Auri

You can buy the M10000 from anyone who sells motherboards. It usually comes with the low-power, acceptable CarPC performance Via C3 processor.



The 512 RAM you should be able to buy anywhere (man, I hope so). The 80G drive - get a laptop hard drive - it's better for taking the shocks on the road. Sure, it's more expensive, but you want more "hardened" equipment. BTW (shameless plug), this is all outlined in my soon-to-be-released book "Geek My Ride" - coming in April.

Here's the link: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyT...764578766.html




While you *could* do this, I suggest using a laptop-style optical drive. The spring-loaded spindle prevents the disk from bouncing around while the car is in motion, and you don't have to worry about stuck discs (whereas it would be a nightmare with slot-loading optical drives). Another reason NOT to get a slot-loading drive is due to the fact it can't take a 3.5" disc, and for whatever reason many manufacturers ship the "mini" CDs with drivers (maybe it's to be cute, but it sure can be annoying).


Gyration makes a fantastic product called the Ultra GT. Their mouse solution is gyroscopic (meaning you can just move it around in the air... very cool) http://www.gyration.com/ultragt-compact.htm


DeLorme and Microsoft now have GPS packages for $99-$129, including the receiver. Just make sure the receiver has a clear view of the sky - you can't keep it under your seat!


Either a built-in PCI card, or get a Belkin compact USB WiFi adapter - around $50 (US) and available from any CompUSA or many computer stores. The Belkin's nice because it's small and has no messy wires. Linksys and D-Link also make similar products.

Good luck!

Best,

-Auri Rahimzadeh
Author
"Geek My Ride"