Kylejb2663

Hey There everyone,

I'm in Update NY in the Albany/Schenectady Area. I have a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, which I use as a EMS/EMT Response car. Currently, I have upgraded the alternator and the battery to handle more serious equipment.

I have one police radio used for receiving calls, and two subs in the back with an amp. I am looking to install a carputer in my car but i'm not sure how I should go about it. I don't want to spend a ton of money but I would like something that can be used daily for certain medical programs, music, etc. Any ideas on how to fabricate one into a Malibu and/or any suggestions.

Thanks!!

Kyle

MP3Car.com

 

Eternalodyssey

If you're limited on budget, I would recommend looking into a used ebay laptop solution because you would get an "all in one" solution that would not require breaking the bank. As of late it seems like laptops which would support most front ends are pretty easy to come by and you would bypass having to put yourself through fabrication stages. You could then connect a touch screen and decide whether you want to run an inverter or look into a DC-DC solution. As a plus, you will still have a laptop that can be pulled out and used as a portable solution. One last suggestion would be to look into a newer used tablet PC which you could fabricate a mount for and boom, you have a nice "take anywhere" application.

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Moneyfink

are laptops gaining steam?.... as far as i know laptops are not the equipment of choice.

But a laptop may be right for a quick cheap install

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My OLD carputer page
My NEW carPC



Via Epia M10000, 512 PC2100, Opus 150, 8" lilly touch, 320 GB 7200 WD Caviar

DarquePervert

Laptops still have the same issues that they've always had.
Personally, the smaller size doesn't compensate for the powering and startup issues.

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RedGTiVR6

asking how to fabricate one into a car is a bit of a loaded question...

Start here:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/78795-new-carpcs-dont-know-where-start.html

Then move here:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/faq-emporium/51489-attention-newbies-faq-faqs.html

Then read read read.

This is not an easy hobby and you sure can't jump into it and run.

But it's an extremely rewarding hobby once you get it all worked out!

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Kylejb2663

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I actually do have a laptop solution but the more and more I look into it, I would really like to get a Carputer to handle Navigation, Software Programs, Music etc..

So I kinda decided to cut loose and go for one. I have a 1200 dollar budget. My brother does fabrication so he is going to fabricate a dash mold so I can keep my aftermarket CD Player/AM/FM Radio and just install a simple touchscreen, which I was thinking about doing the Xenarc I believe it is. Any ideas on what kind of equipment I should get as far as everything needed to build it goes and I do need something that has a DC-DC Controller with the startup and shutdown sequence as quick as can be. I have read that many have them built in. Correct me if I am wrong of course. This is going to be for a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu by the way. Any suggestions/ideas/hints are welcomed!

Thanks!!

Kyle

RedGTiVR6

What do we suggest you get?

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=78795

we suggest you read there and check out the work logs forum and see what people are doing.

Having people suggest what you should go with really won't do you any good.

You need to determine your exact needs, wants, and expectations and design the system around that. No one else will be the same as you.

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Kylejb2663

Sounds great. I have customized a system so far, any opinions or suggestions?

Carputer
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Ampie Car Computer Case - or the Opus Computer Case... Any ideas? Don't really mind the price...as long as it lasts and is of good quality.

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Elite PMI8M w/Pentium M 1.6G CPU
40GB 2.5" PATA HDD
512MB DDR Memory
Wireless Card with External Antenna (Not sure about a brand yet or how to get one that connects to an external Antenna)

$422.89 good price? without Case and/or LCD

TFT VGA Touchscreen
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Xenarc 700IDT In Dash 7 inch Touch Screen VGA
$460.00

tn6478

HOw does your mb work for you. Does it has decent speed? Haven't seen any review on this MB that your are using

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