Hey guys i have a 2003 350z Enthu and ive been researching all the threads on the 'z pc'. I came to a conclusion that its just a mini computer with alota of cool software, So i took my laptop and car to a mod shop that i know and asked them if i can hook up my laptop to a lcd screen ? He said as long as youre laptop has a 'S' video out jack then you'll be fine. So i said how much he said with the screen and the install youre looking at 350.00 i said do it. So today is monday i have a 3:30 apt to have it installed but before then i bought a earthmate gps for 119.00 and installed it on my pc, Im going to have them custom mount the ant to.So the reason of this thread is ' have a laptop or old pc'? Maybe you might be saving a little money by useing it?

I'll Post pics as soon as the car is done....GussZ

 

The S-Video output has much lower resolution compared to the VGA output.

Because of the lower resolution you'll have difficulties seeing small type (fonts) which is important for GPS applications.

See www.mp3car.com for more information.

Good luck!
NissanCar

 

I've tried S-video before and the only thing that it's good for is watching dvd's.
Doesn't your laptop have vga out?
Most laptops have it so that you can use an external monitor.

 

Is the S-video resolution limitation because of the monitor input, or is it a function of the S-video output from a computer???

 

Like the guys above said, YOU WILL NOT LIKE WHAT YOU SEE WITH S-VIDOE. should use a VGA lcd screen. anyhing less is ONLY good for DVD. I know this from experience.

 

and the other problem is laptops are rather expensive, and run very hot. plus they are rather expensive, I built a PC for 500$ that would probably cost 2000 in laptop form. of course you have the laptop screen, but you cant use it. your paying for stuff you dont NEED.

however if you had the laptop laying around, then by all means, nothing wrong with it. another idea that was thought up a while ago(your not the first to ask this question) was to use a docking station. then you can remove the laptop when you want without undoing the connections.

 

I currently have this solution installed...the laptop with docking station. It works great. I keep it under the passenger seat. I don't have any heat issues...or any issues for that matter. I too had a laptop just hanging around doing nothing and it's fast as hell. The other advantage is I'm not losing out on any space. I however, use a VGA screen...the Xenarc 700TS. It works and looks great. I just gotta find a good piece of software that runs my music, GPS, etc. All the ones I've tried suck and there's no demo version of the Z 'interface'. Anyway, good luck man.

 

Eh, if Best Buy hadn't sold out of those $500 laptios this Friday before 6:30, I woulda had me a FINE in car laptop.. *sigh*

Well, jsut got the headunit on ebay, so screen and laptop is next!