multiplexguru

I have been using a laptop in the seat of my car for a while and I am tired of it now so I am open to suggestions. I have an 02 civic coupe, not much room to work with. I am willing to pull the head unit and sunglass holder but nothing more than that. I really only need media player and gps, but I would like to be able to expand at some point and get obd, fm and tv tuner, etc that being said I do not really want to pay more than $500 for the whole setup.

My Idea:
Various companies make mini notebooks with 5-10 inch screens, some are touch they are fairly light a few pounds which makes it possible to mount them to the wind shield. It would basically be a gps with pc functionality and would cost about $500-1000 depending on pc specs of course. I see 2 appealing advantages very easy to install and affordable. On the other hand it would be vulnerable to theft and of course it does not have a factory look. Also performance would be around 1-1.5ghz p4 performance 256-1024mb ram, and 40-120gb, I imagine the hard drive is upgradeable to any 2.5 inch drive with respect to ide/sata.

Maybe I am better off just getting a gps unit with a built in mp3 player, but it won't be as cool and won't save much money either.

MP3Car.com

 

2k1Toaster

If your sole motivation for a CarPC is to save money, don't do it. It will only end in frustration.

If you want it because you're a geek, and saving money is just a bonus, then

I have a 2001 ex coupe which is exactly the same as yours (7th gen). I got my first system together for real cheap. We are lucky because once you take out the OEM HU, there is a space that fits an EBY701 Lilliput ripoff screen like the 7" Ex-Audio screen perfectly, and a Metra kit can go around it to make it look like a bought radio.

So welcome.

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multiplexguru

My primary motivation is that I am a geek, and I want more functionality beyond a cd/fm radio. The whole money thing is really a value thing for me than what I can afford. Example: 1Ghz 1GB machine costs $500, 2Ghz 2GB costs $1500 The extra power of the $1500 machine does not bring as much value as the first $500 did. More specifically the added video game and slight speed boost is not worth $1000 to me since I won't be playing games in the car.

To clarify, I would be very happy if I could mount one of my laptops in the car, but I think it would take up too much space in my little car, and airbag interference is another concern. Plus a touch screen is way easier and probably safer. A pda is small, but not enough power, it would seem my only option would be the setup you have or mounting a mini laptop.

Thanks for welcoming me. I have been an on and off visitor for over 2 years. I think I had a screen name but I forget.

skuller

don't do it!
You'll enjoy your small laptop for a while then it would outgrow you.
You end up buying a new touchscreen for your dash, maybe a new computer, and spending more and more money.

I say, get a portable gps or build a real carpc

2k1Toaster

There is nothing wrong with a via board. They are plenty powerful for basic use.

I would still be using mine if I didnt have to run intensive apps in the car.

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