Aopen core duo prebuilt MP945 computer????

Z1truth · 03-17-2007, 12:12 PM

http://store.myaopen.com/index.html
What do you guys think about this setup?????? I am such a noob at this crap I wish I had the brains and the time to build my own setup, but I have neither! LOL! So I want to buy the best system/ latest technology I can get now cuz as the CarPC trend continues to grow I'm sure there will be more applications that demand it or just more unthought of applications that will develope that you will want to use and have????? Plus it will not be obsolete so quick either!

jonessc · 03-17-2007, 04:42 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Z1truth

http://store.myaopen.com/index.html
What do you guys think about this setup?????? I am such a noob at this crap I wish I had the brains and the time to build my own setup, but I have neither! LOL! So I want to buy the best system/ latest technology I can get now cuz as the CarPC trend continues to grow I'm sure there will be more applications that demand it or just more unthought of applications that will develope that you will want to use and have????? Plus it will not be obsolete so quick either!

you want to see what you want to do with the carputer 1st, you dont need a state of the art computer to do most of the usual carputer things like satnav, mp3 playback etc, im using a 5 year old laptop that runs an amd duron 800mhz and it flys all the things i need to do...

plus youll save loads of money!

Z1truth · 03-20-2007, 12:05 AM

Well I'd like to do some sound processing for my audio system also, so a better system would be necessary! And then it would make way for future more complex programs which I'm sure are yet to come!

See below for interesting reading.....

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...light=core+duo

2k1Toaster · 03-20-2007, 12:10 AM

Well if you want extreme power for the car, then right now, your only option is the core duo by intel. They run cool, draw a little bit of power, and are extrememly responsive. Now the downside is that you are going to pay out the wazoo for something like that.

For example, if you go the itx route, then the motherboard is $300 to $400. Then the chip itself can be $150 to $300. So then you need RAM/HD/Screen and everything else so it will be pretty expensive but top of the line.

Another option with duo core is the intel mac-mini. It is an itx formfactor that there are dc-dc options for, and XP can be installed. It will be cheaper than doing it all by yourself.

Z1truth · 03-20-2007, 10:09 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Well if you want extreme power for the car, then right now, your only option is the core duo by intel. They run cool, draw a little bit of power, and are extrememly responsive. Now the downside is that you are going to pay out the wazoo for something like that.

For example, if you go the itx route, then the motherboard is $300 to $400. Then the chip itself can be $150 to $300. So then you need RAM/HD/Screen and everything else so it will be pretty expensive but top of the line.

Another option with duo core is the intel mac-mini. It is an itx formfactor that there are dc-dc options for, and XP can be installed. It will be cheaper than doing it all by yourself.

From what I'm reading AS A NOOB (I'm actually starting to learn and retain....yeah!) the Core2duo is the new and improved with less current draw....am I correct with that assumption?

And also I want to put my HD in a verticle position to help protect it from bumps you get in the auto enviroment and you can do that if you do you own build unit. Now I suppose you could take the case on a mini mac apart and relocate the HD? Possibility?

2k1Toaster · 03-20-2007, 11:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Z1truth

From what I'm reading AS A NOOB (I'm actually starting to learn and retain....yeah!) the Core2duo is the new and improved with less current draw....am I correct with that assumption?

And also I want to put my HD in a verticle position to help protect it from bumps you get in the auto enviroment and you can do that if you do you own build unit. Now I suppose you could take the case on a mini mac apart and relocate the HD? Possibility?

Yes core 2 duo is the newest of the newest. Basically they draw as much as a Pentium M yet are 2-4 times as powerful and about 4 times the price.

If you want to mount the HD vertical in a mac mini, then just put the case on its side!

But really, it doesn't matter. I applaud you for reading and getting that vertical idea, but really, the consensus of the vertical/horizontal and what kind of mounts to use was that there is no consensus. Basically everything works. And the g's required to destroy a HD, will destroy you in the process, so no worries. I am using a 3.5" drive, and no problems. I do things on the cheap though.

If you have enough money for a core 2 duo, then just get a big big laptop drive. Laptop drives care even less.

Z1truth · 03-20-2007, 12:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Yes core 2 duo is the newest of the newest. Basically they draw as much as a Pentium M yet are 2-4 times as powerful and about 4 times the price.

If you want to mount the HD vertical in a mac mini, then just put the case on its side!

But really, it doesn't matter. I applaud you for reading and getting that vertical idea, but really, the consensus of the vertical/horizontal and what kind of mounts to use was that there is no consensus. Basically everything works. And the g's required to destroy a HD, will destroy you in the process, so no worries. I am using a 3.5" drive, and no problems. I do things on the cheap though.

If you have enough money for a core 2 duo, then just get a big big laptop drive. Laptop drives care even less.

Good to know about the HD positioning! I've been reading for months now but it takes a lot of patience to sort thru what is hype/crap/opinion/and truth!!!! And fortunatley I do have the cash ...at least right now!

I may just do the laptop thing. Can you get just the laptop drive.....or did you mean a complete laptop????

http://www.pcmall.com/pcmall/shop/de...ok%20Computers
Kinda digging this one^^^^^^^^^^^^

2k1Toaster · 03-20-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Z1truth

Good to know about the HD positioning! I've been reading for months now but it takes a lot of patience to sort thru what is hype/crap/opinion/and truth!!!! And fortunatley I do have the cash ...at least right now!

I may just do the laptop thing. Can you get just the laptop drive.....or did you mean a complete laptop????

http://www.pcmall.com/pcmall/shop/de...ok%20Computers
Kinda digging this one^^^^^^^^^^^^

Yes you can get just a laptop drive. Then you need a mini-IDE to full IDE. It takes the little pins and makes them into standard desktop IDE connectors and 4 pin molex.

Easy.

Don't cheap out with a laptop! That takes the fun away... And you'll be really ****ed off when you find you must hack apart your brand new laptop to install a power switch, and then another couple hundred on a Carnetix and wiring for that...

Just get a itx board if you want to hide it somewhere small. It will be cheaper than that laptop.

And if you do want to get a laptop, then look on eBay for a laptop with a broken screen and go from there.

dontpntpool · 03-20-2007, 02:06 PM

it would be nice if they had inside schematics or a hardware diagram...I would be interested in a core2duo for a car pc...I love my new c2duo laptop

2k1Toaster · 03-20-2007, 02:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by dontpntpool

it would be nice if they had inside schematics or a hardware diagram...I would be interested in a core2duo for a car pc...I love my new c2duo laptop

For a laptop? They make desktop (all form factors from full atx to nano-itx) core2duo socket boards.

dontpntpool · 03-20-2007, 02:16 PM

No for the Aopen prebuilt systems... I searched for about 30 minutes for
MP945-VXR diagram but couldnt find anything on their site or in their downloads.

I have a T7400 laptop I love...I dont really want my car pc to be slower

Z1truth · 03-20-2007, 07:06 PM

Well I still think I'll go with a Aopen mobo tho. From what I've read they are highly regarded. I just want to find someone I can semi emulate. I heard that the core2duo processors were not suited to all mobo's. Meaning that some mobo's worked with some C2D processors but not others?!?!?!

2k1Toaster · 03-20-2007, 11:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Z1truth

Well I still think I'll go with a Aopen mobo tho. From what I've read they are highly regarded. I just want to find someone I can semi emulate. I heard that the core2duo processors were not suited to all mobo's. Meaning that some mobo's worked with some C2D processors but not others?!?!?!

If it supports Core 2 duo, then it supports all C2D (as you put it). Doesn't mean it supports solo's or anything else implied. It is like a whole new language reading technical specifications.

XAAMOTTOMAAX · 03-28-2007, 09:18 PM

Just bought one today for my new setup. MP945-VDR. I have the guts from my laptop which my kid destroyed going into the barebones. Core 2 Duo CPU 1.66, 2x1GB RAM, 160GB HDD. The barebones comes with a slot load DVD burner. Perfect match for the Carnetix power supply and Aopen power pack sold here on mp3car in the store. I've got to make a decision on what DIN sized touch screen to get and I'll probably pick up the StreetDeck software. I'll be able to tether my Verizon XV6700 for cellular internet. Yes I'm stoked if you haven't noticed! IMO, for nav and video the extra oomph of the processor is very needed. Also, the AOpen mini pc case is TINY. It's the only one I can fit in my glovebox so I don't have to wire to the trunk.

Cheers

crispyrabbi · 03-29-2007, 03:36 AM

I have the mp945-vxr with core duo and it works great. Easy to take in and out of the car.
I have had 2 times in a year with blue screen and I think its the harddrive that has faulted when driving fast in hard curves. The processor capacity has been more then enough for my needs.
I would recommend the aopen minipc cause its packed with hardware and good processor power. Still its small, easy to setup and use someother place than the car.