Laptop in Jeep Grand Cherokee

superj300 · 12-02-2007, 12:36 PM

Hey all, long time reader, first time poster.

I know a good amount about computers and hardware and a decent amount about car electronics (but I have backup, my cousin is a professional), and I'd like to put my laptop in my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ with a screen in the factory stereo dash location.

Besides the laptop and the touchscreen, what hardware can the more experienced users see me needing? Moreover, what problems do you guys think I'll face? I have a wireless GPS and the laptop is bluetooth capable, I plan on moving my factory headunit to the bottom of my dash.

Shouldn't I just be able to power the laptop, run the headphone jack to my head unit's aux-in, and run the VGA to the touchscreen? I must be missing something, sounds too simple. What do you guys think?

DarquePervert · 12-02-2007, 12:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by superj300

Hey all, long time reader, first time poster.

I know a good amount about computers and hardware and a decent amount about car electronics (but I have backup, my cousin is a professional), and I'd like to put my laptop in my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ with a screen in the factory stereo dash location.

Besides the laptop and the touchscreen, what hardware can the more experienced users see me needing? Moreover, what problems do you guys think I'll face? I have a wireless GPS and the laptop is bluetooth capable, I plan on moving my factory headunit to the bottom of my dash.

Shouldn't I just be able to power the laptop, run the headphone jack to my head unit's aux-in, and run the VGA to the touchscreen? I must be missing something, sounds too simple. What do you guys think?

Yes, it's pretty much that simple.
Your biggest issue will be powering the laptop on/off manually. It's certainly doable, but it's going to become a real PITA in short order.
You'll likely want a SSDC (Startup/Shutdown Controller) to turn the laptop on/off with your ignition out of sheer convenience and safety.