Josh Battles wrote:
> ""Jason Bleazard"" <dml@bleazard.net> wrote in message
>
>>OK, now I'm intrigued. Jon and I talked about something similar a number
>>of years ago, but never really came up with a fantastic solution. Of
>>course, hardware has gotten considerably smaller since then.
>
>
> Mini-ITX is the new form factor that's best suited for the job. It's just
> under a 6" square (15cm x 15cm).
> http://www.via.com.tw/en/initiatives/spearhead/mini-itx/
> http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=59
>
>
>>What's the preferred hardware solution like for an on-board PC? I'm
>>guessing you'd probably start with a regular power supply, micro ATX
>>motherboard, maybe a laptop hard drive, and an LCD panel of course. Do
>>you house it in a micro computer case, or does the console effectively
>>become the case? Do you have any provisions for a keyboard?
>
>
> They have power supplies that will take the 12vdc you get from your car and
> switch it on/off (while allowing for OS shutdown time too) with the key.
> It'll sense a key on and boot, and sense when you key off and send your PC
> the shutdown signal as well. There's custom software out there that's
> basically a replacement for the explorer shell in windows that will function
> with a touth screen. Some people use the OSK, and others get small
> keyboards off of ebay to use when they need them. I saw a combo travel
> keyboard with a touchpad on it for like $15 that was only like 6 inches
> long.
>
> It seems as though laptop components are the preferred way to go, as they're
> low power accessories that'll perform the same functions as the full voltage
> stuff for your desktop. Guys put wifi cards and all sorts of things into
> these PCs. It's actually pretty amazing what you can do if you're motivated
> enough. I've come across people who have really gone the extra mile and
> done a killer install, but there are still way more hacks out there at this
> point in the game. I've seen some really terrible installs praised for
> being really nice by the online communities, stuff that I wouldn't be caught
> dead doing. You all know me though, I'm incredibly meticulous when it comes
> to that sort of thing. YMMV I guess.
>
> Anyway, I priced out everything that I'd need (minus the laptop parts that I
> can get from work - we're tossing out a ton of old laptops lately) and I
> think it's only going to end up costing me about $400 - $500 for the PC
> parts and another maybe $200 to build the console.
>
>
>>Sounds like a cool project.
>
>
> It sounded that way to me as well, but we'll see if I actually follow
> through with it. I've been wanting to build a console for one since I got
> the truck. I just started shaping teh foam a few weeks ago and once that's
> done it's a crapshoot as to whether I'll actually cover it in glass and put
> something nice together or not.
>
OMGOMG! I <3 joo! u R teh 1337! Is there nothing this man can't do?
Welding, computers, fiberglass, engine build-ups stereos!! HaXoriNg!
U R my heerooo!
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Apr 01 2005 - 00:13:21 EST