2004 Jaguar X-Type - Windows 7 and Acer Aspire1 8.9" Netbook as a Donor

**exexpat** · 01-28-2010, 12:47 PM

It took a little than expected, but here it is.

My list of components:
1. Metra Double DIN Dash Kit
2. Acer Aspire One netbook
3. Touchscreen kit
4 .USB powered hub
5. USB 6-Channel audio card
6. USB VGA converter
7. USB Bluetooth
8. 3 x phono-to-AV adapters
9. 5 channel amplifier
10. Slot load USB DVD
11. Headrest monitors
12. PCMCIA Wireless Hub
13. 12v-to-5v DC converters
14. USB GPS Module
15. USB squid hub (mini and full USB ports in ash tray)
16. Zune HD (in case I want radio besides HD Internet streaming)
17. Free Microsoft Origami Experience 2.0 front end for media, calendar, Outlook integration and free Krento application launcher

I used the netbook's 8.9 screen (which fits almost perfectly behind a modified Metra double DIN X-Type kit) and I had to put a momentary soldered from the motherboard next to the screen to suspend and resume Windows.

The only thing that make this usable is the Origami frontend. I tried a bunch of others, but I like this one from the UI perspective and it has the functionality I need.

Here are some pics of the install, Origami front end, headrests, slot DVD and router:

And the car itself:

**desidriver** · 01-28-2010, 06:08 PM

one of the best cars I have seen

**ribonzz** · 02-01-2010, 04:30 AM

Oh damn! I always wanted a PC tablet on my car

**Danger_MouseUK** · 02-01-2010, 08:50 AM

Did you adapt any of Jaguar's own touch screen head unit for this, or is it all scratch built?

**Lincolnman** · 02-02-2010, 08:37 AM

That looks excellent! I would believe it to be factory, were it not for the frontend's appearance. Out of curiousity, what was it that you liked so much better about this particular frontend over the others you tried; and in the same vein, what others did you try before deciding on this one?
Again, it really looks excellent.

**exexpat** · 02-02-2010, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by Danger_MouseUK

Did you adapt any of Jaguar's own touch screen head unit for this, or is it all scratch built?

No. I didn't use anything from Jaguar.

Originally Posted by Lincolnman

That looks excellent! I would believe it to be factory, were it not for the frontend's appearance. Out of curiousity, what was it that you liked so much better about this particular frontend over the others you tried; and in the same vein, what others did you try before deciding on this one?
Again, it really looks excellent.

The main thing for me is the Outlook email and calendar integration. The media player integration is also good. I have tried Streetdeck, RideRunner and Centrafuse. The fit and finish of the UI tends to look pretty amateurish - especially on the first two listed.

**ribonzz** · 02-03-2010, 04:48 AM

So it's your own custom style isn't it?? cool..

**mswiss** · 02-03-2010, 10:24 AM

i noticed you had the zune media player, hows that working. I have a zune pass so i think itd be awesome to integrate that into my car.

**exexpat** · 02-03-2010, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by mswiss

i noticed you had the zune media player, hows that working. I have a zune pass so i think itd be awesome to integrate that into my car.

It's nice, but the buttons/controls are too small for practical car use. Origami is a far better means of navigation and volume control. And it consumes WMP playlists, streaming radio settings, etc.