computer in my VX

[technocoy]

i may finally do a computer in my VX... the new Mac mini is amazing and has all the capabilities. i'll just plug in the $120 GPS antenna and WHAM! i could actually fit this in the glove box. sucks it's so beautiful!

http://www.apple.com

technocoy

[Whaleboy]

Man, now people are going on about the mac mini just like the ipod.

Somehow people think that just how there wasn't an mp3 player before the ipod, there wasn't a system as small with the same specs before the mac mini.

[kpaske]

I don't think Apple was the first in either MP3 players, or mini computers. But they must have some brilliant marketing, because iPods and online music now account for about 1/3 of their business.

Personally, I'm not impressed. I've got a RIO CALI MP3 player that takes up to 1GB SD cards (which works out to over 10 CD's worth of songs). That is plenty of music for me, and I don't have to worry about the HDD bouncing around when I jog. Plus I paid less than 100 bucks for it.

[Maverick]

almost $1400 for a fully equipped model..they want an extra $500 (almost) just to upgrade to a gig of ram... and with a sub 2ghz processor, you need that extra ram imho..
for under $800 you can get twice the machine in a laptop version, or build a top of the line itx box, i think thats a better option so far, unless your a mac loyalist.. i like the g4 chips, and dont know much about this stuff..but it just seems to me the mini isnt worth it quite yet...soon though, im sure...and maybe itll push the itx prices down some more.. :D

[MZ-N10]

almost $1400 for a fully equipped model..they want an extra $500 (almost) just to upgrade to a gig of ram... and with a sub 2ghz processor, you need that extra ram imho..
for under $800 you can get twice the machine in a laptop version, or build a top of the line itx box, i think thats a better option so far, unless your a mac loyalist.. i like the g4 chips, and dont know much about this stuff..but it just seems to me the mini isnt worth it quite yet...soon though, im sure...and maybe itll push the itx prices down some more.. :D

macs r running 64bit so the the processor speed isnt slow, tats why video editing is usally done wiht macs. but i have to agree its pretty expensive, i would go wiht a microatx
________
Glass Pipes (http://glassgallery.tumblr.com)

[Teckhardt]

Here is a 6.4" touch screen you can use.

http://www.magictouch.com/KTLC_064OM_spec.html

Would be very cool.

[Whaleboy]

The G4 is a 32-bit processor. It's Altivec hardware can operate on
"128bits worth" of data at once, not actual 128bit data (it's just 4x32bit
chunks). But that portion is 128-bit. But it's nothing you will ever truly notice.

Actually to be more specific. The G4 PPC has 32 bit Interger units. Has a 64-bit Floating Point unit. And has 128 bit AltiVec (Velocity Engine) units..

And even if the chip was a true 64-bit like the Alphas unless you're doing super database crunching you'd never notice a difference.

I will note when it comes to games, pretty much every developer on the planet uses interger math, not floating point.

And if that LCD display is rated at only 300-nit before the Touchscreen, then you're gonna have a hard time seeing that in the interior of the VX during the day!

[technocoy]

I didn't intend for this to be anti-mac poo poo thread. i just thought i'd post to share that a computer that i think will work for me and my vx is now available. and to inform anyone that might be interested in the computer as well.

i work-out and my wife runs everyday with our iPods, never had a skip problem. and last time i checked there were several MP3 players out before the iPod, the iPod just did it right (the sales figures speak for themselves).

I don't know where 1400.00 came from i can get every option on it (and buy my gig of ram for 100 bucks) for around 900.00. and oddly enough, i don't need everything on it. not to mention the mac comes with every bit of software that i need to run it as a media ceter minus the gps software which is about 30.00.

and i don't know how many macs you have used, but i own two pc's one 3.2 ghz and the other an old 2.0, and my 1ghz powerbook get's just as much done as either one of them. my dual 2.0 ghz G5 gets a whole lot done. it's comparing two totally different system types (not to mention OS').

I'm an artist and designer. i used PC's for years. I now use macs. they are much better suited for my profession, my tastes, and my sanity. The mac mini is very capable and unless you want to play games (which i don't) it is MORE than capable of being a media server.

i also happen to think it would look great in my vx. after all, good design begets good design. :winky:

I don't think the mac mini is the first small computer, i think it is the first small mac (smaller than the cube) to be able to fit in the car with little or no modification. i think for the average pc user (e-mail, microsoft office, photos, music, etc.) that it has plenty of power. and any person who buys macintosh know you never buy your ram from apple.

anyway. i'm not here to defend the mac, just wanted to let people know there was a cool new affordable comp out from apple and that i may be doing a mod with it. if you are a game developer or don't like macs, well then by all means, avoid my post. ;po;

have a good weekend!

[technocoy]

thanks for the constructive post.

I think i'll hook it up to my alpine LCD and then just control it with my phone. everything on the mac can be controlled through my sony ericsson with bluetooth phone, and it will pause the movie or iTunes when someone calls me! but i'm not 100 percent positive. and a touchscreen would be nice!

[Bulldoggie]

I made a removeable laptop table (for my powerbook) that slides in the ash tray opening. since the dash is plastic I added a support arm to cut down on vibration, out of PVC pipe with rubber tips. The GPS magnetic antanea sits on the base of the windshield, and plugged into the changer input of the stereo, plays ITunes through the speakers! (same plug for my IPod) great for long trips or finding new addresses, and easily removed when not needed, or playing ruff.
Would anyone like pictures?

[ameetw]

I made a removeable laptop table (for my powerbook) that slides in the ash tray opening. since the dash is plastic I added a support arm to cut down on vibration, out of PVC pipe with rubber tips. The GPS magnetic antanea sits on the base of the windshield, and plugged into the changer input of the stereo, plays ITunes through the speakers! (same plug for my IPod) great for long trips or finding new addresses, and easily removed when not needed, or playing ruff.
Would anyone like pictures?


Yes, pictures please..... ameetw@hotmail.com

[WormGod]

Not knocking this mod, just curious..... why? Not so sure I understand the use of a laptop/intergrated pc in the VX. I have the ability to use my Xbox and PS2 in mine, but that's simply for game use when on a camping trip, etc. I use pcs daily for work for graphic use and other than the cool factor, I have just never been inclined to want to pc in there. Throw me some bones and lemme know what's on your mind. Sell me. ;)

[transio]

Car PCs can be used as a media center (MP3 / DVD / XM / whatever) - never listen to the crappy radio again, video recording (for external cameras), GPS, and can even be tied into your car's computer so you can easily tweak your engine.

[mbeach]

... and can even be tied into your car's computer so you can easily tweak your engine.

This would be the only real benefit as far as I'm concerned, and no one has been able to 'crack' the Isuzu ECU yet.
It would be cool to have all of those other techno gadgets, but I have them already, just not integrated like in a carputer.

[MZ-N10]

well for me i dont have a gps,dvd, or mp3 deck....so a carputer is a cheaper upgrade then to buy say a pioneer n1(or the new one). aside from tat, u can play divx, avi, wmv, etc. u can also add a bluetooth adapter, wireless internet(still need access points tho).

[Maugan_VX]

I could care less about DVD and MP3, my headunit can play MP3 CD's as it is, however, I am interested in GPS (got it already) and this software, especially if I get the SC:
http://www.autotap.com/autotap_for_windows.html
http://www.autotap.com/images/ATforWindowsScreen1.jpg

[mbeach]

This is what I used to have for ECU interface, hooked up to a laptop (ala Brian Whatshisname from the F&F). Never got around to mounting the touchscreen for it though. Also looked into the HKS Camp system for digital gauges and info, but it costs big bucks.

http://www.ecutek.com/products/incardash/

[Whaleboy]

PVC when heated above around 110 degrees begins to release toxic fumes. PVC is a pretty nasty substance. I only mention this as when I was originally mounting my HID projectors to the stock VX headlamps I originally used PVC, after reading the material sheets I redid them in ABS.

You have been warned..

[Bulldoggie]

[QUOTE=ameetw]Yes, pictures please.....http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/thumbs/P1010004.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/P1010004.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P10100051.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P10100051.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/thumbs/P1010006.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/P1010006.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P1010007.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P1010007.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P1010008.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P1010008.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P1010009.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P1010009.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P1010011.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P1010011.JPG)
This whole set up cost less than $150.00 providing you already have a laptop. and all I have to do is slide the ash tray in to be stock again.
I can also use this same set up in my other vehicle for no extra cost!

[iwanicki]

I take my laptop everywhere I go..I am writing this from my vehicross right now in a resturant parking lot....so cool

[Jungalbutt]

The thought of a Mac mini in a VX sounds kool (I travel with my laptop everywhere and it can be a real hassle sometimes) esp. with GPS etc.. but have you considered the heat that builds up in a car. can a mini handle the heat and humidity that can build up inside a car parked in the sun for three hours? I'm bringing this up because I had bought an ipod when they first came out and had left it in my camaro just one day and it got fried. First gen ipod couldnt handle it..had to send it in and get a new one. i dont think Minis are made to be portable in that sense. I dont think it'll make it. or you'll have to deal with the sound of the fans running constantly.. but then again i could be wrong.

[Maugan_VX]

I know I keep preaching it but,

www.autotap.com

[Bulldoggie]

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/how20/1731924fe09f7010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html
I came across this article the other day, since it descibes a Pc :work: version of what I have been doing (for a year now) I thought some might find intrest in it.
Note that he wishes for something other than a passenger to hold it :?:

[MZ-N10]

im plannin to do the same thing....ive already have a rikaline 6063 gps receiver(i think) and iguidance for software. im getting a 450mhz p3 probably next week. i have a 60gb hd, 512 sd ram and gonna get a m1-atx psu as soon as i can the whole system up.

[Bulldoggie]

I'm using a Rayming "Trip Nav TN-200" antenna with Route 66 software.
No voice, but very customizable colors for better viewing contrast. the antenna is compatable with most software. I plan on adding NOAA (sea) and topigraphic software in the future.
http://www.macgpspro.com/html/newhtml/macgpspro/screenshots.html
here is a sample

[thedutchguy]

You want cool?

This is cool! :http://www.gpscomefare.com/rubriche/news/2005/03_06_2005/img/TomTom700.jpg

See more here: http://www.tomtom.com/index.php?Language=4

It has touchscreen, bluetooth and the easiest operation system ever!

[WormGod]

Been a year and nobody has sold me on this. You are the weakest link! Buh bye! :p

Seriously, computer in a car.... fine, thats cool and all, but they are all still just laptops mounted on some toilet pipe. Intergration is where its at. Dash mounted. Gotta think more flush.

No, I'm not knocking what I have seen so far far (well, ya, maybe a little), but Gary sits here all unimpressed. C'mon, the challenge is there. We have already seen Whaleboy do some flush video mounts, so the ideas are there and possible.

*all in good fun folks. just trying to get those tech-mod minds running*

;)

[MZ-N10]

just think CS:S in the vx as ur driving....how can u beat that?

[Bulldoggie]

Been a year and nobody has sold me on this. You are the weakest link! Buh bye! :p

Seriously, computer in a car.... fine, thats cool and all, but they are all still just laptops mounted on some toilet pipe. Intergration is where its at. Dash mounted. Gotta think more flush.

No, I'm not knocking what I have seen so far far (well, ya, maybe a little), but Gary sits here all unimpressed. C'mon, the challenge is there. We have already seen Whaleboy do some flush video mounts, so the ideas are there and possible.

*all in good fun folks. just trying to get those tech-mod minds running*

;)

I agree,
in dash is way cooler, and the Tom Tom is easy to use and move from one car to another.
I would love to have either.
BUT for those on a budget (limited funds) a $100. antenna is a very good option vs. $900. for Tom Tom or $2000.+ for pioneer head unit (that only stays in one car)
I also would love to see someone do a "reversed" version of the "stock" Japan (RH drive) dash trim, (double din) for LH drive VX's. All other parts for in dash should be available from Isuzu. some of these parts may need to be reversed also, but I would need to have a RH drive VX to know for sure. Maybe carbon fiber? (Concepts)?
BTW: Police cars have laptops, and with hotspots I can do internet searches on the road (shoulder)
LoL my stronger brother :thumbup:

[CrzyFool]

I plan to put a mac-mini in the lower din and run it through my Avic n2 in the upper din, that plus a wireless keyboard and mouse . . . and I should be all set

[Yefim]

If you don't need a full blown PC in the car - some new PDAs make a much better addition and give a lot of the same functionality in a smaller form factor. I've been using my dell Axim X50v in my VX for over a year now. It has BT and WiFi built in, I use it with a Rickaline BT GPS unit and navigation is outstanding - on par with my wife's Infiniti FX35 built in GPS unit. I also use it for MP3 playback and video playback while not driving. The best part it is completely portable so I can take it with me anywhere. I highly recommend looking into that option as an alternative.

[Francesco Rizzo]

Check out coachreed's (http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=480729#post480729) monitor install and for those of you thant don't like the mac there is the new pc version from aopen (www.asimobile.com/minipc%20mp915-b_ca.htm). Nothing against macs, but the software just isn't there: navigation or frontend. It's a shame too because a mini loaded is much smaller and cheaper than what you would spend on building an equal pc. good luck with the builds, hope to see more join the carputer club