tokenbrit

I have looked, but I was wondering what peoples opinions were with regards to the best (most suitable) budget 12V portable pc system out there. For my needs, size (even raw processing power?) isn't so much of a problem, and I would like to run a full sized monitor (15" tft maybe). I would like to have cd/dvd/gps/wi-fi functionality, but jukebox features are not as important. I don't need/want integrated controls in the car, but would like some sort of infa-red remote functionality.
Anybody out there that can help?

Thanks.

speedweasel

Tokenbrit,

Check out this thread:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/finally-carpc-nice-little-christmas-present-myself-47896/

I personally am looking for a Tablet PC so I get touch screen and all the newer features. I found a few for around $1200 U.S. The good news is that most laptops run on 12V DC to recharge batteries.
Watch out though...you have to double check the specs or you may get a 19V system

Hope this helps!!!

tokenbrit

Good info. And I'll need some time to digest it properly. But I don't want a touchscreen, but a regular monitor. This is because I am trying to create a portable 12V unit that can be used in my boat too (so my car/boat will have different monitors, but the main unit is interchangable). And I don't feel that I want to use a labtop. I want sometjing a bit more unique, and professional looking (and fun to put togeather ). Call me mad if you want, but this is the way I want to go. Has anybody done this??

Any ideas/suggestions appreciated...

tokenbrit

Also, how many speakers could I run off one of these things?? And what would I need to do this?

AND, are remotes available for this type of application??... That would be really nice...

Thanks.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Buy a mini atx system and use a 12V power supply for it....will work perfect. You can buy some very cool boxes for the mini systems...

tokenbrit

Do you have a web address I could use for these?
Do they have remote control functionality too? It would be sweet if they do.
Would there be any problems with hooking up a standard monitor to one of these systems?
And how would I drive (say 8?) speakers from 1 of these.

Thanks for your help.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Couldn't tell you on the audio stuff...I'm way out of practice on that. It's basically a small footprint PC motherboard, with a small case, and a power supply that will run on the car electrical system.

devoid

Build your own, from nearly anything you want.

Here's my computer with a PS2. My screens are integrated into the car though, as well as the trackpad. The keyboard is under the passenger seat.

BlueGrimRX8

As you can see someone posted up a link to my thread. Your best bet is to build your own PC, it is very inexpensive and the sky is the limit on what you can do. The best source of any possible question you could have is www.mp3car.com. Check that site out and I guarantee they will have the answer. If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me as I just got mine finished up on Friday for the show I attended on Sat. Turned out really well!
As far as audio, if you go with the M10000 motherboard you will get integrated 5.1. But your best bet is to get the Audigy 2 External unit. This will help integrate with an amp, but remember the headunit is limited so if you go with Thew's PIE adapter then you may as well just keep the on board audio that comes with the board.

tokenbrit

I'm going to run all the audio through this except radio. 5.1 would be really nice. For this scenario, would I be better going for the M10000, or the Audigy unit? How would you hook up either of these to an amp?

Thanks.

tokenbrit

Bump?

PA_RX8

Here is a link for a great PC remote. It uses RF instead of IF so you dont need to be line of sight(i.e. hide it in the trunk or under your seat.). I Ordered one to test out. If all work well I might do a Car PC as well. Here is the link to the site http://www.snapstream.com/Products/firefly/

Ill Keep you posted on how well it works when i get mine.

Later from Iraq
Corey

BlueGrimRX8

For 5.1 it really depends on how you have things set up. If you are going through the factory headunit, it won't matter because it headunit only takes in Audio through the PIE unit and really doesn't interface with the amp as well as an aftermarket headunit. I have my PC connected directly to the PIE unit and it sounds great! It plays through my amp really well. I would say not to waste the money on the audigy unit and just use the PIE adaptor straight to the PC.

tokenbrit

Nice find. I am curious how the PC accepts the remote signals tho. You'll have to let me know how you get on. And if you become aware of any similiar products.

Thanks.

tokenbrit

I'm going to be running new amps tho. Would this mean that for half decent 5.1, I would be better with the audigy unit?

Thanks again.

Japan8

Not to flame you, but have you taken a good look at the mp3car site or http://www.mini-itx.com ?

The Via M1000 is a motherboard with chip, audio, controllers, etc. built on-board. The Sound Blaster Audigy is JUST a sound car (i.e. audio). They are not mutually exclusive. You must buy a motherboard... Via or another company. That IS your computer. You get the Audigy, either USB or internal PCI Card, to "upgrade" your sound to something better than that provided by the "on-board" (on the motherboard) sound card.

If you plan to keep your headunit (stock stereo) in your car, then it is HIGHLY suggested to just run your computer into that via the PIE unit or Aux unit (which looks to finally be coming out). In that case then NO amps are needed in your car unless you plan to upgrade the stock speakers and/or add a subwoofer.

As far as the boat goes, unless it comes with some kind of audio unit that you can possibly work with, you will need amps and speakers. In this case... what kind of sound do you want? What kind of boat is this? Are you going to be able to watch movies on this boat?

IMHO, anything outside of a laptop or a tablet PC is too complicated to move back and forth. Too many cables and plugs to screw with and TRUST me... do it enough times and you WILL bend one of the little pins in the connector plugs. If you're lucky you won't break off any of the pins. My suggestion is to get a true portable computer, put one in each vehicle OR try something like removable HDD and just build two of everything else.

Japan8

In your car... I say screw the Audigy. Are you EVER going to really watch movies in your car? Honestly... not just the possibility of doing it, but are you actually going to make practical use of it? Many people like to buy gadgets just to be able to say "wow, I can actaully watch tv on my cell phone!" but never actually use those features. Additionally, just because you've got the audigy doesn't end things there... for full 5.1 sound you also need a signal processor. There are only a couple made for the car and they are expensive. Audiobahn makes one I believe and Alpine makes the other. Then you will need to have all the speakers required for 5.1. So to actually implement 5.1 in your car and/or boat, you are talking about the added expensive of the audigy, signal processor, speakers and amps. Is this worth it to you?

Listen to these people's advice... get the PIE or upcoming aux unit and run your PC into that. Simple, much less expensive and sounds good too.

BlueGrimRX8

Here is a link to some good reading. Also if you do a search on that same site you will find more than you could ever want to know about the audigy unit.

Audigy Unit

tokenbrit

Thanks for your advice, but I would like to exolore this option fully. And 5.1. is in the option list. I would like to watch movies in my car, and boat. Some music is also available in 5.1. too. I am considering gutting the stock audio, and starting from scratch. My boat will be exactly the same setup. Ie. - PC, Sound card, Amps, Lots of speakers , and a nice monitor.

Japan8

I thought about 5.1 too. It came up on mp3car as a good way to get better sound without using the audigy. Just running the digital out from the pc to the Audiobahn/Alpine signal processor and then from that to the amps. Just the cost is really prohibitive. Check it out for yourself.

Becareful about gutting the stock audio. If you want a radio, I wouldn't do it. There is NO replacement... yet. There are people on mp3car that are working on a high-end head unit level quality tuner that will integrate with the Via M1000 motherboard and late USB. BUt look at the aux unit and how long it is taking for that... plus problems with suppliers. The same thing is going on here as well as just development issues. So it may be awhile.

My advice is just coming from having REALLY taken a good look at what's out there... done a lot of research (had the time when I was looking for a job :p). Do your own... always value in that. Just trying to save you some time.

devoid

Here's how I did everything you're looking to do (including 5.1):
ASUS P4R800-V Deluxe (ATI chipset with Dual channel DDR, built in ethernet, built in Audio w/optical out, built in composite video out)
I run the optical out to an optical in in the ALPINE system.

Pretty simple, huh? (Well, maybe oversimplified, but that's really pretty much it. It's just the fact that I'm using an ALPINE system I designed.)

Also, the computer stacks up like this:
M/B: ASUS ATI chipset (see above)
RAM: 512MB Dual channel (2x256MB) Corsair DDR400
CPU: Intel 2.8Ghz HT 1MB Cache Extreme Edition
HD: Western Digital 200Gb 8MB Cache
DVD: Samsung DVD CD-RW
Wireless: ASUS 802.11b
Bluetooth: TDK
PSU: OPUS 150W

tokenbrit

Ouch! My head hurts...

tokenbrit

I thought I'd bring this one 'back from the dead'. There must be some new stuff out there now? My install has been delayed, but may happen soon now...
I still want 5.1/DVD/CD/GPS, etc..
Anybody have any updates on the best kit to use, and where I can get it from??

mbkowns

L a m e.... If you wan to know how to tape into the navi screen let me know. I know how to do it with VGA not composite. That extra screen looks lame

tokenbrit

If your trying to look smart, and reply with some humour/knowledge, please take the time to read the post first.

I d i o t.