Price both setups before commiting to a buy. Then, figure out if the ability to upgrade in the future when new hardware comes out is a factor for you. Also, look at PCI expansion slots when considering that theres only so many USB devices you want to have chain linked to your system.

Tangeray