Macintosh based system

Destin · 11-24-2000, 07:27 PM

My project is based on the Macintosh platform. The heart of the system will be a PowerBook. Included in the system is an ELO touchscreen, VGA 640x480 LCD, Docking Station, 60 GIG USB drive, and all the other necessary audio components. I'd like to contact others who have already, or plan to use Mac for thier mobile MP3 systems. I'd be happy to assist anyone who would like to use Macintosh for thier system. My installation begins next week, and I will be putting together a site with pictures and details.

jkazakawich · 11-25-2000, 02:02 AM

no offense but i wouldn't touch a mac with a ten foot pole unless i had no other choice but all the power to you

Destin · 11-25-2000, 04:42 AM

No offense taken. I understand there's no need to recount the PC vs. Mac vote around here

. I use both platforms on a daily basis, and there is no question - to me - that Mac is the way to go. Being a long time Mac (and PC) user, I've been through many platform wars (yawn). Both have their benefits and shortcomings.
Anyway, have a look at my installation when it is done... you might be impressed.. who knows?

blkdragon6 · 11-25-2000, 02:30 PM

jkazakawich, I was thinking the same thing but decided not to post.. whoops.. looks like I just did, doh!

------------------
www.geocities.com/blkdragon6

[This message has been edited by blkdragon6 (edited 11-25-2000).]

MacjediMatt · 11-25-2000, 05:27 PM

What powerbook are you using? a G3? I can help you out. email me. MacJediMatt@Mac.com

-Matt

jkazakawich · 11-25-2000, 07:10 PM

to tell you the truth i'm actually interterested in seing what you do with the mac i've never seen someone use anything other than a pc.

type2guy · 11-26-2000, 10:40 PM

I'm right there with you Destin. I'm a network administrator for a Windows NT/9* network by day. I use a G4 at home. I figured when I actually spent money on my dream mp3 system I was gonna use an older powermac at the basis. I'm REAL interested in seeing info and pictures of your system as you get it done. Glad someone came out of the closet.

rkaraff · 11-29-2000, 10:45 AM

Destin,
I'm hip! Mac is the way to go, especially PowerBook. I'm doing the samy thing with a G3 PowerBook. The biggest drawback is the expense. A Mac-based system can be done inexpensively, but a desktop system, PC or Mac, is not what I would use for mobile computing (if I could afford not to, that is). What will you use for power? There are 12v adaptors for powering the PowerBook (about $80 online). Ethernet? Airport? I'm looking into the Airport idea for my house. I can't wait to see your webpage. Keep us posted.

Destin · 11-29-2000, 01:08 PM

rkaraff, I am using a G3 PowerBook 500Mhz FireWire (Pismo). I have been unable to find a 12v power adapter for this model PowerBook. If you know where, please let me know.
Untill I can find that, I plan to use the MadisonLine Micro-Adapter (www.pilot-tech.com/madsonac.html) with an power inverter.

rkaraff · 12-02-2000, 01:14 PM

Destin,
Look here: www.vsttech.com
They sell an inexpensive adaptor ($72) for the G3 PowerBook. I'd think that, if you didn't want to use the cig lighter, you could hardwire it to your car. And now, musings:
-with the laptop battery in place, and a solar charger/adaptor (www.powerexperts.com) placed strategically on/in the car, and the VST auto adaptor, and Airport, you could, in effect, leave the PowerBook on all the time, and have limited-range ethernet, which means that you could run server apps on the PowerBook, thus allowing connectivity between, say, home LAN, and car. With more stuff (wireless modem), you've got truly mobile wireless internet. Having said that, under the influence of some kickass coffee, I'll stop writing now for fear of retribution from der Verbosity Polizei.
p.s....no, wait. more musings (they haven't found me yet): i like the touchscreen idea, and the external lcd. what about external usb or wireless keyboard/mouse or trackball? dvd? in-car theater? (on a recent roadtrip from atlanta to stuart, fla., i took my powerbook and watched "the matrix" en route...ok, not really enroute, since i was driving and my buddy jeff had the laptop, but the sound/picture quality was t*ts! ran the sound through my mustang's stereo...double t*ts!!...and that was using a cassette-CD player audio adaptor (i think it cost $3.00?). we used an inverter for power...sucked. too much engine noise. so we used the laptop battery for power on the road, then charged the battery at gas/food/potty stops. worked well enough. ok, now more coffee. have fun and keep us posted!

jkazakawich · 12-02-2000, 02:55 PM

the in car theater is my ultimate goal i've always wanted to watch a dvd and have the sound/video quality better than that in my house just because it would be cool for road trips i plan on driving for about two days next summer i want to have something better to do when i'm not driving

Destin · 12-02-2000, 06:42 PM

rkaraff, thanks for the link to the car power adapter. I have just placed an order for one, it will come in handy. Now, all I need, to avoid the use of a power inverter, is a dc to dc converter for the external hard drive. Can anyone suggest a solution: I understand the drive needs 12v and 5v, and the IDE to USB interface needs 5v. I need a dc to dc converter to supply power to these items. Oh, and Airport has been part of the plan from the beginning. With AppleShare IP & Airport, "installing" new music in the car will be super easy from my G4 in the house. I love wireless networks!

khall127 · 11-23-2004, 11:04 PM

Hi all,

I'm new to the forums and am a Mac user.

Anyway, I just wanted to direct everyone who is interested in seeing a custom install of a Mac System to this site http://www.mujmac.cz/art/hw/tatra_mac_eng.html . It's a pretty cool project, and hopefully someone might find something useful on it.

Enjoy,
-Kevin