NewBie - Looking for opinions & A few questions....

DaveP · 07-11-2004, 10:30 AM

Hi folks,

I've been keenly reading the forums for the past couple of weeks, and I have decided to take the plunge into installing a CarPuter into my 1994 Golf VR6. Having done the usual

I have come to a few conclusions of my own. I am very competent with car electronics and audio, and consider myself to be fairly good with PC components and building.
So... From what I have learned on here I have started to formulate a plan for the hardware for my proposed system, and I am looking for opinions/experience to point me in the right direction if any of this makes no sense. The system will be running through a Pioneer motorised screen headunit (AVH-P6400CD) and SQ ICE Install, and will be used primarily for mp3s but I would also like to able to play DivX movies and use "SatNav".

Proposed Component List

Motherboard - VIA Epia Mini-ITX 533(fanless)/800
SoundCard - SoundBlaster 5.1 Digital
RAM - 512Mb PC133
HDD - 3.5" 60Gb
16x DVD ROM Drive (for transferring media)
PSU - Opus 90W
GPS Mouse - Holux GM-210 USB
Input Devices - Mini USB Keyboard (plugging into USB slot concealed in ashtray), Fellowes PS/2 Touchpad (intergrated into centre console)

Proposed Software

MediaEngine/MediaCar
MS Mappoint 2003 Europe
Winamp
Windows 2000 Professional

Questions

1. As I am mounting the setup in my glovebox with little ventilation, will I be better off with the fanless 533Mhz Epia Mobo or will the 800Mhz with the small fan function?
2. Will the 90W DC-DC PSU be sufficient?
3. I'm fairly sure the spec will be able to cope adequately with the software and functions, if anyone disagrees please let me know...
4. Without creating any infighting, which software engine will be better suited to my applications and needs?
5. Will the use of the Opus PSU allow for easy booting and shutting down?
6. Will the touchpad alone offer me enough control (I intend to use it for the majority of the time)?
7. Is Win2k a good choice of OS (I have access to others)?
8. Is Mappoint 2003 compatible with the Holux GPS Mouse?

Any other comments/advice welcome...
Thanks in advance to all!!!

hijinks21 · 07-11-2004, 10:50 AM

1) you want to have air flow where you put your computer.. your drive might die if it gets too hot
2) yes probably unless you are using a ton of usb devices or like 2 or more 5.25 ide devices
3) sounds ok
4) try them both.. and you let us know
5) yes if you hook it into your ignition line once you turn on your car the pc will bootup and if you turn if off the pc will power off
6) touchpads suck.. use a touchscreen or a remote.. i like the remote.. but its all in the user
7) ya thats ok.. most people run XP
8) mappoint sucks for in-car navigation.. i'd look into getting destinator.. Mediacar uses it and mediaengine will have it build in soon

DaveP · 07-11-2004, 11:10 AM

hijinks21 - Bloody hell that was quick!!
Cheers for the information. It leaves me with a few more questions though...(Sorry)

1. Do you reckon I should spend the extra and get the 800Mhz processor with the fan if I need to ventilate anyway?
2. Are there any drastic differences in the way that the 2 media engines run and their respective system requirements?
3. Could you point me in the direction of a suitable remote?
4. I would personally choose 2k over XP for a desktop, and as long as it will still be suitable for the CarPuter then I would prefer to use it. Is this OK?

Cheers.

TruckinMP3 · 07-11-2004, 02:31 PM

1) I think you will be happier witht he 800 and the fan for processor power. Or you could put a small fan on the passive heatsink on the 533.

2) no opinion as I do not use them, I am a winAmp only user.

3) sorry also, no opinion

4) I use win2K because it is what I have and know. I hear good things about XP but I dod not know it's benefit for a car PC

The first post questions, listen to hijinks21.

DaveP · 07-11-2004, 04:43 PM

TruckinMP3 - Thanks for the advice, I think I will spend what little extra it takes to get the 800Mhz processor and sort out some kind of ventilation for the glovebox. As long as there are no ill-effects of using Win2k in conjunction with the Media Software then I will proceed to use that as planned...
I am still looking for advice on a remote, I can't seem to find anything relevant in the Input Devices section...and I do quite fancy a touchpad integrated in the centre console for trick-ability...? Thoughts...?

TruckinMP3 · 07-11-2004, 05:35 PM

Take a look at this:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...light=touchpad
It shows the touchpad from Cirque ...

mobileh1 · 07-11-2004, 05:41 PM

Is that head unit going to work? Its got an RCA input, but not VGA unless I misread the pioneer site?

If you use the tv-out of the mobo as input to the headunit, you are going to be dissapointed. Im hoping I misread things because thats a nice unit if it has VGA input...

DaveP · 07-11-2004, 05:49 PM

TruckinMP3 - That's the touchpad I had in mind, but I would pull the surround off and spray it black for stealth.

mobileh1 - Is the tv output of the mobo really that bad??? This hadn't previously crossed my mind as I had planned to use that...