i looked some up on ebay, but it seems like they are for 120w use only. and not 12v

http://www.powersystemsdirect.com/default.php?cPath=27

Ive seen em before. I think it would be neat, but i would rather just have a laptop. I dont really know how useful it would be though

The laptop would be a tad big. This device could be mounted in the trunk like a CD changer, then the controls and monitor are up front, or it could be under neath a front seat. Mouse and keyboard would have to be wireless for sure. Im going to look around some more, see what companies are out there

Ive done the research for you man... shuttle is the best out there.. and they are inexpencive.

ok. and they (shuttle) connect to the cars battery directly and not the cigerete lighter, right?

I like the broken screen laptop idea. The Shuttle looks good, but is a tad large, not to mention he will need an inverter to power it. If you use the inverter, you will be placing a large strain on the alternator - most of it wasted as heat. Think about it, you're stepping 12V up to 110V, only to step it back down to 12V and 5V again. In order to connect the components directly to the vehicle'* power supply and circumvent the PC'* power supply (and avoid using the inverter) you will still need a DC voltage regulator to ensure that you get a precise 12V and 5V (and 3.3V if you use a new school proc). The 13-14V that the alternator puts out when the engine is running would be likely to toast the components very quickly.

If you are handyman inclined, I say find yourself a laptop with a cracked screen, remove all the internals, scrap the stuff you don't need, and build a little box yourself. That way it'll look clean and take up the least amount of space.

Or... get a laptop and pull it'* power supply, youknw, onw of the ones that has 12V in from it'* adapter.

I am going to put a new diy computer in my car once I get some money my way. I'm not sure if it'll run Windows or Linux (prob Windblows b.c i want to use my Treo 600 as a wireless modem...)

Anywho here is what I am planing on setting up:

http://www.ikea-usa.com/webapp/wcs/*...roductId=11091
Ikea metal key box for housing (works really well shockingly enough

http://store.mini-box.com/ituner/carkit.html
This is the motherboard, power adaptor, and Auto Power Sequencer and Low Dropout Regulator i'll be using.

http://www.esskabel.de/English-Site/...Flash-Main.htm
Compact Flash to IDE for hard drive annnnnnnddd....

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...928203-2867039
Take the 5 gig micro drive out of this MP3 player for computer hard drive

For the DVD rom i'm just going to use an old IBM laptop drive i have + IDE converter

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshow...number=205-048
This is going to be the display. I wish i could get a touch screen on but they are $$$$$$ and the smallest i found was 7 inches, just to big for right now.

http://www.iriveramerica.com/products/H120.aspx
For all my music I am going to run a wire to the glove compartment where i'll plug in an MP3 player that shows up as a logic drive. That way it'* a removable hard drive and MP3 player outside the Bonnie.

http://www.airtech.net/gpadeacat2bu.html
As far as inputs go I am going to try to use a touchpad in place of a mouse, prob mount in between the seats just above the shifter.

http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/stowaway-bt.html
and for a keyboard I am going to put bluetooth on the computer and use this keyboard

Also I am going to put USB and Serial port extender so my girl and I are not breaking our backs pluging our phones in for the internet. Also prob going to add GPS (via bluetooth? usb?) ... who knows what else my nerd mind will think of.

Still working out the details... The CPU is passively cooled but i am thinking i'll still put a fan in the case some how. This is going to be cramped when it is all done but i am going to do it!

Timmay

We need pictures when you're done that should be pretty sweet.