Suggest a frontend for me.

darthchurro · 10-07-2009, 01:50 PM

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum and I'm looking to build and install a pc in my 2000 Mercury Sable. I'm having trouble deciding on a software package to use; documentation on many projects is sparse and scattered (notably roadrunner). I'm hoping someone on this forum could help point me in the right direction. Anyways, I'm interested in these features:

1. Attractive. Probably needs to be skinnable. I would really like it if software incorporates a cover flow - like display (J. River MC12 has a great skin which is perfect for me.)
2. Fast boot time - maybe with hibernation. I plan on creating a standalone solar/battery unit psu for my system, with enough power to bring the system down to standby after I turn the car off.
3. And some standard features I would like to see: Bluetooth handsfree support, web browsing w/wifi, gps, and hopefully some OBD support.

I'm very technical-minded and I'm no stranger to linux, but I do have a spare copy of XP that I would be happy to use.

Any comments are very much appreciated! Give me your suggestions.

Bugbyte · 10-07-2009, 02:05 PM

1. Mac Mini with Front Row. Use bluetooth elite for phone support. Done.
2. Ride Runner - The basic configuration works just fine and the default skin is simple. Bluetooth integration via lambosprit's plugin is possible.
3. Centrafuse - paid option, new skin is simple, works pretty well.
4. LinuxICE - also works well, not sure about BT. Lot of devel work going on.

Don't forget to check out others that are under development like RevFE and OpenMobile. Download them and try them out.

kev000 · 10-08-2009, 04:36 PM

LinuxICE has bluetooth support. It comes with at least 1 tool for BT. Other tools are only an apt-get away. The latest LinuxICE image is pretty complete and all the major bugs have been squashed. For the first time, I highly recommend checking it out if you are willing to live with a few minor UI issues...

sharpmusic · 10-08-2009, 05:15 PM

I have purchases streetdeck but I prefer Riderunner with the digital fx skin or what I am using now the Elite 1.6 skin and I love it

darthchurro · 10-09-2009, 12:20 AM

thanks everyone for the responses!
riderunner, frodoplayer and openICE all sound like great options. I guess I would prefer to stay away from paid software options. I'm going to ask some more questions over at the openICE/linuxICE forum.

Bugbyte · 10-09-2009, 08:40 AM

frodoplayer is the grand daddy of front ends and hasn't been supported for years. Stick with riderunner and openICE.

darthchurro · 10-09-2009, 10:01 AM

thanks. advice taken.

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