KSN

Hey everyone ... 1st off, very cool and informative forum. A lot of you guys are amazing. Some of the work I've seen is very inspiring.

I just recently bought a 2003 GMC Envoy XL SLT. After learning a little about carputers, I've been dying to get one.

I have a few questions. 1st let me tell you what I have.

Dell Inspiron 6000, 1.7 Ghz, 1GB RAM running Windows Media Center 2005
S-Video Out, WiFi, SD input ...

TomTom Navigator 5 (this was hooked up to my Treo 650 which I no longer use)

Can the laptop be used in such a way that whenever I need the laptop, it can easily be taken out?

I know I'm gonna have to invest into a touch screen. I'm thinking it will take the place of the Bose HU. I think I can fit a 7" screen there.

So far from what I've read, I'm still gonna need a HU or an amp to power the Bose speakers. Is that right?

Do any of you guys know what size screen will fit my vehicle?

I'm also gonna need an inverter (at least 350 watts) to power the laptop?

I'm assuming I'll be connecting the laptop to the touch screen via s-video?

If all the equipment I've mentioned so far is correct, I'm hoping to achieve a stock look touch screen install that'll enable me to access pictures, mp3s, GPS, movies and internet connectivity. I'm thinking of placing the laptop, 6 channel amp (for existing Bose speakers), 2 channel amp (for box with 2 CVR12s) and inverter under the front and rear seats.

Do you think I need another battery for more power since I'm running so much, or will what I have now suffice?

Do touch screens have usb and mini jack inputs so other things like iPods can be connected?

Sorry for picking your brain. I just want to do it right the 1st time. Thanks in advance for all who help.

KSN

RedGTiVR6

I'd recommend reading up in here a bit: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/lapt...ets-upmcs-etc/


Search Term: Bose
Results: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/sear...archid=4662934

There might be some info in there to help you learn what you need to do.


http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/lcd-display/

There are stickies in there that provide the monitor dimensions. I'd recommend taking your own measurements so you know for sure.


Read in the laptop forum...there are specific products that exist where you don't need an inverter.


Read up on the screens....I'd also recommend starting here since it appears you're not familiar with computer monitors and the different video technologies.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/advf...ew&advfaqid=17


That's not that much in all honesty. ESPECIALLY if you're removing your factory head unit and replacing it with a CarPC. Even still....a CarPC runs about 10-20 amps...hardly anything to worry about.


I'd really recommend actually LOOKING at some of the screens to see what connections they have. I wouldn't go off of what other people say when spending this kind of money. It's best to do your own research so that you're absolutely sure about what you're buying and what you are getting into.

You won't be able to connect your IPOD direct to your screen. You should read up on the different front-ends avaliable: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/front-ends/

I know I'm telling you to read a LOT on your own, but with this kind of project, you really should know 100% what you're getting into. This isn't exactly something you just jump into and get done in a weekend, unfortunately.

__________________

Nickwell24

I agree w/ red fully, it really does seem like a lot of reading, but if you are like the most of us you'll end up reading most of the forums just because you get really into this stuff, and that is when you'll get a lot of questions. Personally it seems to more i learn the more questions i get. My best suggestion is explore all your options before you decide on one, because if you do your install and then find out about some new thing you wish you would have done instead you'll be unhappy w/ your system and end up spending even more money. Welcome to the forums though man.