Laptop vs Desktop

**MikeyTampa** · 08-08-2005, 02:27 PM

Laptop cons: Easy way out
Desktop Pros: Fun building it yourself

Meh the only reason I like carputers is actual building of something and
keeping it running and such. A laptop is mostly plug and play...no fun.

**turbocad6** · 08-08-2005, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by MikeyTampa

Laptop cons: Easy way out
Desktop Pros: Fun building it yourself

Meh the only reason I like carputers is actual building of something and
keeping it running and such. A laptop is mostly plug and play...no fun.

that is far from true... a laptop can be as simple or as complicated as any other install.... true, just throwing a laptop under the seat seems easy, but A laptop can be much more intergrated & involved than that.... it all depends on what level of install you are willing to accept.... I am installing a laptop in my dash right now, & it is much much more work than the mini atx that I removed.....

A laptop motherboard can be embeded in a dashboard & can be much more involved than just screwing down a mini case.... there are alot more difficultys in installing a laptop, from start-up/shut down to powering everything.... my laptop install will be suplimented & controlled by an opus 150... not all laptop installs are just thrown in....

**shotgunefx** · 08-08-2005, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by MikeyTampa

Laptop cons: Easy way out
Desktop Pros: Fun building it yourself

Meh the only reason I like carputers is actual building of something and
keeping it running and such. A laptop is mostly plug and play...no fun.

I'll agree with turbocad6. The only thing your really missing is part of the power supply problems. For me that's not fun. Interfacing to the sensor ouputs & OBDII, writing all the software to make a digital dash, for me, that's the challenge. I want a digital dashboard and using a laptop, helped me get started on the problem I was trying to solve almost immediately.

Though when all is said and done, I may redo it with a mini-itx or similar as the docking station and the hanger for it take up a little more trunk space than I'd like.

**wei2cool** · 08-11-2005, 01:22 PM

my biggest reason to use a laptop is because of the suspend mode.

I can go from ignition to music in 3 seconds with my laptop carputer. It makes the carputer seems more integrated with the car. It's too bad because I also have a awesome bootup screen

**shotgunefx** · 08-11-2005, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by wei2cool

my biggest reason to use a laptop is because of the suspend mode.

I can go from ignition to music in 3 seconds with my laptop carputer. It makes the carputer seems more integrated with the car. It's too bad because I also have a awesome bootup screen

My first linux laptop install, I was suprised and relieved how well and how quick that worked.

**g-mony** · 09-21-2005, 07:58 PM

i almost sold on going for the laptop instead of computer. since i need a laptop for work anyways. how about power on/off? that seems to biggest challenge. any suggestions?

**Rafster** · 09-21-2005, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by g-mony

i almost sold on going for the laptop instead of computer. since i need a laptop for work anyways. how about power on/off? that seems to biggest challenge. any suggestions?

Well, some laptops you can Hibernate and wake up by just using a keyboard.

Look into that.

Peace,

Rafster

**carabuser** · 09-21-2005, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by g-mony

i almost sold on going for the laptop instead of computer. since i need a laptop for work anyways. how about power on/off? that seems to biggest challenge. any suggestions?

if you're using a laptop that's out of warranty, then you can simply take it apart and soldier 2 wires.

**turbocad6** · 09-21-2005, 09:04 PM

warranty, HA!!!

**in4no** · 09-23-2005, 05:23 PM

I have a clarion vrx755vd in my 03 Altima, and I love it. plays dvd's (burnt ones too) mp3's and regular cds. it also has a ipod hook-up and all i have to do is attach an ipod an boom - 20 - 40gigs of music (and it's a touch screen control too).
however, I also want GPS, which would be another $300 in addition to the ipod's $300...so, I wanted to hook up my laptop, a sleek and compact Dell (no internal cd drive, so it wieghs like 1 pound...very sleek - 40gig hd), without having to tear it apart....is there a way to accomplish this? maybe one of those mounts you see on the internet? but is there something a bit less ghetto? also, what would be the best power supply for the laptop? I have a head phone jack comming out the back of my clarion so sound is already taken care of...
thanks in advance guys...