Thread: I'm Halfway There... ?

1. Whatever tyype you want. That's a personal decision.

2. So find a small case. IT might also help if we knew the dimensions and/or the area where you're ghoing to put the PC. There's some surprisingly small units out there.

3. Keybaord and pointing device. Why don't you check out some available options and see what works best for you, the space in your ride and the functionality of the device, rather than rely on a half-dozen recommendations that may all be worthless to you?

4. FAQ: Will <insert PSU model> Power Supply work with my system?

5. Listen... A carputer is ust like a desktop computer, except that it's designed to run off a car's 12v electrical system.
Do you have a computer with a TV out? I have a couple. If not, then you get a computer that has a video card with TV out. When you look at systems and/or components, read specs and features carefully.

6. Any sound hardware made in the last fifteen years will have 2.1 sound. Of course, a headunit can do this, as well..

Now that you've gotten answers to your questions (some of which you're not going to appreciate, I'm certain), you need to get to the FAQ Emporium and do some reading. Many forum members have compiled a great deal of information and consolidated it in one location to make researching questions and problems easier. I suggest going there and doing a lot of reading.

And you're not halfway there. I have a working PC in my truck, and I feel I'm BARELY halfway there!

You will be much happier with the ending result by buying a new VGA screen and use the one you currently have as secondary (back seat) screen.

No you aren't anywhere near starting point yet.

DEF go for a VGA screen no doubt. You will only regret it if you dont.

Also, hold out for a touchscreen. Even if you dont use the touch system at first it gives you the option to expand in future

Dave

Oh and may be worth checking out Shotgun FX's blog as he has written almost every step of his install with lots of detail and pictures on the fabrication and custom mods etc. You kind have to go "backwards" through the pages though to see it in order

there is a huge difference in the overall readability of a vga screen compared to a composite..... huge....

also, I agree with those who have said your no where near 50%..... I don't even think you can claim 10% there at this point.... my pc's been fully up & running in my car for close to a year & I'm at maybe 80%.....

have you considered a laptop install? sounds like it may work with your size constraints, but laptops have there own unique set of challenges....

Originally Posted by NO CARRIER

DarquePervert - Nah, I don't mind the criticism, that's what makes me a newbie here. I'm looking for something with a footprint of 11" x 5.75" ... and up to around 3" high. Though I'm not aware of many soundcards in the last 15 years that are 2.1 sound, usually the subwoofer channel is filtered out by the speakers, not the sound card or drivers.?

Any recent soundcard can output 2.1. Just don't use the other available channels if it's not in your setup plans.

And your dimensions are really, really tight. There's not a lot that fits 11x5.75". NanoITX boards are tiny, but pricey and hard to lay hands on. Same goes for SBCs (single board computers) that would fit that space.

What everyone else has said about VGA output is true, as well. Composite output quality ranges from absolute dog **** at the low end to barely readable.

There are a few single-DIN in-dash monitors on the market presently. Shoot, there's a few int eh mp3car.com store alone. Also check out Digitalww.com and Logicsupply.com for additional products.

I'm eyeing the Xenarc 700IDT for a few reasons:
1) There's no motor to fail or moving parts to wear out.
2) Xenarc/Gain screens have a better quality rep than Lilliput
3) You can fit a slim optical drive inside with a little effort.