MP3Car.com - View Single Post - Is PII(300mhz) dell laptop a feasbile starter carputer?

TruckinMP3 · 09-24-2007, 11:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by BiG K

I have to say, 300mhz is not alot of power for running XP. I can gurantee you will largely be disappointed with your carputer, simply because not having enough horsepower. If you simply want a carputer to play MP3's, why not just buy a MP3 cd player??

A decent second hand MP3 cd player is easily attainable for $80 and is alot easier to integrate!

But and it is a big BUT, purchasing a screen, cables, amplifier , keyboard/input devices etc etc will easily cost you atleast $300. My advice is, take your time to research your decision, it may not be a wise move to use a 300mhz laptop for a carputer. Sure a 240mhz tablet pc might have been fine at multitasking, but the tablet PC's are quite new as well, they have a highly optimized operating system for the specification. For example my home computer is about the same spec as a xbox 360, but an xbox 360 can easily run rings around my computer. Why you ask? Because the xbox 360 has a highly optimized operating system to take advantage of the hardware, whilst windows xp is a more general type of computer.

If all you want is a carputer for mp3's, why bother?? It might look cool, but then why not just pick up a indash dvd player for $200 and save yourself the hassle??

All valid points.

I use a 300mhz system because:

It was in the closet not being used for anything else.
Easy to power
it's been installed for far longer than Ipods have been available

Xp runs just fine for what I want
I use the OEM sound system so other expenses did not come into play.

The trick for anyone considering an install, carefully consider what you want and a budget. The person that should be happy with the results is you.

I am happy with my system, I may still change it in the future.

09-24-2007, 11:19 AM	#25
TruckinMP3 Raw Wave TruckinMP3's CarPC Specs Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Colorado Vehicle: '02 suburban with quad captain seating Posts: 2,572 My Photos: ()	Quote: Originally Posted by BiG K I have to say, 300mhz is not alot of power for running XP. I can gurantee you will largely be disappointed with your carputer, simply because not having enough horsepower. If you simply want a carputer to play MP3's, why not just buy a MP3 cd player?? A decent second hand MP3 cd player is easily attainable for $80 and is alot easier to integrate! But and it is a big BUT, purchasing a screen, cables, amplifier , keyboard/input devices etc etc will easily cost you atleast $300. My advice is, take your time to research your decision, it may not be a wise move to use a 300mhz laptop for a carputer. Sure a 240mhz tablet pc might have been fine at multitasking, but the tablet PC's are quite new as well, they have a highly optimized operating system for the specification. For example my home computer is about the same spec as a xbox 360, but an xbox 360 can easily run rings around my computer. Why you ask? Because the xbox 360 has a highly optimized operating system to take advantage of the hardware, whilst windows xp is a more general type of computer. If all you want is a carputer for mp3's, why bother?? It might look cool, but then why not just pick up a indash dvd player for $200 and save yourself the hassle?? All valid points. I use a 300mhz system because: It was in the closet not being used for anything else. Easy to power it's been installed for far longer than Ipods have been available Xp runs just fine for what I want I use the OEM sound system so other expenses did not come into play. The trick for anyone considering an install, carefully consider what you want and a budget. The person that should be happy with the results is you. I am happy with my system, I may still change it in the future. __________________ TruckinMP3 D201GLY2, DC-DC power, 14in LCD ;) 3.5 inch SATA Self Proclaimed Spoon feeder! Yes, you should search... and Yes, It has been covered before! Read the FAQ!