Isthan

Hello all, glad to be part of this online community.

I have a 1998 Honda Accord 2dr V6 which currently has a Pioneer DEH-740MP head unit that powers stock speakers. I also have 2 10" subwoofers in the trunk with a 300 watt amplifier. I used to burn data discs for mp3s but now I use my ipod through a RF transmitter. This is definitely sub-optimal.

I would like to use a Mac Mini. I have a deep cubby hole infront of the shifter where I am considering relocating my current head unit. This way the screen would hopefully fit in the double din slot that would open up. I would then consider mounting the mac into the center console. I could either do that or keep the mac in the cubby while getting a new head unit that would have a screen.

I am just in the dark as to whether the second option is even possible. Is it possible to use the USB connection to input to the monitor? I know that mac mini owners have used the USB port to give them a dual monitor setup in their small office but is that going to fly in this neck of the woods?

If I have to keep my current head unit and put the screen in its place, what kind of screen will have a VGA input AND fit a double DIN slot? I know that when I mod my cars in this kind of fashion that the mods can become permanent and I wont get my money/item back and we all know that car resellers arent interested in the cash you dropped into the sound system. I would really appreciate all of your advice!

Isthan

I'm going to add to my own post since I've come farther with my preparations since I posted. I got in touch with an old friend who happened to put a monitor in another car. On top of which he has been a long time honda fanatic and proceeded to dismantle my dash during my consultation with him earlier.

We looked at my head unit (Pioneer DEH-P740MP) up close and saw something I didnt recognize until after I googled more about my head unit. I would need to buy a CDRB10 adapter to take this to a usable RCA aux port. I believe I'm going to opt for a 4-channel amplifier to power the speakers. This will give the mac full control of the volume.

I plan on using a lilliput EBY-701 because its form factor matches the dash slot's dimensions. At just around $200 shipped, it fits my budget well also. My friend feels confident he can rig a mounting bracket to support the monitor. He also said it could be bolted to the frame to make any theft attempt more difficult.

I also plan on ordering the Carnetix CNX-P1900 with the "mac pac" cables from the fine folks hosting this site.

I will likely replace the battery since it will be coming to about four years old. I notice in the morning it takes a half second longer to start. Any suggestions on a good battery for a 1998 Accord?

The most expensive single item is going to be the mac mini. I dont mind this much since i'll likely disconnect the mini from time to time to plug into my big screen, so I want a quality computer. I plan on trying to find a deal through ebay with the massive volume to choose from.

The final question is where I can mount the mac. I thought the center console would be a good spot, but I used the seat-of-the-pants measurement of five CD cases stacked to judge. I think things would be roomier in the glove box and could leave the center console for computer accessories. Above all--the glovebox can be locked.

Please let me know what you all think. I would like any cautionary tips you might have to offer!