Well, i just got done with my Carputer. Wasn't nearly as hard as you would think. And it definitely cost much less than you think. Oh, and i have a 1998 SC300, which if you were wondering, have the dual amp setup, just like all the older models.

My setup consists of:
Intel BLKD201GLYL Mini ITX board, it's old, i know, i got it used, but i managed, and it worked well.
1GB DDR2 ram
M2-ATX Power Supply
A Mobile Computing Systems Mini ITX case
Lilliput EBY701 7" touchscreen monitor
20GB IDE HDD
And eventually, a USB 5.1 soundcard

Software consists of Windows 7, and Centrafuse Auto.

As you can see, i didn't even upgrade my factory sound system, as i managed to integrate my setup with it, making this much more of a budget build. And why try to upgrade something that already sounds great? So, to all those who have wondered, you CAN put in a CarPC and integrate it with your factory components, and it will sound good.

I'll upload some pics and a somewhat of a DIY later (it's cold and dark outside).

Oh, and something that i found that made this so much easier....






-Carlo

 

Pic of installed toy! =)

I'm just wondering why didn't you use a SSD, or a 16gb USB flash drive?

 

^ where were those diagrams when I needed them? Jeeze, I ended up buying an aftermarket amp cuz I couldnt figure that out without a diagram. Oh well.

I actually just got back from the garage after reinstalling some of my drivers/programs. We'll see how far I can get tmrw before I have to start studying for my exam.
I'm stuck on installing the Creative 5.1 soundcard at the moment. Everything is hooked up/installed properly, but there's still no sound coming from it. Obviously some kinda setting in Windows I gotta figure out.. (if anyone has an idea what I need to do lemme know!)
Looking forward to seeing your setup. If all goes to plan I'll finally be able to post up my carPC thread by the end of this week as well.

 

This is awesome! Great post, I always wanted to build one but havent really had the motivation and this just kicked my interest back in.

 

dam windows 7 is bangin ... i dont even have that at home yet :/

 

+1 for the pics. and a write up. I'm looking to install mine as well,

DO IT!!!

 

Good job and hope you enjoy it.

I wanted full touch screen, 10 inch working area, IOS was the only operating system I wanted to have, full internet capability on the go. No brainer.......... iPad with an A/V out connector.

My BMW:

 

That wat I was planning to do, I'm just waiting for andriod tablet to get cheaper under $100.

 

Klaus: OLT, who never met a sponsor he wouldn't push, has a huge ipad in his windshield.
Darrell Waltrip: I think ClubLexus will black-flag him for that.
Klaus: He sold the windshield!
OLT: This ipad is dangerous and inconvenient, but I do love apple products!

 

Laughable.

 

This is how drive to the snowboard mountains...Ipad fit perfect behind that lil lip

 

Put up some pix Carlo!!!!

 

Sorry guys, i'll take some after school.

I just wanted to see how easily a carpc could be achieved. So me, a 17 year old, that managed to have $300 bucks saved up, and acquired some general electrical knowledge, pulled it off. =)

I'll write up a somewhat DIY later tonight or maybe tomorrow.

And SCenforcer, on the bright side, you now have a new amp =) but i'm having issues with my sound as well, i need to install a newer driver to make use of the line in and mic in jacks so i can have 5.1 sound. I'm hoping a newer driver will solve this (seeing as my old motherboard is well, old). I might just buy a USB soundcard if that fails.

I like the ipad, but i wish there was a decent way to integrate it into the car. Cause now 7 inches is looking very small.... Lol.

 

I'd love to be able to do this with a windows embedded setup on an SSD, but I don't centrafuse will run on CE. It would give it more of an OEM look and feel though. That's the one thing that's held me back on carPCs is the "non geek" factor- having to boot up a computer and start up programs to jam out and listen to GPS isn't totally ideal. I'll have to get over to MP3car and see what developments they've made lately

EDIT:
Okay scratch that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87LHizlgDQk

NOW we're talking.

 

Just buy a nettop and hook it up to an indash

http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-3016-1D...257200-4340264