HackAbuse

So I have had a Newer Macbook lying around that I don't use much. Recently the battery stopped working on it, then shortly after, the CD Drive quit as well.

I disassembled the computer to try to fix the CD Drive when I realized just how small the motherboard is, and how simple the design is.

I have determined that the computer will need a new cd drive, and I don't use it anyhow, so I think it will make the PERFECT candidate for a carputer.

Here are the specs:

2.0ghz Core 2 Duo Intel Processor
2 GB of DDR2 RAM
120 Gigs of Hard Drive
Integrated Wifi and Bluetooth.

It even has a built in webcam, so If I wanted, I could extend the wiring and hide it somewhere in the rear bumper.

Pictures of the laptop:





My plan is to separate the motherboard from the casing, and install it into it's own casing, then I will modify an original keyboard so I can use the power button for a Startup/shutdown controller. I will power the computer with a small power inverter that shuts off an on with a relay on the iginition switch, and the carputer will be powered by the original macbook battery while the car is off (typical battery life is 4 hours powering the entire computer with the screen at full brightness)

I do not want to replace my factory radio, however. I'm going to get a 7-8" touchscreen LCD and mount it to the windshield on the left side of the steering column near the A-pillar, like a GPS unit. The computer will be used primarily for diagnostic / flashing programs like HPTuners, etc etc

Anywho, this is the car the project will be performed on:

MP3Car.com

 

Bugbyte

Thread moved to worklogs section. When complete, PM and we'll move it.

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HackAbuse

Yeah sorry, I saw the forum after I posted the thread. Thanks for moving it.

HackAbuse

My carputer quest took a LARGE step in a favorable direction today.

I reassembled my old Macbook and traded it to a friend straight up for an Eo TufTab tablet PC. It's a small 2lb Ultra Portable PC sporting a very bright 800x600px touchscreen & Windows XP Pro Tablet.

System specs:
1.2Ghz C7-M Via Processor
1Gb DDR2 RAM
40GB Hard drive
Built-in 802.11B/G Wireless
VGA output / Single USB 2.0 Port / PCMCIA port / SD Port

The system currently has a dead battery, so it only operates while plugged in.

Here are some pictures of the system:



Isometric


Sideview


Size Comp



The next step is figuring out where and how I'm going to mount it, and getting some automation software (boot up, shut down, brightness control, etc etc)

After that I can paint it black (to match) and get some HP Tuners going.

joshuo

Dude that's cheating.

looks great man! GL!

HiJackZX1

Other then that, I would love to see what happened to this project. Thats a cool little UMPC.

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HiJack ZX1 CFSC
CAR PC ITEMS [35%]
INSTALL OF MULTI PC SYSTEM [35%]
BUG WORKOUT [0%]
INTERIOR MODS [45%]

HiJackZX1 Work Log
HiJackZX1 Website!

Please build up my REP.

Xygar

I want to see what's going with this installation too.

Very nice ride, and that little PC looks like it fits the bill perfectly for what you wanted to do. Let's see some progress!

MP3Car.com