Carputer Questions
 

i have heard about a lot of members talking about installing carputers in there cars, but have yet to see one.
I have a few questions
1. What is the best GPS Software to run with Windows XP
2. What is the best Jukebox / Audio Player program?
3. Best DVD Player program?
4. What is the easiest way to power the computer? (Power inverter?)
5. Is there anyway to get regular radio threw your computer or no? If no what are some other options for radio?
6. I also want a 22" lcd monitor to flip down , what would be the best way to mount it?
7. I am getting a 7-10" touch screen and i want to know if there is a program out there that would have like 6 or 8 buttons that i could preset to open up scertain programs when i press them. Kind of like a Carputer Interface?
thx

you clearly have a lot of research to do.

If I were you I would start by searching the forum, as someone here already did/is doing a carputer and some of his threads will answer a lot of your questions. There should also be links in his threads that will take you to places with more info.

mp3car.com has carputers and they are set up for power with your car. http://store.mp3car.com/Car_Computer_Systems_s/25.htm

I can give you some suggestions for a few of your questions.

1) Microsoft Streets and Trips is one of the most popular GPS software packages sold.
There are a couple of different versions for turning a laptop into a GPS.
One version is around $150 - 200 and comes with the antenna, the other is cheaper but no antenna.

2) My favorite is WinAmp but there are lots of different ones.

3) Power DVD

4) This one I'm not sure of. I know that Inverters with 100% clean signal and protection are more expensive than standard inverters. I also know that computers have a DC Power supply so if you could find a way to bypass the AC portion this may be and option.

5,6 & 7 you will have to so some research.

Good luck,
Dutch

thx, i am gonna start doing a lot of research on this
this is gonna be my winter project

Hey, get a Pico power supply:
http://pico-psu.net/
This takes a 12V line, cleans it, and plugs in like a normal power supply to provide clean 3.3V, 5V, and 12V power.

I suggest GOOGLE MAPS!!! If you can wardrive professionally, you're set.

wardrive??

Wardriving is riding around and looking for unencrypted wireless signals. :P

been there done that one. shhhhhhhhh...

I believe the FCC ordains it's all right to use unencrypted signals, but it's illegal to crack into encrypted wireless networks. :pooper: