Im looking for a little computer to fit in my glove box or even my trunk i need it to run HP tuners and maybe itunes or some other music program. I was wondering if it would be better to put my own one together or buy a pre built one from here http://store.mp3car.com/Car_Computer_Systems_s/25.htm Im going to run it to a 7inch screen in place of my cd player and before everyone says its not worth it id rather have this built into the car instead of using a laptop. I want this so i can constantly run my tuning software (HPTuners) to log and switch tunes when ever i fell like it.
Carputer
- Thread starter caboose73
- Start date
You're paying heavily for the convenience of having a preassembled machine.
You need to decide if you would rather spend time or money on this project. If you don't mind spending the money, then buy a pre-built and have someone install it.
If you have the time to spend and would rather save a third to half of your money, then assemble one yourself. You can get Lilliput displays on eBay; use either a laptop chassis (you will likely have to be creative with the video interface and otherwise need to do some modding) or a uATX or nATX motherboard (depending on space available and your own requirements) with a 12v DC-DC power adapter and I'd go with an SSD drive if you can afford it (no moving parts means less likely to fail when driving on rough roads).
Install the OS of your choice, the software of you choice and have at!
Keep in mind that some newer vehicles don't have a direct audio input (my Toyota Prius, for example) in their stock stereo, so you may have to make or buy special digital interfaces for that.
You need to decide if you would rather spend time or money on this project. If you don't mind spending the money, then buy a pre-built and have someone install it.
If you have the time to spend and would rather save a third to half of your money, then assemble one yourself. You can get Lilliput displays on eBay; use either a laptop chassis (you will likely have to be creative with the video interface and otherwise need to do some modding) or a uATX or nATX motherboard (depending on space available and your own requirements) with a 12v DC-DC power adapter and I'd go with an SSD drive if you can afford it (no moving parts means less likely to fail when driving on rough roads).
Install the OS of your choice, the software of you choice and have at!
Keep in mind that some newer vehicles don't have a direct audio input (my Toyota Prius, for example) in their stock stereo, so you may have to make or buy special digital interfaces for that.
I have time and i can do it i put together my current computer in my sig so would the best thing to do is look at laptop components and make them work? For a screen im looking at a 7inch flip out cd player that has a/v inputs so that should bridge the computer to the car audio.
Look at what you want to do, and then shop-- if you can get everything you need in a uATX or nATX board, then you're probably better off with one of those: smaller form factor, fewer wasted components, etc.
The only advantage I can see in a laptop is if you are going to use a docking station for your regular laptop to interface with the car.
Most car ATX power adapters provide the capability of putting the computer through an ordered shutdown after the vehicle is turned off, even the laptop battery isn't really necessary.
This site specializes in carputer components.
Also, keep a sharp eye for special parts on eBay-- you might be able to get someone else's aborted carputer project for a steal.
The only advantage I can see in a laptop is if you are going to use a docking station for your regular laptop to interface with the car.
Most car ATX power adapters provide the capability of putting the computer through an ordered shutdown after the vehicle is turned off, even the laptop battery isn't really necessary.
This site specializes in carputer components.
Also, keep a sharp eye for special parts on eBay-- you might be able to get someone else's aborted carputer project for a steal.
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I would not look at laptop components exclusively. Look at the lowest Watt processor you can find. You aren't going to need processing power, just something that will run what you want.
So Im thinking this http://store.mp3car.com/Habey_BIS_6620_I_Intel_Embedded_Z510_Based_Ultra_L_p/ccc-212.htm with this power regulator http://store.mp3car.com/Carnetix_CNX_P2140_185W_DC_DC_Regulator_p/pwr-026.htm so it turns on and off with they key.Will this be worth it im not expecting lighting fast speeds but id like something decently fast to load itunes and HPTuners
A tablet is definitely not the way to go in this instance.
What kind of interface does your data log require to connect with your vehicle? If it is USB, then this computer will work. I am not familiar with the Atom processor series, so I couldn't give you any real idea on how powerful it will be, but for playing media, you really don't need a whole lot of muscle.
With that said, it will depend on the resources your datalogging will use and whether this machine will be able to log and still play music with no stuttering.
What kind of interface does your data log require to connect with your vehicle? If it is USB, then this computer will work. I am not familiar with the Atom processor series, so I couldn't give you any real idea on how powerful it will be, but for playing media, you really don't need a whole lot of muscle.
With that said, it will depend on the resources your datalogging will use and whether this machine will be able to log and still play music with no stuttering.
