Laptop + wireless mouse + LCD monitor = CarPC?

[telwyn]

Then you just need to pop a verizon or sprint aircard in the netbook that's tucked away and you're good to go for full internet on the road (except in truly rural areas, of course).

Not exactly needed for an ExPo, but I've streamed movies once or two via NetFlix this way on a netbook for the kids.

 

[angusdevil]

Why not just buy a netbook for $250 (or get one from Verizon for $199 and get the broadband as well) and mount it up. Quick, easy and simple.

Here is what I did last week.

 

[rugbier]

Why not just buy a netbook for $250 (or get one from Verizon for $199 and get the broadband as well) and mount it up. Quick, easy and simple.

Here is what I did last week.

Nice,

What mounting system are you using and do you have a car adapter or is it plugged to an inverter?

 

[saburai]

That is a no go

Why not just buy a netbook for $250 (or get one from Verizon for $199 and get the broadband as well) and mount it up. Quick, easy and simple.

Here is what I did last week.

Nice set up. I like it.

BUT He already said that he didn't want to do that...

 

[soonenough]

Why not just buy a netbook for $250 (or get one from Verizon for $199 and get the broadband as well) and mount it up. Quick, easy and simple.

For these reasons:

...I have a new HP Mini netbook, and I thought about buying a RAM Mount to mount it to the passenger seat, but they seem kind bulky, not to mention expensive. Plus I don't really want to mess up a brand new laptop with dust, grease, scratches, etc. It just seems a lot less intrusive to have a 7" or 8" screen mounted to the side of the console...

...The main reason is that I don't want to have a bulky computer taking up space in the front of the cab. Although it's a small computer, I just see the netbook plus the Ram Mount being a PITA. Not to mention I can get a screen for cheaper than I can get a Ram Mount, and the screen can be used with any computer I ever own...

...removing (and then re-installing) a small screen and its mount should be pretty easy, considering all you're removing is the screen and a small mounting arm. For a netbook, you're having to mess with the netbook and the entire Ram Mount (I've never used one, so it might be easier than I think)...

...if the laptop is mounted out of sight, it can be left in the car the majority of the time, and the little screen and it's mount can be stored in the console, glove box, etc when not in use. But for a Ram Mount and a netbook, they'd probably have to be stored somewhere else when not in use...

...all you'd be dealing with (as far as cord management) is one USB cord. With a netbook on a mounting platform, you're dealing with a power cord, the cord from the GPS, etc...

:sombrero: That is a really nice-looking install though. Believe me, it's tempting to just buy a Ram Mount and call it a done deal. Especially when you could have a 10.2" screen to look at for nav :drool:

Then you just need to pop a verizon or sprint aircard in the netbook that's tucked away and you're good to go for full internet on the road (except in truly rural areas, of course).

Now THAT would be sweet, and but I think they're around $60/month with a 2-yr contract, which is too steep for me. If I basically lived on the road, it'd probably be worth it though.

 

[muddyluxury]

You have a few options when running dual monitors,

yes you can set up mirroring, then both displays show the same, easiest.

or you can set up display spanning, where you extend the desktop to the second monitor. windows remembers the things you do, if you place short cuts to your programs you use all the time on the second display, and you turn off auto arrange they will stay there. also, open the program and before maximizing it, drag it to the second screen and it will go back there every time you open it.

to disable the computer shutting off when you close the lid, go to desktop>properties>screen saver tab> power options and change it to 'do nothing when i close the lid'

to solve the power on power off issue, you can set in the bios 'on ac power' option to resume. that will turn the computer on everytime you start the car.

for shutdown you can make a short cut to shutdown.exe and put it on the second screen, then just click it and watch the computer shut down.

 

[robert]

I'm just thinking out loud as I'm thinking of doing something similar myself, but why not get a double DIN install kit, install your stereo on the bottom (assuming you have an aftermarket stereo or you'd need one- better quality anyways) and a pop out single DIN touchscreen on top. There are a lot of Chinese imports out there (they're all made in China anyways it seems) for under $3-350.

Install kit:
http://shop.tacotunes.com/product.sc?productId=25&categoryId=14

I like the idea of a separate stereo for better quality sound as well as being able to see/use it while the GPS is operating. The computer would run into the stereo and function like an MP3 player with the touchscreen used for controlling it when needed. I'd also figure a fingertip stylus would work better for use in a vehicle.

I may be wrong, but it seems like it should work.

 

[haven]

If you don't have a laptop to disassemble for the project,
consider the Fit-PC2, billed as the smallest PC system unit:
http://fit-pc2.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

The Fit-PC2 measures 4" x 4.5" x 1.05" and runs off 12V
power. Aside from the tiny size, it's a vanilla netbook design,
using the Intel Atom Z530 cpu, US15W support chipset and
Phoenix BIOS. Video link is DVI. There is space inside for a
2.5" SATA HDD or an SSD.

There is no Bluetooth built in, but with six USB ports in the
Fit-PC2 case, you can afford to spare one for a $10 Bluetooth
adapter for your wireless keyboard.

Chip Haven

 

[saburai]

Wow! That lil' thing is the shiznitz:sombrero:

If you don't have a laptop to disassemble for the project,
consider the Fit-PC2, billed as the smallest PC system unit:
http://fit-pc2.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

The Fit-PC2 measures 4" x 4.5" x 1.05" and runs off 12V
power. Aside from the tiny size, it's a vanilla netbook design,
using the Intel Atom Z530 cpu, US15W support chipset and
Phoenix BIOS. Video link is DVI. There is space inside for a
2.5" SATA HDD or an SSD.

There is no Bluetooth built in, but with six USB ports in the
Fit-PC2 case, you can afford to spare one for a $10 Bluetooth
adapter for your wireless keyboard.

Chip Haven

 

[angusdevil]

Nice set up. I like it.

BUT He already said that he didn't want to do that...

Wooooops! I must have missed that, sorry.

Nice,

What mounting system are you using and do you have a car adapter or is it plugged to an inverter?

I made the mount myself because I wasn't goin to pay the money for a ram mount and nobody really makes exactly what I was looking for. Cost me about 12 bucks to make. I also made a car adapter for it for a few bucks with parts from Radio Shack.

 

[skysix]

Amongst all the (interesting but beyond me) technical posts I missed what software to run in the laptop that supports both on and offroad/topo yet doesn't cost a fortune for each state...

 

[pcampbell]

My preference...

Topo USA 8.0

 

[Elliot Press]

Also, consider that most laptops go to sleep when they are closed. If you mounted it somewhere, you'd probably want to defeat the button that senses the top being closed.

All you have to do is set it to stay on in the Power Settings in Windows.
Piss easy to do.

 

[off-roader]

I know you said you'd rather not mount a laptop into your dash but depending on the setup of your dash there are some intriguing possibilities.

On my Montero this is what I was able to accomplish...


The mount itself is made using 1/16" aluminum plate cut and bent as required. On my mount the bends were easily made using a hammer and table edge.


There are 2 wires connected to the laptop (power + usb gps) however I could have also used a bluetooth gps to reduce the wires but frankly having the 2nd wire for the gps is really minor.

HTH.

 

[arz]

lilliput monitors are pretty decent. 7" and touch screen for under $200

http://www.amazon.com/Lilliput-EBY7..._5?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1268169968&sr=1-5