Newbie Question...

Nickwell24 · 03-01-2008, 01:33 AM

So i'm still debating between laptop and desktop, i've got a junkyard of both in my basement, well my parents but what's it matter. I've read the downsides of laptop and pros. Here is my main thing, I want to do this CarPC thing but I don't have a lot of free time, i'm always on the go, if i got a Laptop to do this, could i get most of the software stuff done on the go, or will a lot of it be fine tuning in the car?

Thefdog · 03-01-2008, 03:21 AM

1st. Get your hardware sorted out - What computer, what accessories, how are you going to mount it, how are you going to connect to your sound system

2nd. Play with the various front ends. Road Runner is one of the best, but it also takes a little tinkering to get it to work how you want

3rd. Set up your system in the house, with all peripherals attached, and get your front end working correctly

4th. Install in car and check if it all works. If not, repeat step 3. In this case, a laptop seems to be the simpler solution.

Cheers and good luck

Nickwell24 · 03-01-2008, 03:08 PM

What are a good set of specs for a CarPC i see people running everything from 800 Mhz, to 2.5 Ghz, with 6Gb to 250Gb hard drive. I know for hard drive i'm looking run to around the 120-160 range because i've got more music than any man should. But I need advice on how many Hz i could get away w/. I am planning to run XP Pro, eventually have GPS and Wifi also.

Thefdog · 03-02-2008, 02:45 AM

I like the IBM series (older ones that is). They are built like tanks, are easily upgraded, and have cheap docking stations that allow you to take them in and out easily without having to disconnect anything.

I run a Pentium Mobile 1.6GHz, with 768MB ram, and a 80 gig drive (need more room though). If you are considering using this computer only in your car, I suggest you look at some of the small XP setups that are available. They pare down the installation to the minimum needed to run your carputer and speed boot time by getting rid of fluff you don't need. Search TinyXP to get some ideas.

These computers (r51) are pretty cheap right now - $400 or less on FleaBay and another $30-50 for a docking station. This is par with a mini-itx system and is far more versatile. I use my regular-use laptop for home, work, and carputin'

Cheers

Nickwell24 · 03-02-2008, 03:10 AM

It's actually funny you mention that laptop, i believe my dad has one laying around his house hidden somewhere in the basement from an old job. Only problem is it's burried in a basement which is from floor to ceiling... which means his power adapter is probably lost, do you know how well the AC/DC adapter for these computers would work for a CarPc?