Auri

Hello all,

I'm writing a book due to be published in April called "Geek My Ride." It goes over installing PCs and many other systems in cars, power considerations, choosing displays, and so forth. (check it out on Amazon)

With the new Mac Mini, I want to mention it in the book, and I only have about a week left to insert it into the book. SO - I need some help - If you've installed a Mac Mini in your car, I need to know if you've got any feedback on the following:

* Touchscreen displays that *work* with the Mini (or the Mac and OS X for that matter)
* GPS solutions that work with the Mac
* TV tuner and FM/AM radio tuner solutions for the Mac
* Power solutions, such as a DC power supply for powering the Mini without an inverter
* Installing the Mini in a dash and dealing with the heat issues
* Issues when driving around with a Mini installed, such as discs getting stuck in the optical drive

Anything you know I'd like to know so I can publish it in a sidebar in my book.

To reach me, either post here or send me an email at auri<nospam-justremovethisfromtheaddress> at auri.net.

Thanks again!

-Auri Rahimzadeh
Author
"Geek My Ride"

MP3Car.com

 

TxMazda3

Well- I'm not sure if anyone has completed an install yet because seeing as the MM just hit the market so alot of stuff isn't ready yet- but there is some stuff in the works. so lets go through this-


*Touchscreens: Lilliput and Xenarc (2 major brands for in car use) both have Mac OS X drivers. Here's a link:
Xenarc -> http://www.xenarc.com/download.html
Lilliput - -> http://www.egalax.com.tw/Download.htm

*GPS- GPS is less supported than PC but we have Route 66 and I believe most USB or Bluetooth GPS recievers will work with the Mac. Don't take my word as truth though- look around the forums for a sure answer.

*TV Tuner, AM/FM- There are external TV Tuners coming out from ATI and some other company. They were announced at Mac World. For AM/FM Belkin (I think) has the shark fin thing that plugs into USB and acts as a radio reciever.

*Power Solutions- This is what I'm waiting on to install mine- Carnetix is working on an adapter that will work with the MacMini so once that hits the market we will have power for our Carputers that is as good (I think) as the Opus of the PC world.
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/maccar/40765-dc-dc-car-power-mac-mini.html

Issues with install (heat, pain, etc): Well, As I mentioned before no one has installed a Macmini yet- (that I know of) so the heat issues and mechanical issues aren't known yet.

Well- that's all the info I know- I hope it helps. Also try heading over to http://www.carputermac.com
it's a fledgeling crowd but we're growing more and more.

Peace
Michael

wbc5

I would also add software like Salling Clicker, which uses Bluetooth's proximity features to wake Macs from sleep.

One interface solution would be a Griffin Powermate (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powermate/). It would definitely be an improvement on iDrive, and might be easier to use than a touch screen for basic navigation.

Auri

Thanks. I do mention the PowerMate in the book.

Is there an option on the Mac to put it in Hibernate mode? In Windows I can hibernate the computer and then bring it right back from where I left off.

Also, are there any power-stepping units or LDO solutions for Macs?

Thanks again!

Best,

-Auri

ipodlounger

I plan on installing a Mac mini in my Honda Element... but nothing has been done yet as I am waiting for my touchscreen to arrive. I think I can have it all installed by next Saturday.

Delivery_Guy

For the AM/FM, I think it's actually Griffin that makes the radioSHARK. They also make the iMic which is supposed to offer better sound out through USB than using the headphone jack.

For the hibernate thing...we call it sleep. Some of the people working on power supplies are talking about having the mini go into sleep automatically when the car is shut off. I haven't been paying much attention to these conversations because my Powerbook does this automatically.

Not sure what you mean by power-stepping

__________________
Thanks,

Joe

wbc5

I'm thinking that it must be possible to schedule a sleep then shutdown with a utility like Quickeys. http://www.cesoft.com/products/quickeys.html This would reduce the risk of a mini expending your battery or going through the hassle of providing an additional battery.

I'll try to dig up something today.

It also occurs to me that placing the mini between the front seats (I have a largish container there), would allow you to do both rear venting and front loading. If you have an DC accessory power outlet there (my Scion does), then you could run power that way.

MP3Car.com