Best Value Commerical Car PC Solutions

kiwiuser · 04-08-2007, 05:19 PM

Hi there everyone,

Nice to meet you all - this forum is fascinating and everyone who contributes seems to be incredibly knowledgable. I am interesting in purchasing an off the shelf PC to use in a commercial vechilce application.

I have already decided on the (very expensive) sunlight readable 10.4 inch LCD from G-net, but am undecided on the PC hardware.

So, I thought I would ask those who know best....you guys?

G-net seems to offer a comprehensive package, is there any reason why I should not be considering them for the hardware?

Which commerical supplier seems to have marketshare at the moment?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Kiwiuser.

DarquePervert · 04-08-2007, 05:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kiwiuser

So, I thought I would ask those who know best....you guys?

Flattering...

Quote:

G-net seems to offer a comprehensive package, is there any reason why I should not be considering them for the hardware?

Their hardware is bloody expensive. A comparable PC could be built for about half of G-Net's price if you know how to find bargains on PC hardware.
A system based on the slightly slower (1.3Ghz vs 1.5Ghz) SP13000 motherboard costs nearly $300 less from the MP3car.com store and includes the same case, same amount of RAM, same size HDD and same operating system.

Quote:

Which commerical supplier seems to have marketshare at the moment?

Why is that important at all?

XC-C30 · 04-08-2007, 05:38 PM

I'm with DP on the mp3car store being more value for money. You could also check out cartft.com, Thoough it might nog be as cheap in the end since you'd have to pay shipping from europe to the US...

DarquePervert · 04-08-2007, 05:51 PM

There's also Logic Supply, miniITX.com, LinITX.com, and other suppliers.

Also, there is no reason that you're limited to the low-horsepower Via motherboards. I run a Mobile AthlonXP-based setup in my truck. Granted, it's not a pre-built unit, but there are miniPCs like the AOpen Pandora or the Mac Mini that require little or no modification to use in a vehicle instlalation.

kiwiuser · 04-08-2007, 07:41 PM

Hi guys, thanks for the info, I am sponging it up, I will definitely look into those mp3car.com systems.

I am a hardware and software engineer myself so am very familiar with the technology - however, I am looking at starting a business that will be mainly focused around custom software. For this reason it is important for me to identify pre-built systems - i want to support the software not the hardware.

Darque - the reason that i asked about market share was because that is often an indcator the supplyer who is supplying a quality product with good customer service to back it up. Generally speaking, those with the greatest market share often have the best products.

I am astounded by how big the following in-car pc's are - i have stumbled across a gold mine. Thanks guys for all your help.

I assume that mp3car would have no problem shipping to NZ. I wonder how long it takes to get stuff out?

Also - does anyone know of a cheaper alternative to the g-net 10.4" sunlightreadable lcd?

Thanks again, Kiwiuser.

auto_dave · 04-08-2007, 08:49 PM

Hi. I am across the ditch from you, and would be willing to share what hardware availabilty knowledge I have, good suppliers, transport etc. Drop me a PM and I'll see if I can help.