Have you installed an in-dash car PC?

[NCC1701]

I've been using my Dell Notebook for GPS and mp3 playback for a couple years. But, I've been checking out in-car PC solutions lately. Particularly Double Din in dash units. Seems to be a developing market, leaning strongly to the DIY types (barebones systems, and such)
Has anyone here installed an in-dash PC? Found anything better than these links, maybe? And hopefully a company in the US?

Infill G4 Double-DIN Car-PC Barebone (1.5Ghz, FM radio, Amplifier, GPS)
Kustom PC's
Prober E319 In-Dash Car PC : Specs, reviews and prices.
BRAND NEW 2008 X300 Double DIN CarPC Car PC Carputer

EDIT: I guess I've found a pretty neat source of information at http://store.mp3car.com/
So, I'm still doing homework and the post may have been premature. I'm still eager to hear anyone's thoughts on car PCs & installations.

[Gortok]

I installed such a system (CarPC) in my Scion. But instead on using an in-dash display route, I chose to mount the screen between the front seats (out of a cupholder) to make the screen closer to my hand for easy touch screen operations. Many I can do without even looking.
It's also easier to pull out of the cupholder and sit in the back floorboard. No one even knows it's there...


mp3car.com is your friend, for sure.

[OCMike]

I installed a carputer a few years ago in my Lancer. I had a full blown PC mounted in the trunk and ran cables to the dash. I'd love to do this again in my wife's smart. But this time, I think I'd buy something from mp3car.com or build around a Mac Mini.

[Godfather]

tALKING AND TEXTING AND TYPING AND WATCHING NUDIE DVD'S ALL WHILST DRIVING, MAN THAT'S MULTITASKING................ AND TICKETS FOR EACH IN CERTAIN STATES. DONTCHA LOVE THE usa......

[vpkb1998]

Carputers maybe useful 5 years ago, but what's the use now? Other than for video (divx etc..) playbacks, what else can it do?

GPS? Got my Kenwood
Music? Got my iPod
Internet? Got my iPhone

Sorry, don't mean to sound negative but I don't see the benefits considering all the work necessary.

[andrewd]

Originally Posted by vpkb1998

Carputers maybe useful 5 years ago, but what's the use now? Other than for video (divx etc..) playbacks, what else can it do?

GPS? Got my Kenwood
Music? Got my iPod
Internet? Got my iPhone

Sorry, don't mean to sound negative but I don't see the benefits considering all the work necessary.

agreed

get the av cable for your iphone then the net can be displayed on your dvd screen, as well as the music playback and video etc

and zero boot up and shut down time....

and no windows to crash lol

[NCC1701]

Nevermind the fact that I started this post going on a year ago... there are things a full blown computer can do that dedicated gadgets cannot. In any case, I have since decided to install a Nav head unit instead. And yet, I will still have a notebook on trips because, as I said, your gadgets can't do it all. And, I hope I never have to stoop to an iPhone or any other cell phone.

[smark]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

Nevermind the fact that I started this post going on a year ago... there are things a full blown computer can do that dedicated gadgets cannot. In any case, I have since decided to install a Nav head unit instead. And yet, I will still have a notebook on trips because, as I said, your gadgets can't do it all. And, I hope I never have to stoop to an iPhone or any other cell phone.

A iphone is more then just a gadget, or cell phone Try one you might like it. Cost less then that Nav head you bought, and does alot more. Can you put your lap top in your pocket?

• phone
• photo's
• email
• internet
• music
• gps
• apps
• I could go on and on

sent from a iphone

[NCC1701]

smark, can I edit and process video and audio? Burn DVDs? Crunch numbers for SETI? Capture video from cable TV? Can I get a 24" display?

Even if all the above were answered in the affirmative, I don't want a cell phone. I see people on cells driving into curbs, chatting at the checkout lane while they're delaying me, telling whoever is on the other end that they're leaving the grocery store ... it is an illness, the need to be constantly in touch. And, I will not be part of it. I ENJOY beinig incommunicado in my car.

[andrewd]

ahh yes but can your laptop call 911 when you have waited too long for your mcnuggets

an iphone would come in handy when your being hunted by a mad man like in all the horror movies... cant video edit your life though...

where do you fit the 24" screen in the smart anyway lol