In Car Computer System

Submitted: Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 22:54

ThreadID: 30274 Views:2157 Replies:5 FollowUps:4

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Jafhar

Hi,

We are new to this site but after reading several earlier threads we couldn't find anything directly relating to an in car computer system I have been considering from a Melbourne based company; we are hoping someone could tell us if this would be a worthwhile investment considering we love to travel but feel sorry for the passengers (as well as being tech junkies ourselves). My wife is particularily interested in the access to the web.

Has anyone seen anything like this before?

Car Computer

Thanks in advance
Jafhar

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Reply By: 4145derek - Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 22:57

Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 22:57

Stick to a good laptop.

AnswerID: 151973

Follow Up By: bouncer - Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 23:12

Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 23:12

I agree and it will do almost all the same stuff, works out cheaper and you can use out of the car too.

FollowupID: 405552

Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 23:18

Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 23:18

Have a look here http://www.bitdistribution.com.au/?stg=49
Damn site cheaper than $2400 from the mob you listed.

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AnswerID: 151979

Reply By: BenSpoon - Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 23:23

Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 23:23

There are a few.
Most on the forum seem to have stuck to a laptop for portability and a cheap screen off ebay.

A quick google will get you results-
Xenarc PCs
Gumstix PCs
Gumstix PCs
Alternatively you can build your own with a mini-itx board and case- there are a few manufacturers, try even searching for Media PCs to find similar alternatives.
You can buy standalone 800Mhz systems I have seen with all the standard PC connections and they are about the size of 2 cigarette packets, but they have no CD rom (you'd have to use USB everything). A CDMA USB modem is the cheapest option for web access out of the metro area, but they have no external aerial plug so range is limited. The PCMCIA ones I saw telstra doing trials of had the external connector but all that seems to be around now are the USB WiMax units.
I hear there are wireless broadband companies around but im out in the bush and cant help on those.

Decide where it will go- that will decide the price. Under the seat- A mini ATX case will save you a few hundred off a micro/mini ITX, but they are bigger. If it is in the dash, look at fanless units or ones that have an external power regulator so heat is at a minimum. Keep in mind a car can get 60 degrees, and most PC parts bleep themselves at 50.

AnswerID: 151980

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 23:51

Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 23:51

Ben interesting enough all those companies are selling the same brand Sumicom 12 volt PC.
Most seem to be a lot dearer than Bit Distribution.

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Reply By: Rock Crawler - Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 at 07:29

Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 at 07:29

I think someone is plugging there own product , you dont drive a white nissan do you ? like the one in the demo section of the site you sent us to ? lol

AnswerID: 152005