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I've never owned a mac, however I have used them many times. Just a couple questions:

Would bootcamp be the main way to go for use of GPS software and a frontend? Are there any good gps options for OSX?

What's the best (read as cheapest/safest) way to power it in the car? I've seen lots of talk regarding Carnetix.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated, as the carPC would be either a Mac Mini or a similarly priced (and probably slower) mini-itx based pc.

Thanks!

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iamgnat

The Carnetix (1900 or 2140) are the ideal solution. Mike built them to work with the Mini and Apple's sleep mechanism.

-dave

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turbotuli

As far as powering a Mini goes, the 1900 should suffice right? From what I can tell it offers the same features as the 2140, just with less wattage...

Jirka Jirout

No, the 2140 is much more advanced - it allows you to build an installation where you do not need to connect the power switch of the mini to anything and can control wake-up and sleep only by software. Plus you get detailed PSU monitoring as a bonus.

Fallout

use parallels so you can run both operating systems at the same time. my p1900 works well.

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Nickwell24

with the 1900 can you adjust startup/shut down delay times easily?

bpwned

I believe you can only adjust those easily with the 2140. Though I've never had a 1900...

Nickwell24

So tell me what i'm missing please, so far i've got a mac mini, 7" touch screen w/ VGA and usb. and i'm going to get the 2140.
What else will i need before installing the carputer, other than software goods.

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bpwned

Technically, nothing. That should be enough to use the computer. Of course you would need some sound system for the music and everything. And a GPS receiver if you want to navigate easily. Depends on what you want to have.

Nickwell24

Which is easier, removing my head unit and running the speakers straight from the computer, or leaving an existing head unit and plugging the head phone jack into the back of the head unit.

KryptonianJorel

you WANT a MacPac cable. Hooks into the mini so that you dont have to slice your powerbrick

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bpwned

You cannot run the speakers directly from the computer, you would need an amplifier. I left my head unit in my car - that way I also have a backup system, just in case the mac doesn't work. Either way you'll have to plug the headphone hack into something, be it your head unit or an amp.

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