CarMac, Progress Options

[tomazws]

Over the years, I've been researching on the best way to assemble a carputer into my car. Though, I've had my mind on Macintosh and nothing will change my mind to using a PC
Recently, I just started collecting hardware needed for a CarMac. Once I get my car back from the body shop (getting its damage fixed), I will start putting these things in. Comments, recommendations, questions, criticisms all welcome.

First of all, I am NOT going to watch DVD on this thing (Well that's what I say now.......). I just like the look of the iTunes music library displayed in album covers mode. Well, plus my current CD player is not working. Purchased like 2 or 3 stock Toyota CD players and NON OF THEM WORKS. Since I wanted an OEM look, I don't want to purchase those aftermarket CD players since they all look super fancy and out of place. I want this screen to blend into the double din. I want it to look boring from the outside, and shocking when the machine is turned on.

As for the hardware, instead of using a desktop, I went for the notebook route. I want the computer to be easily removeable. Slide it in, pull it out. Below is the computer I got from searching on Craigslist last year. The computer was dirt cheap because of the display problem. That's ok, I don't need the screen anyway, gonna remove the lid later so the computer won't always hibernate.

Computer: Apple iBook G3 600MHz PowerPC / 384MB SDRAM w/ LCD Backlit Problem - $150.00 (Used, Craigslist)


As for monitor, I kept my eyes on eBay everyday searching for the best deal, I finally found this for a fairly low price:

Monitor: Lilliput EBY701 7" Touchscreen LCD - $190.00 (New, eBay)


Monitor comes with car DC/DC adapter:


Installed the newest OS X and software updates:


This is what the screen looks like in light. Semi glossy screen might have reflection problems in the car...


In night time. Screen doesn't have day/night mode. This is iTunes in album covers mode. Pretty ain't it?


Usually, to assemble a carputer, a DC/AC converter is required tapped stright from the car battery. Some might survive crank, some might not. Not surviving crank will cause your computer to restart and waste time, might even damage your files too. With a Laptop, I will never have that problem with its internal battery. DC/AC converter is also not required with the wide support of aftermarket cigarette lighter DC/DC adapters.

Computer Power: Kensington 70W DC Power Adapter for Apple Notebooks - $20.00 (Used, Amazon)


That's about it for now... Next I will need to get:
DC Power Splitter (1 cigarette outlet into 2, or even 4, 5, 6...)
Amplifier (Audio-out from the laptop is too weak)
And I'll have to mould the screen to fit it into the double-din...

I'm getting my car back late this week Hopefully....

This post has been edited by tomazws: May 15, 2007 - 12:27 PM

[Culpable04]

I feel lousy and am sick, so my head is foggy... but where does the stereo go then if you have the display in the double din spot?

why would you need a stereo when you have itunes at your fingertips ?


don't forget to get a GPS antenna for GPS capability, are you planning to install one of those external DVD/CD drive ? I think that'd be perfect.

[tomazws]

I feel lousy and am sick, so my head is foggy... but where does the stereo go then if you have the display in the double din spot?

The laptop and touchscreen replace the stereo.

don't forget to get a GPS antenna for GPS capability, are you planning to install one of those external DVD/CD drive ? I think that'd be perfect.

I will definitely look into the GPS stuff (though that might make me change my mind to using a PC instead).

you either have to make a custom slot or not use one at all.... i had a car pc in my old ST, its now in another 6gc.net users car.... just so everyone does know... you do not have to remove the screen from the casing... by cutting a little more plastic... you can get the entire screen and casing to fit... therefore keeping the warranty and having access to all the buttons... and if done right... the original clips will hold the screen in place...

You are so right. But the screen you installed is a Lilliput 629! The screen I bought is a Lilliput 701 and the buttons are on the side of the LCD casing. In order to fit the entire casing, I will have to chop off the Celica center panel's clip.


BTW guys, my friend's 701 screen cracked and he bought mine. So I went to Lilliput (they're in La Puente) and bought a 619 (Similar to pittfirefighter's 629). I talked to the lady (she looks pretty nice, too bad she has a husband ) at Lilliput and she said the 701 is cheaper but the touch screen is not as good as the 619 and 629. Also, 701's TFT panel is no-brand (no wonder my friend's broke), and the 619 and 629 are Hitachi screens.

I will try to fit the 619 into my double din as pittfirefighter has suggested. We'll see how that goes.