In Car Computer System
Submitted: Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 22:54
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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
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
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.
FollowupID:
405558
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
Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Moses - Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 at 07:46
Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 at 07:46
Jeez Eric, it woudn't happen on here would it?
FollowupID:
405569
Reply By: 98Jack - Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 at 20:38
Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 at 20:38
Hey Jafhar,
check out www.gpsaustralia.com. A number of in car pc setups there with plenty of pics.
cheers,
98jack
AnswerID:
152132
Follow Up By: 98Jack - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006 at 16:16
Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006 at 16:16
sorry, got the web site wrong.
www.gpsaustralia.net
cheers
FollowupID:
405960