Where to buy? mp3car store or other?

dazuck · 07-19-2005, 05:56 PM

I'm going to buy a carputer, but don't know whether to buy it from mp3car with it already built or buy parts elsewhere and put it together. I've never done any work on computers, would I be able to do it myself? And would that be much cheaper than buying everything of a store versus on ebay? thanks. all suggestions appreciated.

Bugbyte · 07-19-2005, 06:05 PM

Make a shopping list of the items you want to buy and compare the prices. If you are unable to construct a shopping list, I recommend you buy prebuilt or go with a laptop.

The mp3car store is very good, very prompt and supports this forum. I buy from them unless there is a significant dollar difference.

UnsanePyro · 07-19-2005, 09:29 PM

If you have never done any work inside a computer before, it may be better to buy something prebuilt. It depends how much you are willing to try and learn though, even the best people run into problems sometimes.
Do you know anyone who does work on computers and is friends with you? Having someone who has some experiance is really helpfull.

You can save some money too by buying everything seperate if you shop around for deals.

Maybe you can find someone in the classifieds section selling one prebuilt, leaving you just to wire it up and customize thigns like the front end for yourself.

I have a good amount of experiance inside computers, but have still ran into some problems building mine. It can get pretty stressful at times, but it can provide great satisfaction to know you built it yourself and worked through all the problems.

I agree with Bug too (he's amazingly helpful), if you can't figure out all the pieces you need, you may want to go with something prebuilt.

I would also reccomend the mp3car.com store, I have ordered from them twice (my screen and my carnetix) and both times have gone very smoothly, if I need to again, I will probably buy from here.

chirowolf · 07-21-2005, 10:14 AM

I would have the mp3car store build yours. The prices are good and they know what they are talking about. on my last install I bought about 50% fo my parts from mp3 car store and they were very competative with price. I fyou have no computer skills , save yourself the headaches and have them build and test for you. All you have to do is reverse polarity once and you just payed double for your carputer . The mp3care store will probably save you alot of time and money in the long run.
I also think alot of people will tell you its good to know as much about your computer and how it works as possible. Unfortunatly computer are unstable , even good ones. Buu tones exposed to the extrease carputers are exposed to are even more unstable. It is my expereice even seemingly perfect installs have problems. You will want to know haw to trouble shot the problems or at least know someone who does. just my .02

DarquePervert · 07-21-2005, 05:09 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by dazuck

I'm going to buy a carputer, but don't know whether to buy it from mp3car with it already built or buy parts elsewhere and put it together. I've never done any work on computers, would I be able to do it myself? And would that be much cheaper than buying everything of a store versus on ebay? thanks. all suggestions appreciated.

If you've never built a computer, you're going to have problems, even if you buy a pre-built rig from MP3Car or Opus or whoever.
You're putting a computer into an environment it wasn't specifically designed for. That is going to create problems of one sort or another. If you don't know how to troubleshoot those problems, you're going to be screwed.

Even buying a prebuilt system doesn't make it as simple as plugging a new headunit in and enjoying. If it were that easy, everyone would have one.

Zerach · 07-21-2005, 07:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by chirowolf

Unfortunatly computer are unstable , even good ones. Buu tones exposed to the extrease carputers are exposed to are even more unstable. It is my expereice even seemingly perfect installs have problems. You will want to know haw to trouble shot the problems or at least know someone who does. just my .02

There is no such thing as an unstable computer, just people who don't know how to fix them. I guess computers can go crazy if they have someone on the other end pushing there buttons!

<just being silly>

Last time I had a PC unstable was in 2000 and that was only until I fixed it. Most problems can be resolved with know-how...if you do good if you know someone who can just as good or even better.

Also you should be handy with the solder and automotive electrical system. And basic audio and electrical principles if you're wiring for sound.

And if all else fails rely on this forum, lost of good people here which will answer your questions fairly quickly.

Pre-built will save you a lot of time, CarPC's are not just toy's they're a hobby most people who have done a carpc spend more time in their cars fiddling with their system to get it perfect. If that appeals to you then get a prebuilt one.