CARPUTER PRO: newbie looking for some answers.

**fastfed** · 05-01-2006, 01:47 PM

First off Thanks..

I was looking into the avic z-1 for my e46 M3, but maybe this would be a better option..

I am looking for something that will play normal radio songs and movie and of course a GPS..

Are these carputers using win xp? So does this mean I have to download all the software to do this stuff?
Also do I get a blue tooth adapter so it will go online using my bluetooth phone?

Finally the most important question I have is,
What does a total setup cost including everything? ( Average price, for an average system NOTHING top of the line, just a good total system )

Thanks all!

**lostreception** · 05-01-2006, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by fastfed

First off Thanks..

I was looking into the avic z-1 for my e46 M3, but maybe this would be a better option..

I am looking for something that will play normal radio songs and movie and of course a GPS..

Are these carputers using win xp? So does this mean I have to download all the software to do this stuff?
Also do I get a blue tooth adapter so it will go online using my bluetooth phone?

Finally the most important question I have is,
What does a total setup cost including everything? ( Average price, for an average system NOTHING top of the line, just a good total system )

Thanks all!

your user name is quite amusing considering you 1st post you are asking to be spoon fed

my best advice for you would be to check out the FAQS and use the search button

the avics are ripoffs in my book
they both have positives and negatives
if your looking to have endless possibilites not just limited to $300 add on modules from pioneer etc then search the faqs and youll find all your answers there

i guarentee

ps most run winxp
you will need a BT adapter
and cost varies greatly check the forum youll see that 1st hand

**fastfed** · 05-01-2006, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by lostreception

your user name is quite amusing considering you 1st post you are asking to be spoon fed

my best advice for you would be to check out the FAQS and use the search button

the avics are ripoffs in my book
they both have positives and negatives
if your looking to have endless possibilites not just limited to $300 add on modules from pioneer etc then search the faqs and youll find all your answers there

i guarentee

ps most run winxp
you will need a BT adapter
and cost varies greatly check the forum youll see that 1st hand

Thank you, I guess what I am looking for before I start to search is the overall price.

Two simple questions that I looked for and cannot find.
I do not mind searching for techy stuff but what I really want to know are two things

Whats the over cost for a complete system ( AVERAGE PRICE )
and are there complete systems aval. or does one have to piece them out. ( I would like to buy something complete,computer,screen and whatever else is needed )

Thanks!

**Freelander** · 05-01-2006, 02:22 PM

FAQ Poll: How much did your car PC cost?

**fastfed** · 05-01-2006, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by Freelander

FAQ Poll: How much did your car PC cost?

Thanks!

So are you saying that a total system ( with me doing the install myself ) could only cost me around 1200-1500 TOTAL?

I was looking to install the z-1 and that would of cost me around 1900.00

So this system will be cheaper?

I am super excited if that is the case and will be doing my research.

**MatrixPC** · 05-01-2006, 03:01 PM

Hardware: Cost could be from nothing to couple thousands.
You can use old retire hardware from your desktop upgrade or you can buy all new hardware. There are many depending factor when you pick hardware. Fastest, cheapest, most expensive are not always best.
You just have to do some homework to see what you want out of the system and what hardware/software can do what you needs.
Best place to find out is the showoff project. Most people list their system total cost.

**Freelander** · 05-01-2006, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by fastfed

Thanks!

So are you saying that a total system ( with me doing the install myself ) could only cost me around 1200-1500 TOTAL?

I was looking to install the z-1 and that would of cost me around 1900.00

So this system will be cheaper?

I am super excited if that is the case and will be doing my research.

it sounds like price is the most important factor for you installing a car pc. to save money, do it right the first time. many people have started buying components or installing parts, only to later realize that they should have selected another. if you read the Frequently Asked Questions section and do a bit of searching, you'll end up saving a lot of time and money.

**WarDriver** · 05-01-2006, 05:14 PM

Yep...as stated above you can spend next to nothing to way too much. Check eBay as well...No shame in getting a use set up. The guy I bought my screen from sold a sweet system for for $300. As for me...I'll have under or around $200 in my system. (A little creativity goes a long way)

**Wiredwrx** · 05-01-2006, 05:56 PM

And the most important place to look for your system, www.mp3car.com/store

The CARPUTER route is not for the person who just wants to buy something, have it installed/throw it into the car, and be done with it.

There is a considerable amount of time and energy to get a carputer working the way you want it, even though this has been made a little easier with complete carputer systems and programs like Streetdeck. There is always the progblem with screen installs (though with the e39 it shouldn't be too bad), FM and AM Radio, and still no great BT-Phone integration.

If you want easy install, go AVIC. If you want more capable, and probably cheaper, go the carputer route, but be prepared.

Michael

**fastfed** · 05-01-2006, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by Wiredwrx

And the most important place to look for your system, www.mp3car.com/store

The CARPUTER route is not for the person who just wants to buy something, have it installed/throw it into the car, and be done with it.

There is a considerable amount of time and energy to get a carputer working the way you want it, even though this has been made a little easier with complete carputer systems and programs like Streetdeck. There is always the progblem with screen installs (though with the e39 it shouldn't be too bad), FM and AM Radio, and still no great BT-Phone integration.

If you want easy install, go AVIC. If you want more capable, and probably cheaper, go the carputer route, but be prepared.

Michael

Thats what you guys are for right Bro's??

Seriously I am a techy type of guy, I can do pretty much anything and don't mind to spend time making my car better ( Its a hobby for all of us correct )

So with help from you guys, money in my pocket, and time we can get this done?