Newb :'-( But I Got Questions Already!

**bikemjb** · 03-22-2007, 03:15 AM

Hey guys,
ya, my names mike, just joined and all! but hey, i have been reading some of the postings on here about all you guys' car PC's and i already have a question! so i see that a lot of you have what looks like a standard PC hidden away somewhere without a real "case", is that safe for the components? and also, what about a mouse, do you all use touch screens? and if so, do you need special software for the touchscreen?

the main reason I'm asking is because i am a big truck fan, as well as a big PC fan (Microsoft windows all the way!). i have been driving a 96' F-350 7.3 V8 power stroke diesel, which has become far to expensive for me drive! plus its only a single cab, which means it was a miracle i managed to fit my 2 12" audiobahns behind my bench seat. so i just got a 88' ranger extended cab, and I'm doing a full overhaul of the thing! part of which means i want to install a car PC. I would greatly appreciate any helpful comments, suggestions, or tips!

P.S.- it has no center console that runs along the floor so i was thinking of building a custom housing to for it there, which would include housing a monitor.

**DarquePervert** · 03-22-2007, 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by bikemjb

so i see that a lot of you have what looks like a standard PC hidden away somewhere without a real "case", is that safe for the components? and also, what about a mouse, do you all use touch screens? and if so, do you need special software for the touchscreen?

Yes, it's safe for components to operate without a case.
Touchscreen is the preferred method of PC control. The only special software needed are the drivers for the touch component of ths screen.

**J187** · 03-22-2007, 09:39 AM

The questions you are asking are too general. You need to look around the site for a while to familiarize yourself. We all do things differently, we all have independent setups and ideas. Some use nano boards, some use tower pcs, others laptops. Some use touchscreens, girders, mice, joysticks, voice commands etc etc.

I think the fact that there are so many of us using pcs wihtout the cases should tell you how safe it is. Its worked well for lots of us for a couple years.

Definitely build the console - there is a good project going in fabrication right now. its a great idea. I am a truck guy too, only I have a Hybrid truck with all the bells and whistles meaning there is NO room anywhere!! I had to sneak a mini-itx board under my cupholders, my project is still ongoing in the truck. My previous car, a honda civic, took me less than half the time and lasted for over 2 years before I removed it. Trucks are a great challenge...