Quote: Originally Posted by telekineticfool
I am going to have to disagree with your disagreement...laptops are more limited than conventional component pc's...the only exception is a port replicator that has someplace to sit, and even then you have power, shutdown/startup, and space issues. At the moment, a mini-itx/opus/lilliput is a nice flexible $500-600 touchscreen solution for an in-car pc. This of course assumes you are starting from scratch...if you need to use stuff you already have (ie, laptop) that changes the game.
I think it's a great idea to start with a laptop if you have one. I know the issues of startup/shutdown but i'm using one in the car at the moment for testing and only have to press the power button on once at the start of the day (leave the DC adaptor on when not in the car) and shutdown with the touchscreen. With this my laptop is always on and just the screen turns on/off with ignition meaning it is ready straight away, no delay.
They are limited but if you can pick up a cheap one (busted screen?) with all the bits on it you need then they are a good buy to start you carputer project.