Check out VLC for video display. I use it exclusively now, as it plays almost everything I throw at it.

www.videolan.org/vlc

I know this thread is kinda on the old side, but I'd like to make a suggestion too...
Infill G4
It's an all in one double din solution, which means that you're probably gonna have to mod your dash (you would most likely have to, anyways), but it's totally worth it. It's about the best solution for beginners

Re: Carputer Questions
 

1) iGuidance, hands down. its expensive but totally worth it and interfaces to RoadRunner (see below) and is touch screen friendly. Its made for pocketPC's but has a UMPC version (ultra mobile PC for the bigger screens)

2,3,7. Roadrunner (found on the mp3car.com forums) is a "front end" program It uses winamp and powerDVD to do all your music playing and a TON of other functions all wrapped up in a neat little package to make it perfect for touch screen usage.

4) m2-ATX is the power supply i used. Unlike the PicoPSU it can actually power a computer from LESS than 12v (when your power dips or turn off your car) and gives you 160W to work with.

5) Yes they have FM tuners available that will interface to RoadRunner too.

6) I would NOT reccomend such an expensive monitor in your car. It will take up ALLL your headroom and will die quickly with the extreme temperatures. But if you must, mount it on the roof directly to the crossbeams.. thats a lot of weight up there.

8)browse mp3car.com forums. They are unbelievably helpful, but set aside alot of time, there is a TONNNN of info there to sort through and you will get shot down FAST if you ask a question that a million people before you have already asked.


My setup(s)

from most recent to oldest: http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...589&highlight=

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...379&highlight=

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...255&highlight=

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...806&highlight=

My most recent undocumented changes are:
-Changed USB soundcard to a soundblaster X-Fi and will go straight into the amps

Biggest thing that you would never think to worry about and may never have to:
Radio Frequency Sheilding. Everytime i drive by a strong RF source (commercial tv/radio tower or I transmit on high on my ham-radio) my comptuer will turn on and off at will. I think this is a quirk directly related to my motherboard because it acts as if you actually hit the power button repeatedly (not a immediate off, it shuts down first)

Re: Carputer Questions
 

[quote="bmsgaffer86"]Here's another vote for iGuidance, I've got it on my laptop and my PDA.

Speaking of PDAs, if you want to go cheap, you could just do a slick PDA install into your dash.

I've got an HP iPaq HX4700 with a decent sized 4 inch screen that plays videos/mp3s, does email/web surfing and runs iGuidance.

You'd need a bluetooth GPS like the Garmin 10.