I am planning to install a PC in the car. What are the areas that I need to look at?

The purpose of it is for videos, musics and GPS navigation. At 1st i wanted to just to install normal player in the car of watching dvd, but a good Head Unit with the LCD cost at least RM1000. Therefore, if i can install a low-end computer in the car, i will able to play whatever format of videos and musics through th PC.

Thanks in advance for any advices.

first is the vibration the vibration or shock can kill ur hardisk easily.. second is the power consumption... u need extra power? and some modification to be done so that the transformer ll no longer change ac to dc again since the car is running on dc.. a lot of stuff need to be done..while the reliability is low so its not recommended actually

Thank you very much for your reply. I have been surfing sites regarding on installing PCs in their car. Most of the them shows good reviews. I have checked on www.mp3car.com and also www.audiopce.com. Their projects are magnificent.

There is also a type of power supply, M2-ATX PSU which performs quite well, in fact very well for Car PCs. Notebook Hardisk usually handles shock and vibration better than 3.5" Hardisk, so i think i will be using a notebook hardisk in the system.

This post has been edited by vincent_ng86: Nov 27 2007, 09:06 PM

how using power inverter? 300W will it be sufficient?

You mean is the power supply good enough to provide 300W? The PC is mainly use for videos, musics, and GPS Navigation, so I don't think it will consume 300W.

http://www.google.com.my/search?q=M2-ATX+P...lient=firefox-a

This post has been edited by vincent_ng86: Nov 27 2007, 09:05 PM

the power inverter is made of an allu. box with cooling fan and connected to cigarette plug. Output is 230V with 300W usage.

Erm, bro, can't really understand what you are trying to say. The power inverter that you are saying is M2-ATX PSU?

This post has been edited by vincent_ng86: Nov 27 2007, 09:29 PM

notebook hardisk handles shock better becos of the design of the notebook same hardisk different notebook brand gives different outcome.. anyway dude good luck on ur project and do show us with update k?

Thinking of using a notebook & link to the lcd, any guidelines?

Is doesn't relate to ATX PSU. Is just a set of component electrical stuff where it converts your 12VDC from your car power to 230VAC for your computer usage or any electrical appliances in which doesn't exceed 300W or based on their Power Inverters maximum power rated.

Is advisable to get a 2nd hand notebook mounted on for rugged usage.

its possible but that ll dry out the notebook battery kinda fast.. if u play with a notebook b4 u shd notice that notebook video output normally is dead until its activated to preserve some battery.. u have to select the mode in order for u to select which display to be run. but i wonder where u got so many space to put all those thing.. u need a space for laptop and need a space for a lcd monitor.. small lcd monitor normally doesnt run on the conventional CRT monitor input they ll run on S-Video and not every notebook can run on S-Video

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/423503

walao.. that was a fking awesome DIY.

Thinking of using my old notebook which has S-video. Now planning a way to customize everything.

omg,pc inside car

Currently I am acquiring information 1st from audiopce's man in charge. He is really friendly in helping me with all the information that I need. Will plan for the whole project end starting from December. Will try to finish it by Chinese New Year. Wish me luck, mates!

post up pic when u finish ya=P

haha.. dude, great project. wish u LUCKSss!

keep us up to date for ur project ya..

hdd : i never had any problem with normal hdd. i mounted it upward.. it survived bumps, potholes and car crash. no bad memory. but a laptop hdd would be a great addition tho ..

psu : M2ATX is ok enough. u aint gonna use all cpu cycle right ? last time, i play mp3 and open gps .. the cycle are around 40% ..i was using Athlon XP 2000+ and just 256mb of ram .

lcd vise, go for touchscreen . it REALLY REALLY REALLY made ur life easier.

Thanks all of you for the wishes. Will sure upload pictures.

Thank you very much for the priceless advice, coldfusionpower. Started doing all the planning. Hope will be able to be successful.

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Added on January 4, 2008, 8:30 pmDon't think i can work on on the project. Out of budget... Sadzzz...

This post has been edited by vincent_ng86: Jan 4 2008, 08:30 PM