Getting my 8 very very soon, and didnt want the standard Nav... I wanted to build on on windows xp... Check out my idea, tell me what you think...

Step one purchase one of these touch screens:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3074062765&category=14946

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38650&item=2455473109

Both come with many many things that could be useful for a car (since they are for a car) includes a car mounting bracket...

Step two buy a GPS kit:
http://www.deluo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DE&Product_Code=GPSLD&Category_Code=
Im not sure if I could type from the touch screen with this, but I have two options when it comes to that... a mini bluetooth keyboard or an on screen keyboard...

Step three would be to buy a cheap ass laptop, that meets the minimum requirements: USB equipped computer
Pentium 166MMX or Mac
32MB of RAM
Windows 98SE/Me/2000 or XP or Mac OS or Linux (Kernel 2.4 or later)

These kind of laptops can be found at a computer show etc for 100 bucks, something a bit better will cost you about 300-350 bucks... I would mount the laptop under the passengers seat and would take it somewhere to be professionaly wired (I dont like opening stuff) so its VERY NEAT.

or get something a little bit better so it can play DVD's etc... Of course for myself I would need two bluetooth adapters because I would want one for my phone and one for the bluetooth keyboard...

I also now see the other thread about the hybrid-pc, and thats also semi doable if you are willing to build a mini-pc, my idea isnt as tech as that with voice prompts etc... I dont have to much knowledge in coding, but am willing to test out anyones codes in my car...

As I am really getting into researching this, here are some suggestions...

Check out the VIA Technologies Embedded group page... http://www.viavpsd.com/index.jsp they make a motherboard that comes with 12v DC/DC on-board. So you can just hook it directly up to the car's system no problem.

Pick your choice of case memory and hard disk.

As far as input goes... you could try buying the stock navigation system "mouse" and hacking it to use it as a 3-button mouse on your in-car computer.

For GPS... there are tons of different GPS software and hardware available. Just search for it on the net. Pick up a PC or PDA GPS system (depending on your OS choice) that has voice prompts built-in already... no coding necessary.

That should give you something simple and easy to drop in your car. What I'm working on is much more involved and complicated, but will be capable of much more than the average car PC or navigation system. Dunno if my plans will work out, but figure I'll give it a shot.

Im having trouble finding the motherboard, which one is it? I like that idea, but how big is the motherboard, I want to keep this as small as possible and the GPS kit that I linked to comes with Rand McNally StreetFinder® and talking software is included, and the moniter I selected is touch screen so u dont need to get the stock navigation mouse... Im wondering if you even read my post...

I think this (http://www.viavpsd.com/product/epia_tc_spec.jsp?motherboardId=201) is what he was talking about.

It's a mini-ITX board, so therefore it is 6.7 inches x 6.7 inches.

On the left-hand side of the page, there are some links to some great sites.

mini-ITX (http://www.mini-itx.com) Is definately worth a look.

Originally posted by jniamehr
Im having trouble finding the motherboard, which one is it? I like that idea, but how big is the motherboard, I want to keep this as small as possible and the GPS kit that I linked to comes with Rand McNally StreetFinder® and talking software is included, and the moniter I selected is touch screen so u dont need to get the stock navigation mouse... Im wondering if you even read my post...

There is no need to be rude. You asked for advice and I offered it. So what if I restated one or two things that you mentioned as well. I added new information as well didn't I? I mentioned GPS in some detail as you mentioned coding. If what you were refering to was a voice recognition system, that is still available for purchase off the shelf and you were not clear about that in your original text.

Also the touch screen may not be the best solution at all times... as such the "mouse" idea seemed like a good one. Even the Pioneer head unit with touch screen comes with an infrared remote. Having a backup is always a good idea.

I have installed in my rover, wen arrive my rx8 i trasfer my computer to her...

http://www.djpico.it/car/1.jpg

http://www.djpico.it/car/2.jpg

http://www.djpico.it/car/3.jpg

http://www.djpico.it/car/4.jpg

http://www.djpico.it/car/5.jpg

http://www.djpico.it/car/6.jpg

http://www.djpico.it/car/7.jpg

http://www.djpico.it/car/8.jpg

http://www.djpico.it/car/9.jpg

http://www.djpico.it/car/10.jpg

How do you input with that system? How much did it cost you total?

hi boy, i have connected the pc to aux in on the car stereo, the total cost for the system are 850 €...

I mean input as in data, or an adress.... keyboard, mouse, touchscreen?