What software do you guys recommend installing for the in-car PC? Everything from a media center, to navigation, tell me what you've found to be the most useful/stable.

 

I'd recommend Microsoft Streets & Trips for navigation. I have it with my laptop and it works great. (I use it when not in my Z, my Z has factory navigation). For under $100, you can get it along with Microsoft's very own USB GPS module. (http://www.microsoft.com/streets/Pro...s.aspx?pid=001).

As far as media center, I, myself, would prefer an all-in-one solution. What I mean by that is I'd want a program that can do music as well as video. So if you choose to use Windows Media Player 10, be sure you have plugins to play DVD's. That way you won't have to worry about a separate DVD playback software. Winamp is also a great choice since it is capable of video playback whether DVD's or DIVX encoded AVI files. I think WMP 10 would be easier to navigate, view, and manage when using a smaller screen in an in-car PC.

I, at one point, built an in-car PC prototype to be installed in my old Mustang but never got around to it. These were just some of the ideas I had in mind for a custom incar PC setup.

Check out this for some more details and a video showing off one guy at Microsoft's in car PC -- http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=27596.

 

What would you recommend for just music, I am going to start building mine basically only to play mp3's. What software is easy enough to navigate 15k songs. I use Itunes on my pc now and I coundlt see that working well in a car

 

For media player, I like Zoom Player. It plays all file formats to include .ogg/vorbis.

For gps/nav, I have a belkin bluetooth device. I know a few people that like MS Streets.

 

I am actually using MS Streets & Trips now, but it doesn't do voice. I tried the DeLoris software, but their maps are innacurate with the GPS coordinates. I tried Routis, but the problem with them is that everytime I enable the GPS antenna, the computer restarts lol. So now I'm looking for a better navigation software that people like on here. Or maybe MS S&T does voice, and I just didn't find it?

As for media center, I meant something more like MediaCar, or FrotoPlayer which are essentially operating systems for in car PC's.

 

I honestly don't think that would be too practical. There's a lot to consider when building an in-car PC (input devices, boot-up times, power supply, wiring, etc.) and if ALL you are looking for is way to play 15,000 MP3 files, you're much better off with something like an iPod.

I'm going to be getting a 40gb iPod (4th gen) for Xmas this year and I plan on hooking that up to my upgraded BOSE system to pump out all of my music. 40GB is more than enough to accomodate your 15k worth of music!

 

I use this with an Emachine for MP3s at home with a 15 inch touchscreen. works really well.

It also can be customized with your own colors for backgrounds and it is pretty easy to learn it without any manuals.

I have 900 discs with 10K+ songs. Album art are just jpgs stored in the folder.

I love this program for music only. And the price is right.
FREE


http://www.overnighttech.com/product..._overview.html

 

You might want to check out www.mp3car.com they have an extensive forum on front ends for Car PC's. Once you get there check out the software forum for FrodoPlayer, MediaCar, MediaCruiser and NeoCar Media center. They are all free, fully skinnable and customizable, they are capable of doing everything from playing MP3's, DVD's, External Apps (ie OBDII Software) etc...etc...etc....

 

Oh, forgot to add that most are designed with a Touch screen in mind for ease of use. I'm in the process now of building a PC and relay board for my Roadster and writing custom App to control McGyvers Windscreen kit which I will incorporate into one of the front ends mentioned above (haven't decided yet). The PC will also have a permanent OBDII connection so I can perform rolling Dyno's with AutoEnginuity's Speed Trace software.

 

Thanks

 

I found that MediaCar does pretty much everything I need it to do.
For Nav, I use Iguidance 2.0 mated with Delorme Earthmate USB gps puck. It does pretty much everything I need and touch screen friendly.
running on Win XP

 

I Got MediaCar. you can choose the skin that you want, and there is a copper Z. Works great and i love it.

 

I have tried a few... and frodoplayer is by far the best.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=47

for GPS, Routis or Iguidance are also the best for touchscreens.

Read around at MP3car.com, everything you need to know about in car PC's is there.

 

Here's what I use:

iguidance v2.0 for navigation
it's awesome.. I live in Boston.. the land of the big dig and constant new roads and detours but iguidance seems to know all of them!?!<-- how'd they do that? It has voice and a good UI(although fonts are a little small).. there is a 3D view which is neat and day/night auto switching (map turns dark colors at 6pm) .. reroute processing is extremely fast.. I just wish teh voice wouldn't sound angry when I make the wrong turns LOL.
http://www.inavcorp.com/products/iguidance2.html

MS streets and trips 2005
I bought it and installed it because it was like $30 with a rebate.. but the map screen is way too small to be useful on a small car screen.. and there is no voice. I never really use it..

WinXP SP2
because it has the most software and best peripherals compatibility..

MediaCar
although Coyote stopped supporting it, the version that's out there is excellent and will do pretty much everything you need..
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=36

WinAMP
MediaCar uses it to play MP3s and mpg movies.
http://www.winamp.com

Digimoto OBDII software
Awesome when it works but there are a couple of annoying bugs.. When you come out of hibernation the Elmscan box can't be recognized until you reboot. Everytime I enter the software I have to re enter my settings for vehicle weight.. etc.. a pain..
http://www.digimoto.com/

MAME/Gens/zsnes
Thousands of games nuff said
http://www.mameworld.com
http://gens.consolemul.com/
http://emutastic.emulation64.com/zsnes/zsnes.htm

--mike

 

I would also check linux and its software. They have a lot of speciality software. And the OS comes with a TON of stuff already.