Thanks for looking, but for the moment this will be a "purging" of my list of things to do from my scattered mind onto this forum.
Car
Goals: Keep display/install out of way of airbags and keep in locations where safe if in an accident.
Allow install to either disappear or be removed from car completely with relative ease.
Pic of stock dash...
http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...t=DSC03987.jpg
HU
Goals:
1-Keep wife happy with instant-on, no fuss radio and CD capability.
2-Not too expensive!
Factory HU SC-813: sounds like crap, but I can use a tape adapter for the moment to test functionality with any PC.
Panasonic CQ-C3300U: CDs and MP3, but no AUX in without hacking into CD controller ($60 USD); likely will sell this and replace with CD/MP3 that must have a real AUX in.
PC
Goals:
Notes: I will likely sub-divide this area into Overall, OS, HW, SW.
1-Keep it on the cheap
2-Progression in phases
3-Display/unit can be removed or flips/folds out of sight
4-Play MP3
5-Wireless link with home server (when within range, of course)
5-GPS
6-Internet
>Power
(Apr '06) Borrowed inverter
>System #1
Toshiba Libretto 100CT
http://www.silverace.com/libretto/mac2.jpg
http://www.silverace.com/libretto/
BIOS version: 8.10 (most recent)
OS (Apr '06): w2k pro "heavy".
Can't for the life of me get this thing to play nice with my 3 different PCMCIA network cards running w2k, in or out of the docking station. Will likely try XP (chug-chug), but we'll see. If I can' get a network card running on this thing I might have to change to another PC/laptop.
Pros: Free. Color 7inch screen, built in keyboard and pointing device. Docking has USB port. Uses laptop drives. Awesome! Best kept secret for car PC?
Cons: Drivers for docking station + network cards. Grrrrr! Suspected dying MB battery as time keeps shifting.
Invested so far: 2.5mm to 3.5mm converter for audio jack. $3.
>System #2
E-Machines Celeron 600
BIOS: Pheonix version ?
Pros: Free. Mini case and power supply. Some RAM. All on-board.
Cons: Needs HD. All on-board.
Research, Planning, Purchases
Q: How hot can it get in the car before HW starts freaking out? Gotta check the forums.
Q: How cold can it get in the car before HW starts freaking out? Gotta check the forums.
Purchased Apr 30/06 - Best BHA9220 Volvo 1992~2002 harness adapter from Future Shoppe $14.99
Info Apr 30/06 - Harried "sales rep" @ Future Shop pointed me to the Panasonic MP3 CD Car Deck (CQC5301) when i asked him for a true AUX-in deck, but I will have to look at the owners manual on the support page for this product to confirm. Price seems fair enough, and color matches black dash better than the unit I have now...