If you were to put one or the other in your car which would you put and why?

My thoughts right now are that you can do a lot more with a mac mini... but interface and power will be less convenient for daily use. Whereas ipod video will be good for the daily commute etc, but will have degraded video quality and is limited to music and video.

My primary use for this would be music and video anyway... but I can put in DVDs in a mac mini, as well as use nav programming.

I have the mini already, which I got for use in my bedroom as a mini media center for music and dvds on an LCD. But as I haven't got the LCD yet anyway, I'd have no problems just putting it in the Z.

On the other hand, ipod video's aren't too expensive either so I don't mind picking one up if that's the better option.

 

I am not a Mac guy but I know the Mac Mini has been used in Zs. I believe there is a DC-DC power supply for them to work in the car. MP3car.com has a Mac forum that may have some answerers for you on power supplies, software etc.

Both will need some way to get sound into the HU so expect to pay between 25 to 50 for a so-so sounding FM transmitter/modulator or go with a new HU that has aux in or iPod in depending.

There are pros and cons to both setups:

The iPod setup will be inexpensive and reliable but limited because it will only do iPod stuff. Figure the iPod for 300.

A computer on the other hand can do a lot more but is not for everyone. Even with the CPU in hand you will still need to set it up, integrate a screen and load it up with software. A screen will run you between 275 to 400 plus a navi cubby for around 275 and how to make the motors work is still a mystery. So if you like to tinker with things, this might be the option for you.

I see the CarPC as the ultimate mod because I can spend loads of time modding the interface for free with photoshop, adding new features and not even get greasy.

This thread here is only a few days old on CarPC stuff, not exactly the same as a Mac Mini but some of the integration stuff still applies. https://my350z.com/forum/audio-and-video/179145-carputer-in-car-pc.html

Chris

 

well I've already got a touchscreen to go in there and the P1900 (DC DC power supply). And no way would I use an FM xmitter. I'd just plug into the aux RCA. Which is no big deal.

There aren't any issues with the parts/install... my issues are with the utility of a computer vs the ease of an ipod juxtaposed with the versatility of the mac mini and the fixed features of the ipod. Know what I mean?

 

That mini would be a choice setup. Since it has no fan you have to vent
the area very well so it doesn't deep six. You could get a wireless
keyboard and connect to the internet with your cell! Nice!