Old laptop good for parting into mobile PC?

91ludeSI · 03-06-2007, 08:02 AM

I can't get the search function to work for some reason, and this is my first post and I am as new as it gets to this sort of stuff. I am an audio nut, car freak, and I have a thing for wiring crazy stuff into cars. I've wired all kinds of lights, push button start, hacked my pioneer headunit to have a AUX in without the Ibus adaptor for Ipod(even though I slacked on the RCA connections so my right side keeps cutting in and out

).

I was thinking yesterday...I hate paying the crazy costs of ipod add-ons for cars, The charger alone costs like 40 bucks!?! I hate FM modulators(although I have a sirius smartbox type FM modulating system that intercepts the ant. signal and works fabulously). So I was thinking, Wouldnt it be cool to just use my USB charger for my computer, but there is no way for me to do that as far as I know. Then I thought, Hey...That site I found the IBUS AUX diagram was all about car PC's, How about that?

I've been very impressed with out clean and well thought my current set up has turned out to be considering I tought myself how to solder through trial and error and watching my dad hand build and wire HAM radio units when I was young. It also helps that I know the wiring in my car pretty damn well and can strip and reassemble my entire interior in 30 minutes

. So I think I'm up for some what of a challenge.

I dont care to have a wicked powerful up-to-date crazy system. I just want a touchpad on the console, a screen, and a computer with usb ports mounted on in close access of the cpu.

I hate a old winbook laptop, nothing crazy 256, XP, fried harddrive, dead battery, cracked screen, fried power supply(needless to stay I just got a new laptop). Motherboard, processor, and everything else should be fine. Not to mention for a laptop of its age it has 4 USB's and firewire.

As I am unable to search, I figured I would introduce myself and my goals and see what you guy's imput is on what I have already to work with. Maybe post some threads with good newb. info or specific information on my question since I cant search?

This seems like a very cool forum, I've been a forum hopper for 6 or 7 years now and I've seen all different kinds and this one seems VERY mature and helpful even towards the newbs(which gets frustration sometimes we all know the feeling).

By the way I'm scott and Im located in the atlanta area and I drive a 1991 Honda prelude 2.1 SI ALB with 2x10" rockford subs, 1000W 2 channel crunch amp, Pioneer DEH3700MP headunit with Pioneer 260W 4-way 6.5" doors and Pioneer 150W 3-Way rear deck soon to be powered by a 60Wx4 amp to help clean up the weak headunit.

I can post pictures of the dash/console layout if needed for suggestions.

RedGTiVR6 · 03-06-2007, 09:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 91ludeSI

I can't get the search function to work for some reason.

I'm guessing you're meaning that you can't find what you want? Because the search function works just fine.

Quote:

As I am unable to search, I figured I would introduce myself and my goals and see what you guy's imput is on what I have already to work with. Maybe post some threads with good newb. info or specific information on my question since I cant search?

Why can't you search?

So I'm gathering that you're asking if your laptop can be used for an install?

You will have to figure out a way to power it...while there are solutions out there, I think that since you have to replace just about everything in your laptop, you would be better off going with a new solution.

Check the store: https://store.mp3car.com for solutions.

and

91ludeSI · 03-06-2007, 05:40 PM

My search didn't work at the time because I was on my school computer.

A new HD for that laptop is 45 dollars and charger is 90.

I was thinking about stripping it down and fitting it to my glove box, extending the touchpad, and just running the line out to my AUX on my headunit for audio. Powerwise, I dont know yet. If I could figure out a good power solution I don't think I'd even need a new battery. I don't really care for a touch screen as I dont like having to reach to control things while driving. Which is why I want a touchpad like a laptops right close to the armrest.

RedGTiVR6 · 03-06-2007, 06:15 PM

I thought you said that the power supply was toasted...did you mean just the charger and not the power supply for the laptop its self?

91ludeSI · 03-07-2007, 01:22 AM

Yeah, its the charger/power supply, and the battery is just old and wont hold a charge. the charger overheated so, All the laptop needs is a HD and charger.

Yeah, its the charger/power supply, and the battery is just old and wont hold a charge. the charger overheated so, All the laptop needs is a HD and charger.