azrael

Just gauging interest..

I'm working on an in-car PC setup for the Z that would include:

- Small form-factor PC
- 7" Touchscreen LCD, mounted in the nav-space
- Slot-loaded DVD drive (installed in the dash under an aftermarket head unit, or in one of the fold-down pockets behind the seats)
- 40+ GB Hard Drive
- Car Power Supply with Voltage Protection and Automatic Power On/Off
- GPS Navigation
- Wireless Networking
- Windows XP
- Wireless Keyboard/Mouse (not necessary for using included media software)
- Custom Media Software:
- Friendly, clean, attractive user interface
- DVD Player
- MP3/WMA/OGG/CD/etc Audio Player
- AVI/WMF/Divx/etc Media Player
- Photo Album
- GPS Navigation Software
- Audio/Video input for PS2/Xbox/VCR/etc

All for well under $2,000.


Extra options would include:
- DVD burner
- Gyroscopic Mouse (www.gyration.com)
- Larger hard drive
- Video capture inputs (for in-car video recording)


I've seen other in-car setups before for various other cars, but most are obscenely expensive ($3,000 or more). I thought a lower-cost setup would be more popular.

I would offer a version optimized for installing the LCD in the nav-compartment in the Z.. or a general purpose one with no LCD mounting hardware for other vehicles.

(I'm also considering a home version that would be a DVD-player sized unit, and support timeshifting, digital video recording, etc, just like a Tivo. It would have a similar price and feature list.)

D@ActiveTuning

iTrader: (17)

I would DEFINITELY be interested. If you included everything needed to install in to the Z, as well as detailed instructions, you could pretty much count me in. Video capture/in would be a must for me, just because I would be highly interested in installed a rear-view camera.

ares

iTrader: (2)

sounds good but doesnt cazzz (I think thats the name) already make this? calls it the Z-PC or something.

the real problem is, half the work isnt in the building of the PC, its in the installing.

azrael

like I said before.. other businesses sell similar devices.. just at a MUCH higher cost.

also.. the key is the software. The in-car software I've seen in the past (mostly Media Engine, free download) is buggy and not particularly attractive or easy to use. To be a functional, usable setup, you need a UI that is responsive and easy to use. Poor UIs distract the driver, which is not acceptable, IMO.

the O.Z.

I would be very much interested.

the O.Z.

I would be more interested in a new GUI. One with a skin made specifically for the Z... and maybe a user editable interface. (like being able to choose which options you want displayed) I know some other GUI's have Z skins already... i'm just saying I like that feature and would like that included on the new one.

azrael

thanks for the suggestions and input. I'll definitely take everything into consideration.

D@ActiveTuning -- a rear view camera is no problem. I'll make sure to have that available as an option.

anyone else have any comments?

stopgo

If you are able to offer this, I'd absolutely buy it. Hell, can I be a beta tester?

chazzg

iTrader: (1)

Our Units start at $800 and go up from there. Soon the New ODB II Units will be out with on board DYNO capability and 1/4 stats (MPH and EST Time). Also coming soon the V 3.0 With up to a 3000Mhz P4 CPU, the fastest in car PC on the planet

chazzg

iTrader: (1)

The V 2.0

mofoz

iTrader: (1)

someone needs to come out with a package that includes the software for on/off and GUI as well as the power hookup to the car and the cables neccessary to connect to the stock nav screen. I'm a big computer guy and have serveral computers that i could put in the Z, but i need the cables and software ect. No GPS but things like hooking power up to car, and wiring into nav unit. Any suggestions or products availible would be great.

chazzg

iTrader: (1)

You can tap into your stock Screen ( http://www.nav-tv.com/main.htm ) but its not easy or cheap( about $1k), and the stock screen is not a VGA Screen so the resolution will be poor. It will be fine for DVDs and such but not good enough for the small text of a PC. All my units come with a simple Interface with custom Skins or the Optional "Talking" 3-D interface Amanda by taylormacintosh.com both have 1 touch on/off or standby modes

mdmike

Yea,

I am in the process of building my own in car PC. You have to check this place out. They have incredible cases that even fit in the NAV/DVD location behind the passenger seat or drivers seat. I would recommend getting a CPU that does not require a fan. Makes for quite operations.

I am building mine based around Windows XP Embedded. The OS and Applications will be on 512Meg flash and the other devices like XBOX and in car camera, cell phone and wireless internet will be connected externally via Firewire and USB2 connections. Plan on using a Laptop hard disk 80gig to store GPS/NAV/MP3 and some of my favorite movies. I have budgeted 1200. I will let you know how it goes. My budget includes a Touch Screen LCD as well.


http://www.cappuccinopc.com/mochae7042b.asp

Check it out.

Mike

mdmike

If your not into building it yourself they also have package deals with System board and boat load of stuff already configured. I am going to put my on System board Processor, Drive, Memory, Flash and other periphials in mine to keep the cost down. Plus I love DIY projects

Mike

Great site for small form factor Mother boards.


http://www.cappuccinopc.com/mochae5042b.asp

http://www.commell.com.tw/

RedWingNut

I would not purchase such a system if it had a Microsoft OS on it. Please consider doing it with the much more powerful, stable and secure Linux OS. SuSE is the best choice.

Dr Bonz

iTrader: (1)

Hey Chazz! As one of your VERY FIRST testers, I assume I get a HUGE break on upgrades RIGHT????

chazzg

iTrader: (1)

I don't know about HUGE, But you will get a good Deal. Are you wanting to Upgrade soon? I know you will want the NEW ODB II, I have coming out, it is very cool.

Dr Bonz

iTrader: (1)

I don't know, depends on what you have out and how much it'll cost and how much of a headache it will be to put in.

PainProphet

iTrader: (1)

here's another mini pc: http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/handhelds/5d5b/