Car PC

Submitted: Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 at 14:31

ThreadID: 58511 Views:1901 Replies:2 FollowUps:2

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RnR

I've decided I want something larger than my IPAQ HX4700 screen for moving map navigation. I have been going through the threads on this site to try and decide what would be the best option for me. I currently have the Natmap series along with GDT's and several of the Hema digital maps and have been toying with the idea of using my laptop in the car connected to an in-dash touch screen. I'm just a little concerned that the laptop may fail at some point and have just found the following item. I'd be interested to know what others who run similar systems think of this item and if it would be suitable.

Regards
RnR
http://www.itsaonline.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=62&products_id=92

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Reply By: _gmd_pps - Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 at 15:31

Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 at 15:31

too slow and too expensive
you can by a 2Ghz or faster for half the price on ebay
I have two mini-itx systems with the same case and powersupply
for under A$400 .. they work well

and dont get an idash screen .. the resolution of 800x480 is not supported by some mini itx boards .. they need patching ..

use an 800x600 8" touch screen. I have a 10" and it is nice.
I have one of these with an integrated DVD in the truck and one without DVD in the boat.

In the truck I run Internet, MP3's off the dh, Navigation and car diagnostics through the PC ..

good luck
gmd

AnswerID: 308533

Follow Up By: _gmd_pps - Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 at 15:40

Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 at 15:40

here is an example
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vista-Ultimate-PC-Mini-Itx-2GHz-Core-duo_W0QQitemZ170225076203QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item170225076203&_trkparms=72%3A392%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

they also come in smaller cases .. this one hase even a burner in it

if you go single core cpu (absolutely sufficient) you get 2Ghz ones for less than $300

if you need further help .. just ask :)) ..

good luck
gmd

FollowupID: 574523

Reply By: Member - Nev (TAS) - Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 at 15:46

Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 at 15:46

Hi RnR,
HP have just released, or is in the process of releasing, a 9" screen competitor to the Asus eeePC (7" screen). Had a play with the new HP unit this week at work and made the Asus unit (which is very good), look 2nd rate. (My opinion only). The screen resolution on the HP was excellent and easy to read. Only problem with the HP I can see is that while the Asus unit is all solid state the HP has a spinning disk drive. I was told that it is internally shock mounted but haven't seen that in print yet. If the price is around the Asus price of $500 then it should be a very popular unit.
Please note that I have no affiliation or working relationship with either of these companies.

AnswerID: 308534

Follow Up By: _gmd_pps - Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 at 15:54

Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 at 15:54

shock mounting does not increase the ability of a hd to withstand G forces. do a search on the web on this subject and you will find scientific publications stating that. the built of the disc primarily determines max G-force. I use a 2.5" hd on my boat and going at 45mph over the ocean it does not get any rougher than that at least not in a car. the drive is running s without problems.
It is more important to look the specs of the harddrive than the mount.

have fun
gmd

FollowupID: 574525