Ryder

Having a senior moment
Does anyone know of a relatively inexpensive way to purchase/build and hook up an in car pc?
 
yeah, a power converter on a laptop:D
I have seen it written somewhere before (not on here) it would be easy enough to do. It just depends on the setup you want. You probably need to find a touch screen display that will work with the system. power supply no drama as computers have stepped down voltage anyway.
 
Use a laptop and a power adaptor - you can add external screen, keyboard, mouse etc.
 
One of my many little projects that i never get time to work on is just that. A very small pc type system, which I basically want to make into a car radio system.

There's a big community doing it, on mp3car.com. Although I get the feeling that the hobby is dying out a little.

I have to ask though, relative to what?

Relative to buying a touch screen all singing all dancing DVD, bluetooth, radio system off. eBay, then no. There's no competing with china made electronics on price.

But it is certainly doable if you have the means and technical knowhow. There's a load of kit out there that will do much of what you need that you can just buy. Like automotive atx power supplies. And other interface gadgets.

All car pc systems will end up being a collection of components or modules that you've bolted together and got working (hopefully). But together the costs will mount up.
 
Get a 7" android tablet, it could do mp3, Internet, android apps etc. Plus has touch screen. Just install what you want on USB.

Maplins were selling some off a few week ago, B grade for £90
 
Nettop with suitable power adapter or zotac 12v mini itx system
 
I've built one and its great.
Is a 1ghz mini itx machine with a 150watt car power supply. When engine starts, waits 5 seconds and powers up PC. When engine off, sends shut down/ hibernate command to PC and waits a minute before shutting off power completely to save battery drain.

Its fitted in cubby box, to a 8 inch touch screen in a mud command console.

Has gps, bluetooth, wifi etc. Can connect into stereo for music, videos, etc.

Works great with memory map.

Will post some pictures if you want.

Recon I could build them all in for £450 if I built one again.
 
Many moons ago a lad on ukfn (u k fiesta network) made his own in dash touchscreen pc for his mk5 fiesta zetec-s the whole thing worked well but this was near 10yrs ago......
 
I just got a hp tc1100 tablet pc off ebay for £60 has bluetooth wireless runs memory map ok using an old tomtom bluetooth gps receiver, maplins have got car power supps starting at £19 depends on what wattage you need , good set up for not alot of money
 
raising the dead thread time.

I was in Maplin's today and noticed they're doing Large capacity Solid state hard drives. Anyone used one heard owt about em?? my mind is sliding towards an integrated touchscreen PC :eek: Haven't bothered before because of the problems of using a "normal HHD" but with a SSHDD that problems disappears. and anything is possible.

SO any recommendations on SSHDD's and touch screens or software to run em Also tiny PC case what's best.
 
SO any recommendations on SSHDD's and touch screens or software to run em Also tiny PC case what's best.

Not got one myself yet but am very tempted by the Samsung 840.

THESE get very good reviews. Not sure what you are looking to fit it in but expect much faster boot up times and obviously no moving parts to worry about! If ya going in a mini itx then should be no issue and kinder to the power supply cos it aint powering up a moving disc and therefore no problems with sudden shut downs
 
SSD's are great as theres no moving parts just very expensive! Also if going mini PC I'd go mac mini :p
No idea on makes though although my next comp will have an SSD as they also run a bit faster as far as I can see
 
raising the dead thread time.

I was in Maplin's today and noticed they're doing Large capacity Solid state hard drives. Anyone used one heard owt about em?? my mind is sliding towards an integrated touchscreen PC :eek: Haven't bothered before because of the problems of using a "normal HHD" but with a SSHDD that problems disappears. and anything is possible.

SO any recommendations on SSHDD's and touch screens or software to run em Also tiny PC case what's best.

I put a SSD in my Siemens fujitsu tablet pc as the standard HD lasted all of 28 seconds when I first took it laning. Been great ever since, cost £30 on eBay about 2 years ago.
 

Similar threads