Newbie With Tablet PC

snipboy · 07-23-2006, 02:26 AM

I really want to get a CarPC up and going, but even with all the help on this site, it seems very intimidating. I need some feedback.

I am looking primarily to do MP3 playback and DVD Navigation with this CarPC. I am driving a Saab 92x Aero, which essentially is a MY05 Subaru Impreza WRX 2005 Wagon, with Saab rebadging. I've seen samples of other people's CarPC work and I am impressed enough to try. I currently have a Garmin I3, Bluetooth GPS Unit and iGuidance. I tried iGuidance and the Bluetooth GPS on my PDAs and was less than thrilled with viewability in sunlight, PDA performance, etc. The navigation seemed decent, but not nearly as sharp as Garmin or TomTom. I have a large MP3 collection and like to listen to Podcasts. Right now I am burning them to CDs and that is tiring work. I think a CarPC is what I need.

Here is what I have already:

-Motion TabletPC with 1.0 ghz Intel Pentium M proc/512 Megs of Ram/Wireless Internet.
-Bluetooth GPS Unit just to interface with PC
-iGuidance (latest version)

Looking around the forum, it looks like I need:

-7 inch Liliput Touchscreen (certain model for a WRX/Saab 92x?)?
-Kit for adapting the touchscreen to the double din?
-25 Foot Cabling for 1) USB interface to touchscreen, 2) VGA Interface to Touch screen
-USB Bluetooth dongle for Tablet PC
-Amplifier ?

What I have questions and is stopping me from moving forward confidently:

-How will I power the tablet and make sure it turns on and off gently with the on/off of the ignition? Will I always have to reach under and flip the switch?

-What is the key to success when using a laptop or tablet PC? I tend to think the dynamics are completely different than running a standard PC, but the answers seem elusive in the forums, at least for now.

-Is there a better solution than iGuidance?

-Will the touchscreen be bright enough. Even the garmin i3 could be brighter. The PDAs were completely useless.

-Where should I mount the TabletPC? I have a protective covering for it and the trunktray seems like the smartest place, but also farthest from power sources. Do I need a DC-AC converter of some sort?

Thanks for your thoughts and help!
snip

DarquePervert · 07-23-2006, 07:15 AM

A great place to start researching: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=78795
A great place to continue researching: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=106

P3rv3rt B3ar · 07-26-2006, 11:47 AM

Too bad i noticed this thread just now.... well heres my two cents:

Dont buy touchscreen. use your tablet in "cop"-install. Thats clearly best solution with tablet, true its not as finalized looking as many carpcs here... but u save money for tocuhscreen, keep your tablet usable for normal tablet duties and your system is 100% theft secure, also u r not tied to one car. Its also fastest way to get into carputing, u need to consider 3 things besides your tablet and software.

A Getting power to tablet
B mounting the tablet
C connecting tablet to your headunit (or directly to amp)

A. I would recommend u to look your tablet manufacturers car adapter, that can be expensive but solves the issue and responsibility should be clear if something goes wrong. Ofcourse if u feel cheap look for generic adapters.

B. Hardest part and might be something u end up custom making, but check manufacturers first, there is some neat two part clips where first part is made specific car make and model, and other part for specific phone or tablet. Unfortunately one for my tablet model wasnt available. In other end of prize spectrum theres ball jointed cooled mounting thingies made for industrial panel pcs. Check also your tablet manufacturers docking station/port replicator, these might prove very useful in mounting (well actually prolly not with mounting, rather with managing wirehell). Mine didnt though.

C. This one is well covered here theres some possible solutions in french lines:

- cassette adapter (horrible)
- Wireless fm modulator (little less horrible)
- wired fm modulator (still horrible)
- Aux in adapter (good)
- Directly to amp (good)