That's not what this thread is about... the new Mac mini goes for $499 which is a lot cheaper than any other mac. Plus the form factor is now a perfect size for in car computing.

 

sweet!!!
did you have any problem running the XP software on the MAC? speedwise? My current nav is windows based. Also, which version of the Xenarc do you have? serial connector or the newer USB?

 

I figured there would atleast be a couple of Mac ppl on this board...

Just a quick soapbox for my Mac:
I've never had my Mac bluescreen(crash).
I no longer have to deal with virus threats or spyware. (don't think you've got spyware on your Windows machine... guess again).
The current uptime on my Mac is well over a month, my Windows box at work, which is a smokin' machine cause I'm in good with the IT peeps, I have to reboot it atleast once a week due to poor resource (memory) handling among other slowdown issues.

Like I said, you don't know until you make the switch. Macs attract those that know attractive things when they see them.

I'm a designer, photographer and programmer.

There is GPS software out there for the Mac, you just gotta look.

Look forward to seeing some Mac-Zs out there shortly...

 

Yeah, too bad most Mac users can't go with Virtual PC :-p You can't do it *all* on a Mac

 

Lets stop with the Mac VS PC thing already. It gets tiresome after a while.

For a car based PC, the only thing the mac side is missing IMO is decent GPS software. I really don't see a need for a dashboard app, when you can use the dock. Virtual PC is garbage. That thing is just a memory hog. Plus video playback is horrific. I don't think any 3-D or bird's eye view navigation would work well under it.

As for big fingers, why don't you guys just use a stylus pen? No fingerprints on the screen and it's no extra work at all.

If the mac mini was out when I started my car PC project, I would have used it in a heart beat. Nothing would make me smile more than hearing the startup chime coming from my car speakers when I turn on the ignition.

 

http://www.macworld.com/news/2005/01...auto/index.php

Company is going to offer Mini macs for autos soon. You know, if this catches on, decent GPS software can't be too far behind!

 

I've thought the same thing about the mac startup sound, would love to hear it when my car turns on. Btw, I've got the alpine iPod interface already it's only matter of time till I install an in car Mac...but maybe wait for a G5 that fits in a small form factor (i.e. after they've resolved cooling problems).

 

Anyone that eventually tries to do this, with any kind of Mac - PLEASE post pics and info! I think by the time I am ready to do the computer setup in my car (It will be last after I handle the subs/amp), someone will have done this I hope...

thanks.

 

Route 66 http://www.66.com/route66/index.php

It's not perfect, but it does a pretty decent job.
Price is right too -- $40. I've used it to plan trips to Atwater, CA and Topeka, KS.

 

No problems running XP. Speed is fine. Watch the videos on the Picture link on Mac-mobile.com, it's at the bottom.

I have the USB model.