Advice on Carputer

KOoLkOnDuCt · 04-30-2008, 06:25 AM

Hi Ya, Im new to this site but not to my car system... I want to install a carputer and connect it to a monitor. Now my questions are
1. Should I go for a stock lilliput monitor or any touch screen monitor can be manipulated to connect to the car PC?
2. Is it advisable to build a car pc (i want gps included) or buy a complete system ? ( I wanna cut cost but not be foolish in the long run and spend more ) I have an fair knowledge of computers and how they work

DarquePervert · 04-30-2008, 06:32 AM

1 - What do you mean by "stock lilliput monitor"? Yes, any touchscreen can be used with any PC, for the most part.
2 - That depends on your ability. Do you know how to build your own PC?

KOoLkOnDuCt · 04-30-2008, 06:43 AM

Stock as in OEM state, i wanna know if it can be taken apart and be place in a dash hassle free. I have built and upgraded my desktop systems and even helped friends ( not to say that I am a technician ) but I have never dealt with compact motherboards and relay power up system and other aspects relating to car pc's.

Grrrmachine · 04-30-2008, 07:11 AM

Even if you buy a pre-built system, you'll quickly find a need to learn how it fits together, how it wires to the cars power lines and what hardware is inside when you come to install your choice of software on it. From that perspective, it's better to build your own from the start than buy a pre-build. Better the Devil you know, and all that.

Like Darque, Im still not sure what you're talking about screen-wise. If you're talking about in-dash entertainment units (all-in-one DVD GPS things) with a touchscreen attatched, then no, you won't be able to modify that to make it accept a PC's VGA interface. On the other side, A lilliput or Xenarc will mean that you have to fabricate your own mount and bezel so that it fits in your car and looks like it was always meant to be there.

Most screens for automotive purposes have an RCA input, but to use a computer, you really need VGA, which limits your choice of screen anyway to Lilliput or Xenarc.

ALL OF THIS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE IN THE FAQ!

DarquePervert · 04-30-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KOoLkOnDuCt

Stock as in OEM state, i wanna know if it can be taken apart and be place in a dash hassle free.

You can install a screen to make it look OEM.
Whether or not it will be hassle-free remains to be seen. It depends on a lot of factors.
In most cases, a 7" screen fits nicely behind a double DIN opening, but not always.

Quote:

I have built and upgraded my desktop systems and even helped friends ( not to say that I am a technician ) but I have never dealt with compact motherboards and relay power up system and other aspects relating to car pc's.

A compact motherboard is just like a full-sized motherboard except that its... well... smaller.
And you don't need relay startup configurations or anything. Just get an all-in-one DC-DC PSU which will have an integrated startup controller that will startup & shutdown the PC with the ignition.

Here's a good place to start digging for information: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/advfaq.php

peecee · 04-30-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KOoLkOnDuCt

Hi Ya, Im new to this site but not to my car system... I want to install a carputer and connect it to a monitor. Now my questions are
1. Should I go for a stock lilliput monitor or any touch screen monitor can be manipulated to connect to the car PC?
2. Is it advisable to build a car pc (i want gps included) or buy a complete system ? ( I wanna cut cost but not be foolish in the long run and spend more ) I have an fair knowledge of computers and how they work

This is a hobby. I'd say if you want to have something that you buy, install and it just works, get an off-the-shelf system. If you enjoy tinkering and can occasionally stand not having access to your music for some reason, go down the carpc route. I've been a casual user of my carpc, but I could probably live without it for a few days. My wife, on the other hand, would kill me if she didn't have her GPS available for even a single trip, even if she didn't need it.

That's why I've got a carpc with access to hotspots, can see all the open wifi access points between my house and work, have over 60gb of music, can watch videos and so can my back seat passengers, and my wife has a system that will tell her when she's missed her exit. Mine does that too, BTW.

KOoLkOnDuCt · 04-30-2008, 04:55 PM

Thanks Guys, based on the information you lot have supplied so far I am pretty sure that I will be successful in my project n Grrrmachine I do appreciate the reassurance given. I will be sure to give a feedback on the progress of the project... VGA monitor needed along with an all-in-one dc dc power supply unit (vital information), I have also seen this site with great stuff; for those who might be interested www.logicsupply.com