Is there any one out there that have put in a custom CarPC in their RX300? I was asking because right now I'm working on getting all parts together. And once I get working on it I will make a new thread and post step by step as I go with this project. Let me know if there is anyone that has done this and post pictures for ideas.
Thanks,
Yosh

 

I have used IBM ThinkPad (lap-top) and the only problem I have has been with the brightness. On a sunny day (which is not un-common here in central Texas), with the sunglasses on, it was kind of hard to see the screen clearly. So go for the most bright screen you can.

Salim

 

a member name skippy911 did a carpc in his rx300

 

Thanks sgv_bum I was able to find this from skippy911.

 

And this other shot of his work. It kinda looks like he did a quick job. I'm going to be mounting it in the same location.

 

Thanks Salim, thats something I will be looking for a bright screen. Good to know.

 

Today I started to take things apart. Notice I am using my original center w/o the GPS. Just in case it goes wrong I will still have my GPS functional. Front shot with all the guts taken out. Pnyboy27 is right, I'm going to utilize that opening for the CD/DVD. And I will take his advice and block out all the radio buttons since I don't need them.

 

This is the back shot, notice there is plenty of room to work from.

 

The LCD measured up. Note: Its probably a 5inch viewable size.

 

The LCD measured on an angle.

 

What do you think a 7inch or 8inch LCD? A 7inch will require less work, but an 8inch I will have to do more cutting but it would be a better viewable size.

 

yea..that does look good. i think thats a perfect spot to put your cd slot. so 7" would fit no problem..not bad. but i think it looks pretty small in there. i would probably opt for the bigger 8". more viewable area, and imo..i think it would look more appealing.

for those who dont know what he was talking about when he mentioned what i said..heres a quick chop i did for him of how it could look like:

http://i30.tinypic.com/14bqr1z.jpg

and it does look like you have A LOT of room to work with back there too! you could do so much there. even add a fingerprint scanner, or create a little slot to hold a bluetooth wireless foldable keyboard. theres so many options for you to choose from for your project..good luck with it! i know you you'll have a fun time making it.

 

I will get an 8" LCD and then I will start with the cutting and fitting. It looks kinda small in there but the closer I cut towards the front it gives me a bigger area to work with. Hey Sean do you have glare problems with yours?

 

only when i have the cover for the moon roof open..it doesnt bug me too much. also..sometimes when the sun is shining through the sides. otherwise..its okay. im going to try the 3m film upgrade soon though. i just didnt have enough to go with the transflective option..or the brighter display version

and yea..moving the 8" screen more forward would make it look bigger. it looks so small when its farther in

 

Moving the screen further in provides more hood over it and reduces glare and needs less brightness. So you will have to compromise.

Nuvi760 and higher have a very bright screen and require no hood. You my like to investigate, who makes the screen for Garmin and if they can be used to display pc output.

Salim