I know this is kinds a odd thing to ask but, I know this is the place to ask it. I was thinking of putting a computer in the boot of my MINI. I was thinking of useing the newer case such as this one...
This would let me setup a full computer, while not taking up much space in the back. Here...
Then, all my controls would be with a wireless keyboard and mouse kept under the front seat. Now this would be simple becasue of the power outlet already in the back, but, the problem I am haveing is how to mount a small LCD screen in the front so that it's readable and see-able, but still does not get in the way. (Above, bad rendering, but you get the idea.)
Oh and I must add one feature of doing this would let me have internet in the MINI which would be good for trips and such. ALSO, I would be able to load up the computer with my Mp3's, and be able to get get to a playlist in seconds, and have hours of music at my fingertips. I could but the lcd right under the the toggle switches, but I don't know about it. All I would have to do is run a small wire up to the front for the screen. The only real problem is the screen placement, any ideas? Thanks. -

 

You might look at mounting the LCD on a swivel mount on the passenger side dash, though not on the airbag. That way it is visible, but in the drivers way. Also, you might take a look at http://www.xenarc.com/product/cp1000.html which is a PC that fits in your standard stereo slot. Kind of a fun concept.

Objxs

 

Thanks for the link!- Cool item, but Id like to keep my stero so, we shall see thanks!

 

Yeah, I can understand that. However, I was browsing around and they also have some even more powerful machines that still work on 12V current that can fit under your seat in a very small space. Pretty cool stuff. Probably pretty price too though. Let me know what you decide to satisfy my curiosity for people having lots of fun with their MINIs.

Objxs

 

Yeah, it just depends on how much I can spend, I also want to put a card into it, (The compter) that allows me to connect up to around 4 camera that I could use for the Rally's and races. I could do it with a cube pc, and I can get a bare-bone one for a lot less than many put together ones. We shall see, I just don't know if anyone else has done anything similar?.....

 

First off, why use such a big computer? There are much smaller PCs available now. They get really small. Check this one out at Logisysus.com:




And here's a mountable touchscreen at Mini-ITX.com




Fun stuff though.

Good luck with whatever you do. And be sure to post some pics!!! I'd love to see the setup when you're done.
-Darryl

 

get a widescreen (or small) laptop.
figure out how to disconnect display unit from the rest of it.
find power source (and plug in).
extend cables.
place main unit somewhere inconspicuous.
place display somewhere TOTALLY ROXXOR.
connect aux input to compy audio output.
do the wireless doodad with the keyboard mouse (or disconnect tracking pad and buttons somewhere TOTALLY ROXXOR (you would rule school if you managed to make a shift **** with tracking pad and buttons on it).
RULE SCHOOL ROXXOR!

i think that's feasible.

 

Yes yes. this is all great, I just have to run on small funding. I love the small computer idea, and the tracking, but what If I want to add a differant card or something, I mean I could hook up a hard dirve USB to that small computer, then I would not have to worry about size...yes, yes, Things are getting better and better, Thank you guys, I'm always open to ideas!

 

Also check out this site.

Drivesoft

 

That's stuff's crazy!- awsome though!

 

you could use a powerbook or ibook with a bluetooth keyboard /mouse ( does not require line of sight and a range of 30 ft. so that you could use it outside of the car) and either a bluetooth phone or pc card for wireless internet quicklink check here for car power adapters /bluetooth apple store i use both platforms but have found the bluetooth performance superior in OS X (apple) and just vga or dvi out ( depending on mac model ) to your monitor...or separate the screen and splice intake apart manuals good luck

 

That would work, but I would like it to be integrated into the car more, and, I'm not a mac person, (no offense) but I'm a pc junkie. I like the very small computers but am worried that it will cost me a furtune to get done and compleated. The touch screen idea is cool, but if I can get another 7' LCD for less, I might go with it. Though ebay did have one of the touchscreens for about $286 or something. We will see, I have a few connections with friends at computer stores so I might be able to get a discounted price on one.

 

I was just thinking, If I had a computer that could do it, I could mod almost anything in, On the passenger side, under where the power outlet is, I could create a little box, that would have USB, Firewire, and almost anything else I needed. It would just be diffecult to get to at times, and I like the cleaness of the front, that's why Id like to hide everything in the back or under a seat, and have just one cable coming up for the screen.... Ahh the possiblities!~

 

Try these guys.

DC P4 10"x8"x3.48" http://www.stealthcomputer.com/littlepc_dcinput.htm

6.4" flat panel monitor http://www.stealthcomputer.com/monitors_flat-OEM.htm

 

You could always do an in-dash screen like this one:




It's not motorized, so it's a little bit less... You can find it here http://www.digitalww.com./LCD_TM_701L.htm ... The only problem I can see with this one is that it's not s-video, just RCA, but you can still make it work I think.

Also, check out these people for LCD's... http://store.earthlcd.com/

Hope that helped you out a bit...

 

I hope you don't plan to surf and Motor at the same time

 

Have you considered a new head unit? Some of the new GPS Navigation units, like the new Pioneer, have inputs for aux video sources, you might be able to use this for your display and have some new tunes as well.

 

No, I would never surf and motor at the same time. I would use it mostly for playlists with WMP. I could set up a playlist with hundreds of songs I liked, and never have to change a cd. Plus, I would be able to log right into mapquest.com or something if I needed directions, without haveing a whole seperate LCD- GPS system. I could also access my e-mail on long trips when I take breaks, and host my live MINI webcams from the car. It would just help a lot. I could also take all my files with me when I go to work and such. Never leaving them a home. It would just help with things a bit, but I don't want to compromise the styling inside. ..

 

Old thread, sorry for reviving it but how did it go?

I really wanna do this, I have a Full ATX computer laying around, all I need is how to power it and the touchscreen!

 

This is actually something I am considering doing as well, if I can find a cheaper alternative to the Nav-TV solution to using my Nav display as a monitor. I can rework a PC into the space under the driver's seat to mount much like the Nav computer under the pass. seat. It would be used as the ultimate mp3 jukebox and DVD/DivX/XviD player.

As for power supplies, there are 12 volt-powered ATX supplies available, many of which are smaller than the standard PC ATX formfactor. The VIA Mini-ITX boards have enough processing power for just about any multimedia applications and even some games, and the boards are only about 6 inches square. The boards have all the necessary and common interfaces onboard too.

 

There are PSU's that go on 12v DC-DC but the thing is, there is one that is the "best", called OPUS, but it is only 150W, can it really power a full ATX AMD XP1600+ with a regular 3.5" hdd and other stuff?

 

Not sure, but you're in FL right? How hot does it get inside your car during
the summer? You're gonna need one of these to cool off your CPU..

 

Check this out.

 

A 150 watt PSU would have no problem at all with a AXP1600, a single HDD, a DVD/CD drive, a typical mobo and a midlevel graphics card. Just dont expect it to power a P4EE or Athlon FX51 and a high-end video card.

 

This is what I have laying around;

AMD XP1600+(If it can't be powered, can't you just declock it?)
Full ATX Motherboard(Don't know what model right now as it's at my brothers place)
HDD 3.5" 60gb 5200RPM
DVD-ROM
probably 2 USB units, GPS and maybe something else, maybe Soundcard if the builtin isnt enough
PCI possible?
I have a Voodoo3 card somewhere, and a geforce2 mx400 i think, also got a fx5200 but thats too much for power and computer, no use in there.

Have I missed anything?