Sc world first!, sneak peak!
09-09-11, 07:00 PM
#32
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after i get this worked out, ill be offering premade ones that are drop in ready, also if you just want the bezel and want to do the fab work urself. its my first one/prototype it will get better as i go
)
10-09-11, 08:59 PM
#41
.I've been toying around with doing something, perhaps with a Mac Mini. If you had enough room you could fab in a really nice screen, fab in the touch pad (which connects via bluetooth), run optical audio out of the mini to a 5.1 theater sound amp and connect the screen via HDMI for full HD
With a large enough HD or portable drives you could have unlimited possibilities. Not to mention the option to boot into OSX or Windows.
With a large enough HD or portable drives you could have unlimited possibilities. Not to mention the option to boot into OSX or Windows.
10-10-11, 10:59 AM
#42
phrozen, that's an awesome idea whose time has come. I'm glad to hear some candor from someone in your line of work, lately all I get is someone trying to sell me a kit for 800-1500 with a double DIN nav unit that "does everything."
I did have a suggestion I was going to play around with years ago, but never got around to. Instead of an iPad, would a touchscreen wired to a laptop (hidden under a seat or in the glovebox) work just as well? I mean, what you basically need is a machine capable of GPS, possibly Bluetooth, and media capabilities. Internet would be a bonus, but I'd thought of tethering my Android phone instead (saves on $$$)
So here's what you'd need (feel free to add what you think should go in there, as well):
Assuming you already have a proper audio setup with mids, highs, subs, the whole works.
A.) Touchscreen monitor (mp3car.com has lots of ideas, and Ebay has lots of possible candidates)
B.) 3-4 year old laptop, running WinXP (stable and seems to work with 95% of touch screens)- laptop would need to have multiple USB ports (4) or a hub, and a VGA out
C.) Laptop car adapter or AC/DC converter
D.) GPS receiver
E.) cables for simple L/R out, or SPDIF
F.) some kind of workaround for laptop power-on, so would start with car
G.) miniature keyboard/trackpad combo; WinXP offers on-screen keyboard for Nav input, but this would be an easier solution IMO
As you can see, I've given it some thought. THe best part about all of this is that you should be able to get it all off Ebay for less than $500. Add to the fact that you can load movies, audio, pics, etc relatively easily through the USB port and you have a relatively inexpensive and elegant solution. Your know-how with designing the bezel would make it look stock.
I'm interested in this, and would be happy to give my computer expertise if needed. I don't have a lot of car electrical experience, but I've been playing with computers for over 15 years. And unless you're looking to be able to do Photoshop or run WoW from your car, this should suffice.
Great work!
I did have a suggestion I was going to play around with years ago, but never got around to. Instead of an iPad, would a touchscreen wired to a laptop (hidden under a seat or in the glovebox) work just as well? I mean, what you basically need is a machine capable of GPS, possibly Bluetooth, and media capabilities. Internet would be a bonus, but I'd thought of tethering my Android phone instead (saves on $$$)
So here's what you'd need (feel free to add what you think should go in there, as well):
Assuming you already have a proper audio setup with mids, highs, subs, the whole works.
A.) Touchscreen monitor (mp3car.com has lots of ideas, and Ebay has lots of possible candidates)
B.) 3-4 year old laptop, running WinXP (stable and seems to work with 95% of touch screens)- laptop would need to have multiple USB ports (4) or a hub, and a VGA out
C.) Laptop car adapter or AC/DC converter
D.) GPS receiver
E.) cables for simple L/R out, or SPDIF
F.) some kind of workaround for laptop power-on, so would start with car
G.) miniature keyboard/trackpad combo; WinXP offers on-screen keyboard for Nav input, but this would be an easier solution IMO
As you can see, I've given it some thought. THe best part about all of this is that you should be able to get it all off Ebay for less than $500. Add to the fact that you can load movies, audio, pics, etc relatively easily through the USB port and you have a relatively inexpensive and elegant solution. Your know-how with designing the bezel would make it look stock.
I'm interested in this, and would be happy to give my computer expertise if needed. I don't have a lot of car electrical experience, but I've been playing with computers for over 15 years. And unless you're looking to be able to do Photoshop or run WoW from your car, this should suffice.
Great work!
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