Linux on an XBOX for CarPC - Page 3

PURDooM · 05-10-2006, 07:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by oldskoolvwlover

but who really uses GPS unless you drive A LOT in places you don't know.

Me. You don't know how many times GPS has saved my neck trying to navigate around minneapolis.

will1384 · 05-10-2006, 10:16 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by PURDooM

Me. You don't know how many times GPS has saved my neck trying to navigate around minneapolis.

oh yea - every one I know is about 100miles away -
and the nearest big city is 30min or more away

I end up spending lots of time in my car - and GPS does
come in handy

Quote: Originally Posted by oldskoolvwlover

Like I said the concept is for a SHOW CAR.... not so that people think I am cool sitting in a Gas Station. It is about what you want, like I said a lot of people put PC's in their cars for daily use on these forums.... not everyone is looking for that. Some people may want to be able to listen to music, watch movies, and play some games. The GPS would be "cool" to have, but who really uses GPS unless you drive A LOT in places you don't know.

I would like GPS for the function of installing it and having the experience, for use I would get more use outta the XBOX than I ever would out of most of the Carputers people on here are running.

From what I have seen some people on here put PCs in their car because they like PC's (this seams to be where you are at). Then there are people like me who like cars and think it would be "cool" to add some extra unneeded stuff to the car. For me it's driving a couple hours to a show or GTG and then having an xbox game to play while your dicking around waiting for everyone else to show up (because your crew rolled in 2 hours before EVERYONE else).

Like I said it's all about what the person wants.... not doing this at all so that people will think I am "cool." I don't build cars that way, I build cars the way I like em because I like the style.

the computer in my car - to me - is more of a utility or part
of the car -

I think what I am trying to say - is that an XBOX in you car
would not be seen as a car computer - per-say
it would be just a video game console in you car

it is an computer - and is in a car - but its limited

it would be like saying that a head unit is a car computer
or you digital watch is - just because its in you car with you

if its for a show car - then its to show off - ant nothing
wrong with that - but its the same as trying to be cool

Quote: Originally Posted by Xynergy

Has anyone looked at www.xbox-scene.com for loading Linux on an xbox then using that as a car pc. However, the only video support is the high def pack or composite...The set-up is pretty compact and has 4 built in USB ports... Let me know what you all think.

this was what the topic was about - as it stands the xbox would make
a bad car computer -

It would make a good video,music and video game player for you car
- But if you dont need xbox games than a computer would be better,
cheaper, faster and able to do more

and if you dont need xbox games or computer stuff - they make
media playes that use a hard disk, some have VGA out - and there
are some of them are smaller than a paper back book - most have
remotes - and a easy to use on screen GUI, even if its a little ugly

XeviaN · 05-12-2006, 06:39 PM

Hi, i've just finished my "mod", after about 3 months of freetime work

The plan was simple: made the cheapest carputer, not focused on gps use 'cause i'm very happy with my stupid nokia 6600 and route '66, ehm

- modded xbox: 100€
- no touchscreen 7" LCD 16:9, pal/ntsc input with tv tuner (cool...) and remote: 100€
- gained antenna 30db: 25€
- 60 gb 2"1/5 hdd: hmm... maybe 60€...
- ir remote: 10€
- inverter 150w: 25€
- other (home material)
Total: 320€ (not so cheap, but cool...).

Xbox details:
*Hardware*
- rebuilt plexiglass mini case (230x210x55mm)
- hdd led
- 4 usb ports
- 2 joypad ports
- mini keyboard
- wireless mini optical mouse
- optimized airflow with 3 fans and frontal grid
- 2"1/2 hdd
- ir remote
*Software*
- xbox mediacenter (i think the best media center ever)
-- notepad
-- games
-- mp3
-- mods
-- divx
-- photos
-- every possible media file...
- games
- emulators
- xebian linux
-- to be configured: first thing to do is to find a wireless usb net card and use it to read emails when around the world. Second thing is to wait tomtom for porting their software to linux...

Not bad at all.
In the next days i will put the photos online.

See you.

P.S: I know, a pc is surely better. Next car...

S2K12 · 05-13-2006, 06:22 AM

ihavent read many posts so i dont know if this was already said, ut have u heard of xbox media center? google it, its a media center software for the xbox.

rando · 05-13-2006, 09:45 AM

Simple solution to get full carpc functionality and xbox games -- install both! Total extra cost (compared to carpc alone), ~$100 for a used xbox.

SnyperBob · 05-13-2006, 11:06 AM

Rofl - some of these comments here are funny. Basically, an XBox is worthless if you want it as a carputer. For playing games and looking cool at high school car meets - the XBox might be sw33t.

Quote:

When you talk about size, a desktop mobo with PCI cards.... won't save you any space, even if you remote mount the DVD drive from the desktop. I am sure you have seen the custom mini xbox cases, these are much smaller than any mobo w/ pci cards sticking out off of it.

Spoken from someone that most likely doesn't have a carputer. I'm not sure where you're going with this comment. You talk about 'desktop size' mobos, and then say how a 'mini' xbox case is so much smaller. Apples to oranges. How about comparing a mini xbox case to a 'modern' carpc system - about 6"x9"x2.5".

Quote:

....this would probably get more use in my car than a touch screen and gps.

Like I said the concept is for a SHOW CAR....

...and as far as car show cool factor....the xbox seams to be the easier options.

How would a 10 year old console system be cooler in a car than a carpc? Once you have a touchscreen in your car, believe us, you'll never go without one. Who wants to play around with controllers just to change a song. I guess I don't understand how showing off old technology could possibly be cool at a car show.

As for the GPS - heh. I guess if you don't get out much, or travel you wouldn't need it. But then again, there's 10 other uses for the GPS receiver in a car....

Overall, an XBox is just a waste of time. As soon as you get one, you want to mod it because stock they suck. Once you mod it, you try to compare it or make it into a carputer.....then realize its crap. So severly limited. And if you don't know much about Linux to begin with - you'll have a hard enough time trying to add more features and stuff. If you're going to waste a couple hundred bucks, spend it on an old laptop.

I suppose an XBox is cool in a car based on what you're looking for. As a general rule of thumb, I always suggest that you plan your system to allow for modulated upgrades. With an XBox, your only upgrade would be to get an actual Carputer. But, if you're on a tight budget, I'd rather save the money than spend it on old technology that can't do more than play music, dvds, and (some) games.

So far, everyone that has owned both a carputer and XBox is telling you to go the route of the Carpc. Even some of those that don't have a carpc yet...

Quote:

P.S: I know, a pc is surely better. Next car...

good luck on your decision

CdRsKuLL · 05-13-2006, 12:12 PM

I have just about got all the bits I need now to put a xbox into the car... ok this is what i've planned

1. Flashed xbox with modified bios so it runs without the DVD rom and from a 2 1/2 laptop harddrive.
2. XBMC (latest version) installed.
3. This will be linked to my carpc via a x-over network cable, which will allow the xbox to see all the mp3's / movies etc on my PC.
4. I just got a joytech xbox little inverter for now, but I will be building my own atx compatable psu from a M1 I think.
5. On powering the xbox it will charge a relay which will flick the rear screens over to the xbox. The power button will be extended into my ashtray up front.
6. I will be able to control XBMC from the carpc using the http web browser that comes with xbmc.
7. The xbox will be mapped to two headphones and also to the line on on my carpc, thus enabling me to either play the sound through my car amp or just the head phones at the back.
I will moat likely be using wired controllers as changing batterys can become a pain.. but will have to see.. these will be kept in the arm rest in the rear seat.

This is planned for install over the next few weeks.. all the modding has been done and i'm happy with it so far.

CdR

sama · 05-13-2006, 12:19 PM

interesting setup cdr. how usalbe is xbmc over http?

avengerki · 05-13-2006, 02:10 PM

Cool cdr. That sounds like what I was thinking of doing in my little car for my kids.

oldskoolvwlover · 05-14-2006, 12:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by SnyperBob

Rofl - some of these comments here are funny. Basically, an XBox is worthless if you want it as a carputer. For playing games and looking cool at high school car meets - the XBox might be sw33t.

Spoken from someone that most likely doesn't have a carputer. I'm not sure where you're going with this comment. You talk about 'desktop size' mobos, and then say how a 'mini' xbox case is so much smaller. Apples to oranges. How about comparing a mini xbox case to a 'modern' carpc system - about 6"x9"x2.5".

How would a 10 year old console system be cooler in a car than a carpc? Once you have a touchscreen in your car, believe us, you'll never go without one. Who wants to play around with controllers just to change a song. I guess I don't understand how showing off old technology could possibly be cool at a car show.

As for the GPS - heh. I guess if you don't get out much, or travel you wouldn't need it. But then again, there's 10 other uses for the GPS receiver in a car....

Overall, an XBox is just a waste of time. As soon as you get one, you want to mod it because stock they suck. Once you mod it, you try to compare it or make it into a carputer.....then realize its crap. So severly limited. And if you don't know much about Linux to begin with - you'll have a hard enough time trying to add more features and stuff. If you're going to waste a couple hundred bucks, spend it on an old laptop.

I suppose an XBox is cool in a car based on what you're looking for. As a general rule of thumb, I always suggest that you plan your system to allow for modulated upgrades. With an XBox, your only upgrade would be to get an actual Carputer. But, if you're on a tight budget, I'd rather save the money than spend it on old technology that can't do more than play music, dvds, and (some) games.

So far, everyone that has owned both a carputer and XBox is telling you to go the route of the Carpc. Even some of those that don't have a carpc yet...

good luck on your decision

dude..... read the whole thread before you respond. The whole comparison of the XBOX mini case to the desktop, was in response to someone comparing cost of buying an old 700mhz desktop and using it as a car PC. Seriously man READ the whole damn thing.

As far as car shows..... I am sure you know your ****, after all you do drive a freakin Ford Aspire.

When I decide an Aspire is a car worth putting anything in I will go ahead and send you a PM to see what you think of my setup.

In the end, like I said read the whole thread..... for someone that has an XBOX and wants an in car media center (READ: not GPS). The XBOX is a cheaper option. The choice is up to the original poster (yeah way back 3 pages ago now, read em all when you want to respond to the topic) about how he wants to use WHATEVER he is installing in his car.

I do find it funny how most people responding here aren't even running Linux..... let's hit that one up next. How many of you are even running Linux since clearly you all want the poster to buy a mini pc and run windows. Of course your only goal is to trash a "10 year old system" ohhh wait it's not 10 years old.... oldest box is what, maybe 5 years old (I know still outdated but not quite 10 years yet). BTW your car is almost 10 years old.... better get a newer one.

SnyperBob · 05-14-2006, 12:39 AM

Interesting post indeed. Not only do you not state what sort of vehicle you drive, I'm sure you don't drive that much (which you've already stated). There are reasons I drive a 1.3L vehicle for my daily drive (re: 40 mpg). Regardless of my vehicle, I think it's funny that you said to read the entire thread - especially considering that I quoted posts throughout the entire thread.

So throughout your entire last post - the only refutative supporting claims you make deciding to go the route of a XBox is that it's cheaper. Thanks for outlining the obvious, and restating what everyone knows and has already posted.

Quote: Originally Posted by SnyperBob

But, if you're on a tight budget, I'd rather save the money than spend it on old technology that can't do more than play music, dvds, and (some) games.

The sole fact that you are 'stunting' an XBox at a car swap meet (show, GTG or what have you) is laughable. You've already pointed out that you don't drive much. You've already pointed out that 'your crew' likes XBoxes in their cars.

I'm actually enlightened by what some of the more reputable members here, have posted in this thread about XB's (ie: CDRSkull). If you have something to add to why this guy should get an XBox as a carputer, I suggest you outline it here.

Your vague comments don't help him make a decision like this....

Quote: Originally Posted by skool

I do find it funny how most people responding here aren't even running Linux..... let's hit that one up next. How many of you are even running Linux since clearly you all want the poster to buy a mini pc and run windows.

So, please tell - because I've already outlined what a Carputer can do - does Linux have over Windows. Sure, there's other means of running and setting up a CarPC, but it's obvious that Windows is the cheapest and easiest means. Either way, I've already outlined in detail how a carputer is much more efficient and better suited for a CarPC. Perhaps you, my friend, could read the thread and see this.

The Aspire comments really are interesting. Especially considering how much more difficult it is to outfit a smaller vehicle with a system. Not to mention that my 10 year old vehicle has a nicer system than whatever you drive....

It's just an XBox - no need to get all fired up about it

oldskoolvwlover · 05-14-2006, 01:43 AM

I am sure your 10 year old car doesn't have a nicer system, then what is sitting in my garage, but no need to get into a ****ing contest here.

The car I will be putting an xbox into I don't drive much... being that between 2 people we own 4 cars you are right, I do not drive the car in question that much. My commute car is still much nicer than an Aspire if that is the question.

If you had read the posts than you would see where I outlined the original poster may be better off running the XBOX instead of the PC, depending on his uses for the system. I think out of all your "respected" members I am the only one that asked once (note I asked multiple times) what the intended use of the system was.

Quote: Originally Posted by SnyperBob

So, please tell - because I've already outlined what a Carputer can do - does Linux have over Windows. Sure, there's other means of running and setting up a CarPC, but it's obvious that Windows is the cheapest and easiest means. Either way, I've already outlined in detail how a carputer is much more efficient and better suited for a CarPC. Perhaps you, my friend, could read the thread and see this.

The Aspire comments really are interesting. Especially considering how much more difficult it is to outfit a smaller vehicle with a system. Not to mention that my 10 year old vehicle has a nicer system than whatever you drive....

Now to say that a Windows system is "CHEAPER" you said it.... this is completely untrue, windows may be EASIER but never cheaper. How can a free OS with open source free programming cost more than windows. You can spend more on a windows distro than it would cost you to buy an xbox.

I never said a carputer wouldn't be easier or more efficient.... in every post I spoke to the concept of use and money. BTW how is it so hard to fit the components of a CarPC in a small car... in your last post weren't you talking about Mini Mobo's and cases, ohhh yeah it must be a challenge to install one of those tiny bastards into a car (I can think of at least 20 places I could hide one in an aspire, congrats). BTW you were the one that brought up the concept of the XBOX being 10 years old, 3 of my cars are 00 or newer and 1 is an 82. Nothing against old or new I work on em all.

As far as my "crew", my style has nothing to do with my "crew", car shows are car shows.... the shows and GTGs I go to are mostly european based (yeah not a lot of Aspires and Festivas there... sorry). Dude I am sure you have a nice Carputer in your car..... just face it, it's 2 different worlds, I am not trying to sit here and make fun of you for putting a PC in to a damn Aspire (**** the Carputer probably has more value than the car). Just understand that not everyone lives in your world where they need a fully functional Carputer in their car. I would much rather see someone install and XBOX in their car and realize they are out 100 (they can resell) and upgrade then spend 2Gs that a lot of people spend on GPS headunits and realize they have less options then they would with a much cheaper Carputer.

This has nothing to do with it being an XBOX, it has to do with your smart *** comments.... everyone else to this point has been cool understanding that maybe the poster doesn't want what you want out of your car. Like I said not everyone wants GPS or a touchscreen (yeah they are both nice to have, I personally would rather build multiple cars than have 1 cheap car with a crazy Carputer in it). I am not pushing my views on you.... but there is no need to trash a thread of a person that had a REAL question. You never even actually addressed the question posted.

I don't give a **** what you or anyone else wants to run......... in a endless cashflow world I would have the top of the line carputer in every car and $2000+ rims on every car. Not everyone wants to live like you and not everyone wants to live like me, no need to trash the decision here. You don't see me sitting in the Newbie forums telling everyone to go mod XBOX and make them into Carputers. You seriously act like I started this thread (note: I wasn't the original poster) to get some kinda XBOX Carputer movement going or some ****. I honestly like the challenge of doing something different, and to this point it looks like I can get everything out of my xbox I need in my car (I will be missing GPS, not a big worry for me).

As long as I can find the driver I need.... I should be able to run everything else, including hi-speed wireless. Works for me, may not be "cool" to you, but I still like throwing in Forza to play around with my friends while I am sitting at a car show or GTG.

Tidder · 05-14-2006, 03:50 AM

Hmm... I didn't read the whole thing.

CDR - Why not relocate one of your Xbox's USB ports and throw in a DVD remote up front to control it? Forget about wireless controllers. The batteries in the remote last a long freakin time.

That's what I'm planning to do with the wife's car. We're gonna throw a modded box in there with no DVD as well. 250 gig Seagate 3.5" hdd. I still can't bring myself to use a dang laptop hdd. I'm gonna use XBMC on it, as the dash. Usually I'd go with UnleashX, but I gotta think simple for her. Boot straight to XBMC. I've got a butt-load of those PS-One screens, I'm gonna put them in the headrest and one up front. I do think a reworked M1 would be a good PSU for it. But there are also DC to DC solutions made specifically for the xbox. I'm pretty excited about it. No GPS though...

SnyperBob · 05-14-2006, 04:06 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tidder

Hmm... I didn't read the whole thing.

Lol - you didn't miss much.

This sums up his entire post:

Quote:

This has nothing to do with an XBOX

Does anyone have anything else to add. I don't want to hear what you *should* be able to do with the right driver. We'd like to hear what is currently possible.

I wonder if you could load any of the current Linux frontends onto one of these boxes, and have it perform.

So far - I'm feeling CDR's setup. The carputer controlling the XBox sounds like a winning combo. Just wondering how well this setup would run over http.

Tidder - did you ever get the warranty replacement for that Epia 800?

oldskoolvwlover · 05-14-2006, 05:21 AM

LOL.... I'm still wondering how many Aspires are actually on the road, once against I think this was about USING an XBOX and it's potential, not what it will do less than a paid for (yeah I know you think Windows is "cheap") windows box.

Since you are such a bad *** why don't you even answer to the whole windows being cheaper than linux. Regardless of platform you did say windows was "CHEAPER" I know it is cheaper to shove a damn computer into a ford than a real car, I still want someone to explain to me how windows could ever be cheaper than linux (on any hardware) it would seam to me that open source will always be cheaper (unless you get your software illegally, windows is not cheap as a base not to mention additional software). Please explain to me sir, I am very proud that the Carputer czar ignored that question in my last post to him. Please teach us all how to run Windows for less than linux ohhhh great one.

edit: ohhh yeah my only concept with the "right driver" was my broadband wi-fi (still unsure of the driver for the phone I am using). Other than that, there is Linux drivers for touchscreens..... liliput has linux drivers (and that's the lower $ option). My direct concept was only speaking of my specific wi-fi operation, which if the driver functioned properly (this is based on linux not on the xbox) would allow blue tooth operation for the phone. Once more for you this is only based on Linux operation with the specific phone I use (has nothing to do with it being an XBOX).