Hey everybody, just wanted to get some feedback on this. I am not done, and dont have too many pictures, but wanted to know other peoples thought so far.
I added a post to mp3car.com check it out.
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=92991

Hopefully when I do the full install I will have lots of pictures. Enjoy!

Arty

 

Cool...i would like to do this but $$$ (or lack there-of) keeps me!

 

Sweet! I've been considering doing this also, but I must admit I didn't think I would have room for it in my Mini... (I was thinking of putting it in my Honda Pilot )

I didn't realize there are compartments under the seats/carpet (I have never looked). How big are they? Did you take any pics of the install?

One last question: I've been going back and forth on Linux vs. WinXP. Why did you choose WinXP?

Thanks,
Ed

 

Yeah there are compartments under the seats. Mini places certain things down there depending on your options you have for your car. They may put the Nav computer down there or your HK amp. Otherwise they have styrofoam inserts. I know there is a couple of threads on NAM that have the dimensions.

I have not totally installed the carPC yet. I am doing testing in the car where the carPC is just laying on the floor and with the wires hanging out. I plan to take more pics while I install it.

The only reason why I chose WinXP is because of the software availability. But I know there are plenty of software out there that would easily work for a linux carPC. I wanted to use iGuidance and centrafuse and phone control, and they are made for windows. I need to speed up the boot time because currently it is taking ~45 seconds to boot. I know there are alot of things I can do, but havnt gotten that far yet. That will probably be the last thing I do.

I also added some more pictures.

Arty

 

that thing is friggin sweet...awesome job!

 

Very nice dude! Lookin' good :D I can't wait to see the final product.

 

Have some bad news. I planned on installing the rest of the carpc system yesterday. And when I plugged everything to the motherboard, the power supply went haywire. After unplugging it, it looks like 2 chips started to burn. And if that wasn't bad enough, it also fried my motherboard :(
Since I bought my stuff on ebay not sure if the seller will refund my money. So if I don't hear back from them soon, I will have to buy a new motherboard and power supply. Then I will have to wait even longer :(
I will post some pictures soon of some of the install process and the burned chips on the power supply.

 

That sucks. But the end result (so far) is amazing! I've never seen this before - what's the general price range that this sort of install runs (including parts)?

 

I paid ~$1000 and I did the install myself. You could go a cheaper route, but by doing the install yourself and buying your own parts saves alot of money.
If you had a shop build and install it I would guess you would pay at least $3000 if not more.

If you wanted you could put everything together in 1 day, but probably span it out in 2 days with testing.

It has been a fun project. I just want it to get done, but always expect some delays :D