Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

  • YES, I want one for under $500

    Votes: 21 63.6%

  • YES, I want one but you'll have to assemble it for a fee

    Votes: 2 6.1%

  • I'm interested but no funds until next year

    Votes: 8 24.2%

  • NO, I like my Laptop co-pilot

    Votes: 2 6.1%
  • Total voters
    33
  • Poll closed .
SonomaGTlover

SonomaGTlover

Doghouse Member
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

CKEITH said:
jon looks very impressive...i would be in for the setup. pending a few questions...see below

basically from my understanding all i need is an in dash screen and i would be all set.is this correct. what are the possibilities of using a touch screen and not have to use the mouse???
Click to expand...
I didn't research the touch screens v/s mouse mainly because I couldn't find a touch screen that was HALF DIN to fit in the opening with the SINGLE DIN head unit.

I'll try to list the needed items for the set-up but it will vary depending on how you want to purchase the unit.

I think I can get all of the components for a working computer for under $500. This includes 1Gig processor, 512 MB RAM, 40Gig hard drive, 12V power supply, 8.5 X 4 full function keyboard and handheld trackball mouse. In short it's EVERYTHING needed except screen and external CD drive. (I have a USB mini external for mine) With the USB ports you really don't need the CD drive but I would suggest having one becaue I know you will be installing you favorite PC games. This thing works just like a home PC with internet and all. Here's a pic of the end panel where you can see the USB, Firewire, PS2 and among others the most important one...RCA video out. I tried varrious adapters to get my laptop to display on the dash screen but it was garbled pretty bad even with numberous different drivers and settings.

Anyway, I was thinking about pre-assembling these and loading WinXP so they are ready to install in the truck. Just wire to power source and plug in keyboard, mouse and monitor. I'm not sure what a fair price for this service would be but I know it'd be up there. GP will require 5 or more to keep it under $500 and I won't have any available until the new year rolls around.

Maybe I should start an interested list for those of you that are seriously interested?
 

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hatrik8

hatrik8

Donating Member
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

Do you install windows via the usb cdrom drive? Do you have to load a driver to boot from usb cdrom?
 
sytyguy

sytyguy

Moderated User
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

FWIW, I have used this same system (voomPC enclosure/system) for quite some time now in a few applications (carPC for my DD Jimmy and others). Works very well and has impressed me with it's ruggedness.

http://www.mini-box.com/site/index.html

Hood
 
sytyguy

sytyguy

Moderated User
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

hatrik8 said:
Do you install windows via the usb cdrom drive? Do you have to load a driver to boot from usb cdrom?
Click to expand...

I have 2 large compact flash cards, one with XP installed (4gb), and one with Linux (Knoppix & Feather actually) installed (1 gb). I load which ever one I favor that day and go at it. Great thing about Feather (& DSL) is that you can load the entire OS into memory and the commands become lightning fast. Of course, you need a good bit of memory (whatever you desire + 128mb) to do so.

Of course, you could install the OS on a typical HDD (IDE, SCSI, SATA) or USB pen drive, but I don't trust a HD with the vibration and pen drives can be somewhat sluggish in access at times.

Hood
 
B

BacDoc

New member
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

That would be great....IF I could get datamaster working in the first place!!!
 
BigAl...

BigAl...

Member
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

Jon please keep up the great work, add me to the list of interested!

BigAl...
 
James Thomas

James Thomas

"NO CLASS"
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

Depending on final cost and configuration, I may be up for one. I don't think many of us would be willing to pay extra for pre loaded software that most of have already and I think most of us can / would want to load our own OS and set it up the way we want (I would wipe anything that comes Pre loaded on a computer anyway). If some one wants "extra" computer skills then let them pay for it or offer a "Up there" discount to those of us that don't need, want or can't pay for it :2cents: . That DIN install in the link above is hot! You may want to look at that housing as the set up?

____________
James
 
SonomaGTlover

SonomaGTlover

Doghouse Member
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

RSpengler said:
Bingo:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Lilliput-In-Dash-DVD-Car-PC-computer-with-CD-Burner_W0QQitemZ110050724441QQihZ001QQcategoryZ75327QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Bango:
http://cgi.ebay.com/In-Dash-Half-Din-7-Motorized-TFT-LCD-Color-Monitor-NEW_W0QQitemZ5806470754QQihZ008QQcategoryZ94843QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

In dash Computer, Monitor, DVD, TV, Radio, etc.
-Rob
Click to expand...
I saw that one and it'll run you nearly $800 plus import tax. (if any) It doesn't have a keyboard or mouse but it does have the CDrom that mine doesn't. (I picked one up for $15)
Also, I could be wrong but there aren't any basic AM/FM radio functions so you'd still need a head unit for your stereo system.

It's a nice unit and would be a snap to install probably in the glovebox.I have considered it and still do on occasion but I just can't justify the nearly doubled cost of the unit I built. That is the same screen that I have and I am very happy with it. The only thing I don't like about this PC so far is the size, it's a little bigger than I had imagined.

James Thomas - Housing as set-up?? The DIN unit is a typical stereo head unit and it has an SD slot and a USB slot on the right side to view pictures or listen to Mp3's for example. It plays DVD's and CD's of all formats including mpeg and Mp3 files. The PC is a separate unit about the size of an amp and needs to be mounted elsewhere out of the way.
 
LIL QIK

LIL QIK

HELL YEA I GOT BOOST!
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

Hey Jon......I'm defintitely interested in picking one of these up from you....you just saved me all the trouble of doing one myself... Anyway....couple of questions....
Is it a big deal if I want to change the hardrive out for a larger one....is it treated just like a home pc? And I have to buy a whole new head unit anyway...so my question is if I find one that has the motorized touch screen in it.....what's the key thing that I need to look for in the unit to be able to work with your system?

Please put me on the list.

Thanks...Dave
 
SonomaGTlover

SonomaGTlover

Doghouse Member
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

Just about any deck/head unit will work, you just have to find one that you like. Since I wanted to have the DVD abiity anyway I picked one with all the bells and whistles. The PC and the DVD are completely independent of each other. The only thing in common is the screen. There are actually 3 video inputs and 2 audio inputs (one is video only). You can switch between them on the screen. It's just like having a VCR and a DVD player hooked to your home TV only this is a PC and DVD.

The unit you picked out will work fine but you lose some of the car stereo goodies, it's just a basic tuner. With a HALF DIN screen your options for car stereo is endless since tere are literally hundreds of choiecs to fit in a SINGLE DIN location. This is the reason I went the route I did.

The PC is fully upgradeable. You can select an 80 Gig HD if you want or even more RAM up to 1Gig. Personally I think the options I chose are overkill as it is but it's possible. I've got over 5000 Mp3's and they will all fit on the 40Gig HD. A CD can hold up to 200 Mp3's so I just put some favorites on a disc and it's all I need for about 10 hours of tunes.
 
Try Me

Try Me

New member
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

:popcorn:
sorry i may have missed it. does it use an adapter to run off 12 volts?

im extremely interested in this. also extremely interested in the touch screen part too
 
SonomaGTlover

SonomaGTlover

Doghouse Member
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

QUICK STORM said:
any pics of it closed?
Click to expand...
Actually I will have pics soon. I'm catching up on vinyl backorders and then I'll finish the PC job.

The good news is that it is up and running on the in-dash screen and all is good... except for the tiy text that is very dificult to see. I haven't messed with any of the settings to enlarge it but I hope I can get it large enough to read ok. Other than that, all I have to do is install the drivers for my ALDL cable and the Ostrich and it should be complete.

I'll try to get pics posted later this week. Open, closed, with XP running and TunerPro running. Heck, I might even get a video.

To answer a question earlier, it hardwires into the electrical system just like the radio. It's a 12V system with a delay si it properly boots and shuts down windows. As a precaution, I'm installing mine with a manual on/off switch, but according to the instructions it is not needed.
 
BoostedSUV

BoostedSUV

Active member
Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

I already have an Eclipse 7inch touch screen DVD player mounted in my dash so this would be an awesome add on! I'm interested pending more details on the final completed project. Keep me posted!
 
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