FAQ: How much do car PC's cost?

having a strong computer background i figured it would be easy and not cost too much more than the computer itself but i kept researching and researching and now i realized to get the carputer all going it would cost around $2000 CAD maybe a little bit more for misc (believe me i included about everything). this is assuming top notch parts at their higher prices so i imagine that would be the max and would end up less in reality especially by the time i buy my parts. and then ill have to buy an amp or two or three (digital and maybe two analogs or two analogs, still researching) and speakers and such.

Car PC on the cheap
cheap older laptop with decent mhz = $300, more than likely already has OS
GPS USB $40
Screen $150
AC/DC Inverter $50
USB Sound Card $40
Extra Wires, Cabling $30

$610 then for something that does most of what everyone wants. Sure you can build a via system for around the same price but a laptop would be easier when dealing with power issues. You can ad or take away $100 o so and still be decent.

But no software is included in that.
My system on the other hand will be using a laptop. but The Screen Fabrication alone cost me $100, the screen was under 200, but i'll be spending good money on getting the sound integrated with my setup nicely.


When Im done I expect to have paid $1500-2000 total. Still have alot of stuff to get.
Good USB Sound = $200
ODBII $200
Sound Processor/Crossover/EQ ($700?)
Wiring/Power/Extra Fluff $150
Custom Fab Work for mounting everything $100

I was aiming at spending around $500.00 usd or so...
im at $1,200.... err.. wait, i just bought some more cables... make that $1,226... no thats not right, factor in some tools i had to buy, and some bits and my times worth....

.... Oh!!! found another thing i want to add....

... you get the idea. it gets crazy and expensive.

It's really not that bad! Definitely not $2,000 for me.

Here are what I've bought and how much they cost:

1. Brand new liliput touchscreen: $175
2. Used Dsatx power supply: $140
3. New 3.2g computer with 160gig hd with windows: $200
4. New 7.1 soundcard with internal routing for 4 way crossover: $25
5. Used gps receiver: $30
6. Misc. extension cables and such = around $30

That's pretty much all I need for now not including softwares, but for most softwares, you can find them for free.

In the end, my setup will end up with 8 channels of audio. Lots of audio processing that includes FIR, DRC filters (you can forget alpine h701, it won't even come close)
gps
videos

You can save on those overpriced cases by making your own (use plexiglass).

I found a very fast laptop from ebay with a broken screen see specs.

HP DV8230CA Laptop ( Got it from Ebay for $500 Cnd. )
Intel Centrino Core Duo 1.66
1GB 667MHz DDR2 System Memory
160GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive(f) Dual HDD- 80GB x 2 (SATA)
Dual layer lightscribe DVD+-RW drive
NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 with 128MB discrete + 128MB shared
6-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
HP DV Remote (I love this small remote very useful)


I still have to buy a ts display probably another $300~?

It can get very expensive but I guess you just have to look around and find a good deal...

Im just starting and after researching the parts that I'll be purchasing.. its looking like a little over $1,000 with tax and delivery of items, and i've looked and gotten the best prices I can find on my parts.. the Computer itself is about $700

Quote:

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Originally Posted by halfight2003

I found a very fast laptop from ebay with a broken screen see specs.

HP DV8230CA Laptop ( Got it from Ebay for $500 Cnd. )
Intel Centrino Core Duo 1.66
1GB 667MHz DDR2 System Memory
160GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive(f) Dual HDD- 80GB x 2 (SATA)
Dual layer lightscribe DVD+-RW drive
NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 with 128MB discrete + 128MB shared
6-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
HP DV Remote (I love this small remote very useful)


I still have to buy a ts display probably another $300~?

It can get very expensive but I guess you just have to look around and find a good deal...

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thats a good idea thats what im doing. infact i removed that screen completely. (just check that the computer still functions without it first) i plan on buying a touch screen and mounting it in dash an puting the laptop in the boot.

The money is nothing compared to the blood, sweat and tears.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rainjacks

The money is nothing compared to the blood, sweat and tears.

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and the swearing......:rant:

Oh god.......so.......much..........profanity........ ...!

I think I may even have come up with a few "new ones" during builds........

Cheers

BJ

I haven't built one yet but I'm fast learner and built PC's before.

1) Try to re-use as many parts as possible.

Depending on your needs you can get away previous generation single core CPU's, 5400rpm hard drives and older operating systems.

Some front ends can be run on Linux (cheap or free) or Windows 98 second edition (I'm sure somebody you know has a disk)

2) Put your needs down on paper and match that to your budget. If you demand HDTV playback, Navigation, Wif, 5.1 sound, aftermarket amps and new speakers, you'll be looking at spending at least $1,500 and not a penny less.

I don't think Car PC's are viable for just MP3/WMA playback. For example many units support Ipod control and that is a far more affordable route if that's all your looking for.

For example: Pioneer DEH-P3000IB ($109) + Ipod 30gb Classic ($299)

3) Purchase the correct tools! I work at Pep Boys, there you can find every tool you need to safely take apart your interior without damaging anything.

This will save you money from having to buy new clips and brackets because you broke them using the wrong tools.

4) Don't skimp on wiring, circuit breakers, relays and fuse links. This is basic Car Audio 101...

5) If you've never put a PC together, consider a pre-fab unit available around the net. Many of them are PnP and require no building skills just minor wiring.

All that said a basic head-less touchscreen system running stock speakers can be done for around $600-700