Newbie - Dreaming BIG Whats your dream system?

TundraScout · 11-11-2007, 12:00 AM

OK, I've been looking at the G4 and it still quite short of a dream system for me, and pricy.

Again, I know I'm dreaming, but here is my list of features for a dream system:

Onboard AM/FM Radio CD Player
MP3/DVD/VCD/CDR player/writer
Front Mount USB Jack
Bluetooth Phone connectivity
XM Sattelite Radio Services
GPS/Doplar weather Radar, Traffic flexibility
TV Tuner
CB/2 way Short Wave (Licensed) Radio
Wireless 801.b/g/n
Windows or Linux
Server/Internet Browser
Visual Basic or other programming Compatible
it should fit in a double din slot
Under $2000

What do you think? 5-10 years out before we see these?
It took a long time for GPS to take off, but I bet in 20yrs something like this will be optional on new vehicles.

ok, fire comments at will.

Nickwell24 · 11-11-2007, 02:45 AM

You won't get CB in any unit ever again, technology has far surpassed CB radios, i'm waiting for the technology where you can communicate with drivers by their licence plate number being their communication code.

2k1Toaster · 11-11-2007, 02:50 AM

I dont understand why you people dont just build it. Those parts exists... The communal hub between them being the PC exists so use it.

Get the double din chassis for itx boards, put in a psu, get the parts and there ya go. It works, and doesnt cost much. And I am sure you can shove it all in your dash with some love. You can probably even fit a crappy little amp in there too.

Nickwell24 · 11-11-2007, 02:55 AM

Some of us though have never delt with installing an entire unit into a small double din opening, i myself would love to do it but don't want to get 1/2 way done to realize it doesn't work. Espically since i can't even find a 7" screen that will fit in my double din opening.

2k1Toaster · 11-11-2007, 03:00 AM

Well then the first question becomes, why all in the double din? You pay for small size. You can create a nice system like a normal PC, and put it in a pretty miniatx case or nano case and mount it in your trunk if you wanted to. Get Circuit City to do a standard amp install package and they will bolt it down, and run the power and all other wires as well for something like $70 or $80.

If you want to do it all in one, there is a member on here making double din enclosures for everything (I think originally for mustangs, but has grown larger), then the store carries the WRX double din which fits pretty much everything but has a overhang I think (I have never used it).

And the reason why you arent finding a 7" screen that fits a double din space is because it doesnt exists. A double din opening is 6.5". Look at digitalww.com for the double din 6.5" touchscreen with a usb dvd rom. So you get a nice looking screen and dvd player exactly like the G4. But the PC can go whereever.

Nickwell24 · 11-11-2007, 03:04 AM

The only problem with that is i want to keep my install to under $1000 and can't really do that with the 6.5" offered at digitalww

2k1Toaster · 11-11-2007, 03:08 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Nickwell24

The only problem with that is i want to keep my install to under $1000 and can't really do that with the 6.5" offered at digitalww

You always pay for convenience. Why buy Ikea's "assemble it yourself" stuff? Because it is cheaper. If you want to install while braindead, get a G4. If you want a super easy install then go with the digitalww unit. You want a easier but tacky look, get a motorized flipout. You want harder but cheaper then mold it in yourself. It might even be cheaper to buy the mold in and pay someone to mold it in for you. An install can be done for $600 with all new parts and everything.

Nickwell24 · 11-11-2007, 03:14 AM

Every time i price an install, screen and computer, it comes closer to about 900 with all accessories, i've never gotten it down to $600.

2k1Toaster · 11-11-2007, 03:33 AM

Screen -- $180 -- http://cgi.ebay.com/Lilliput-7-EBY70...QQcmdZViewItem
Computer -- $400 -- http://cgi.ebay.com/Carputer-Car-PC-...QQcmdZViewItem

The screen is pretty much as good as it is going to get unless you find a used one. The PC though can be found cheaper even by buying the parts seperately and through auctions not buy it now.

So 5 minutes on ebay and a CarPC for under $600 including shipping.

The OP's list however cannot be done for $600 unless you are very well connected somewhere. But AM/FM radio is pretty pointless when you have a CarPC unless you are the weakminded individual who enjoys the incoherent babble that are morning shows. With gigabytes of music, why would you want ads. Sirius/XM you need a subscription so if you wanted either you shouldnt complain about money in the firstplace. I do enjoy sirius though and mitch's kit was a gift. I think it is like $100 or $150 for both so it gets pricy fast. Bluetooth and wifi are like $10 dongles each. Just look on woot.com every now and then. They are always sending them out. And the program language is dependant of the OS and the OS is dependant on hardware. Basically everyone will get/use the x86 hardware, so they get to use osx, xp, or a linux distro. Then the gamut of languages supported on them. Slot load DVD-RW/RAM is like $90 new. So what the OP wants can be had 100% for under $2000. A basic useable and good system can be had for under $600.

Nickwell24 · 11-11-2007, 03:40 AM

yes but your forgetting things like amp kits which run about $80 also., and the mounting bezel for the screen. That's why it costs around 800

debennett2 · 11-11-2007, 08:43 PM

Hopefully I don't get flamed for not doing all the work but I would like some expert opinion before I start putting a system together piece by piece.

I have an 04 Grand Am that I would like to put a carpc in. I have a Pioneer DEH6800MP head unit in the car (does ipod control and xm) and a decent used sub/amp in the trunk. This setup has worked ok for me but I really want something more robust...I'm really a big tech geek and have been a huge HTPC hobbyist for quite some time now. I'm fairly ignorant on several things related to carpc however.

1) What type of screen installs are available to me considering my car? I hear people talkng bout getting someone to mold one in for them but I dont know anyone like that personally or what kind of funds are involved in a venture like that. I see mentioning of double-din brackets for touchscreens, however, through my limited searches, I dont see anyhting plug and play with the Grand Am.

2) Do I keep my current head unit? I also see people talking about having amps in their place but I am completely ignorant on what is good and what is not and where something like this would be installed or if this would be something hidden away completely. I can imagine there being a mster volume control on or near the dash but cant imagine how this would actually work.

3) What are the "amp kits" for? I understnad one wants higher gauge power wire to the power supply (which Im still not sure how it gets installed since none of them seem to have enclosures...just open PCB's) but what is this kit thing?

I guess I am just open to suggestions. I am installing an inverter in the trunk (at least so far that is where I was planning to install it) to power both a KR1 router and an evdo amp/antenna. I thought about a second inverter (pure sign of course) in the front with an outlet on the dash (not sure where to get something like that nor how it would mount and look pretty) for my laptop or whatever.

If you were to have a COMPLETE setup (i.e. am/fm, dvd, wifi, touchscreen, maybe a headphone jack in the passenger area, amp or whatever i need in this case) how would YOU do it? I assume i can use the xm box already hiden away in my dash with the usb adapter. I know my car required some special adapter to bypass some door chimes and whatnot...not sure if that is going to be n issue either.

I guess what I am trying to say is...PLEASE HELP ME MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION!!! hehe sorry guys but I cant stand rebuying things and then trying to ebay my mistakes or getting stuck because I have no idea what I got myself into.

TundraScout · 11-11-2007, 10:15 PM

I'm a new guy too, but I can help a bit.
First, whats your budget? (i.e. Most/Least you want to spend based on best case/worst case scenarios)
Second, what are your needs i.e. list the features you want and rank them numericaly, so that none tie. There are as many options/was to go about this as there are people.

I've found that not all options are available in a single package or in my price range, so I'm looking at piecing together what I NEED for now and design tol allow for expansion later for options I really want.

Once you get to this point, then start reading so you can make informed decisions about what you are getting.
This isnt like car shopping, where you find the model you like, then just pick the options you want, quite conversly.

Hope this helps...

debennett2 · 11-12-2007, 07:09 AM

I don't want to set a budget, however, for the sake of staying married I might venture to put a cap of around $1500 on it. This is what I want:

touchscreen LCD in the double-din area

110 outlet nearby this same area

headphone jack in this same area (not sure if this is possible but the idea would be if the passenger wanted to watch something on the screen and I didn't want the rest of the car to have to listen to it)?

some type of master volume control in this area (not sure if I can just buy an amp and set it and forget it and tuck it away to never be touched again and then just use the master volume to control the PC volume)?

remote start...i haven't added this to my car just yet and I'm not sure how adding a carpc was going to impact or change this....like I said before I have one of the PITA gm vehicles that needs the special harness that bypassses the door chimes going through the speakers so I am confused slightly as to how this install is going to be handled once/if the head unit is removed and/or if I try to install remote starter. I also wonder if there is some neat things I can do with remote start related to carpc....

speedy interface....I want something responsive to my touch commands. Not looking for mind-blowing speeds but I dont it to FEEL like it's a pc.

gps....a must since this is for a work vehicle (computer consultant)

am/fm...also a must since I listen to a lot of talk radio (am)

xm...I already have the tuner box so I assume all I need is the usb adapter

wifi for the pc

rev a evdo....paid for already with the purchase of a kyocera kr1, s720 card, amp, magnetic antenna, and 20' of 4 awg wire and not part of the overall budget.

mp3 playback...good sound. not an audiophile but I dont want any anomalies like buzzing or humming from the pc

movie playback... I guess this would stress that the screen must be viewable from both seats and not a strain to see.

hands free? Not sure how possible this is since I personally am using an iphone right now.(which I love...especially since it's not with at&t).

then maybe down the road I would like a backup light and hvac control. I basically want it all but want the basics plus gps and hands free for now at least.

Any suggestions?

RedGTiVR6 · 11-12-2007, 07:21 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by debennett2

I don't want to set a budget, however, for the sake of staying married I might venture to put a cap of around $1500 on it. This is what I want:

touchscreen LCD in the double-din area

110 outlet nearby this same area

headphone jack in this same area (not sure if this is possible but the idea would be if the passenger wanted to watch something on the screen and I didn't want the rest of the car to have to listen to it)?

some type of master volume control in this area (not sure if I can just buy an amp and set it and forget it and tuck it away to never be touched again and then just use the master volume to control the PC volume)?

remote start...i haven't added this to my car just yet and I'm not sure how adding a carpc was going to impact or change this....like I said before I have one of the PITA gm vehicles that needs the special harness that bypassses the door chimes going through the speakers so I am confused slightly as to how this install is going to be handled once/if the head unit is removed and/or if I try to install remote starter. I also wonder if there is some neat things I can do with remote start related to carpc....

speedy interface....I want something responsive to my touch commands. Not looking for mind-blowing speeds but I dont it to FEEL like it's a pc.

gps....a must since this is for a work vehicle (computer consultant)

am/fm...also a must since I listen to a lot of talk radio (am)

xm...I already have the tuner box so I assume all I need is the usb adapter

wifi for the pc

rev a evdo....paid for already with the purchase of a kyocera kr1, s720 card, amp, magnetic antenna, and 20' of 4 awg wire and not part of the overall budget.

mp3 playback...good sound. not an audiophile but I dont want any anomalies like buzzing or humming from the pc

movie playback... I guess this would stress that the screen must be viewable from both seats and not a strain to see.

hands free? Not sure how possible this is since I personally am using an iphone right now.(which I love...especially since it's not with at&t).

then maybe down the road I would like a backup light and hvac control. I basically want it all but want the basics plus gps and hands free for now at least.

Any suggestions?

Sure, read here: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin....

everything you're wanting has been done in nearly every carP out there already. I hate to say it, but it's not a new idea or an unheard of concept any more.

ALL of the information is already on this forum to be had. All it takes is some time for you to research each and every option you have listed and make a parts list.

What I've seen in this thread is that people are too scared to jump in and research these things...why? All it takes from you is time...if you're not willing to spend the time, you really shouldn't be in this arena right now. I've been reading excuse after excuse after excuse...just get in there and do it!

debennett2 · 11-12-2007, 02:17 PM

Thanks. I appreciate the reply. I think my methods can be considered questionable, however, I am certainly one to take the time and do the research. I am just trying to pick the brains of someone who has been through this and get a good consensus on what mistakes to avoid and what works best in my situation as well. There are SO many variables and I can imagine so many caveats based on them. I've been reading like mad on my off-time for about 2 days now and have read quite a lot of interesting threads, however, nothing conclusive. Thanks so much and I hope you understand where I am coming from.