Thread: Question about building a carpc

The motherboard inside a laptop and a PC are very... very different - well physically. You're better off:
1) Keep the laptop and rig it to your car somehow.
2) Sell the laptop and use the $$ to get real PC components.

I am planning to do mine with a laptop, I think it should be easier, plus you should have less power consumption, and a battery that will help with shutdown after the car has been turned off. I think though, that you need a laptop with a few things to really get going. USB2 is the most important. Everything you want to add can pretty much be done through USB2.

This thread shows an auto on module: This is how I plan to go.
Laptop Auto Power-On / Turn-On Module

You might as well leave the laptop together. Then if you want a separate KB or monitor, plug them in. IF you need to do work on it, or make some updates, take it inside and do it in comfort.

Originally Posted by mwmcginn

I am planning to do mine with a laptop, I think it should be easier, plus you should have less power consumption, and a battery that will help with shutdown after the car has been turned off. I think though, that you need a laptop with a few things to really get going. USB2 is the most important. Everything you want to add can pretty much be done through USB2.

This thread shows an auto on module: This is how I plan to go.
Laptop Auto Power-On / Turn-On Module

You might as well leave the laptop together. Then if you want a separate KB or monitor, plug them in. IF you need to do work on it, or make some updates, take it inside and do it in comfort.

I am also considering to use a IBM T23 laptop as carpc in my 2004 accord. Lots of people put it in trunk. But it will be hot like a stove in summer. Is that ok for carpc? It seems it is too narrow to put T23 under seats. do you have any ideas?