sookati

Hey everyone, I'm the proud owner of a 01 NBP CL-S and even though I threw in an all new sound system to replace the OEM crap, I'm just not happy. Being a technology buff with a lot of install experience, I've decided to go where most people haven't and put a computer system in my baby. It will consist of a Macmini and a 7 inch touchscreen. For those who have never even thought about this kinda thing, it adds a ton of customization options to your car. With it, you can have GPS, itunes, movies, dvds, photos, and programs in your car. In addition, with the bluetooth support, you can sync your phones, wireless keyboard/mouse, and all other sorts of stuff with it. Plus, theres a power system that installs with it that puts the computer in sleep mode every time you turn the car off to protect both your battery and the computer. Lemme know what yall think of this, and possible locations for the computer (i was thinking in the glovebox?)

dabusabus1

I think i saw one cl with a "CARPUTER" in it on Mp3car.com...but i would love to see another one....good luck...and please post pics with the updates. Do you know what kind of audio equipment your gonna use?

gaping46and2

iTrader: (2)

Sounds like an awesome project. Deffinately post pics of it during and once it's complete!

sookati

I've already got most of the audio stuff sorted out. I have Alpine components up front, JBL components in the back, and both of those are custom wired to an Alpine 4 ch amp. In addition, I have 2 12" infinitys in a sealed box, powered by a 2 ch kenwood amp. The amps have a 1 farad cap. I currently have a Pioneer head unit with an external input, and I think it'll do the trick to route the sound into from the computer. Between that EQ and the one in the computer, I'll be straight. I'll definitely post pics once it all gets started.

Sun Diego CL-S

hey. that'll be something. good luck.

Titand19

i've thought about this sorta thing, but i never drive my car

AcUrAge703

i've been thinking of doing the same thing....i would go (if i do actually try this) with pc and use a mini dell optiplex 620 i've stumbled upon....but the only problem im running into is how will i get the touchscreen to trace or click on icons like my computer and so forth...your mac mini or pc will have to have a touchscreen program to know when you apply pressure onto the screen it will activate the right thing...(im an it guy)...what about right clicks....but if you thought of that...some insight would be great...and what screen would support these kind of ideas.....keep me updated.

sookati

Xenarc and lilliput make the most popular auto touchscreens for in-car pcs. If you're pursuing the pc route, I recommend checking out mp3car.com for all the info you need on integrating the touchscreen into the system. Another site is called macvroom.com which I personally like, considering this mini is now the 3rd mac in my lineup, and I'll never go back . Also, I will be putting a usb trackpad into the car as well as a bluetooth apple keyboard to help with controlling things.

CL6

In Car & Driver there is an ad for a Jensen unit that does the same thing I think. You can run Nav, iPod, Camera, XM, etc. from a touch screen.

GCora

this is cool, there are a few places u can put ur mac mini at. i would place it in the middle console, it's close to the outlet and displays on the dashboard and for the backseats. I am also on my way to this project, i already got the mini and all i need is the display. this is great cause u can use the mini for dvd player, gps system, wireless internet access, office on the road and so much more. the mini is only good in a car IF u have tinted windows, it can only be stored in temps up to 100 degrees F, and the summers sunlight can kill it if u have no tints. in the winter, is no less than 40 degrees F, thats why i would place it on the middle console, cause it can be insulated...if anyone has questions about the installation i can help...

dabusabus1

word? lets get some pics up...do you guys have a layouts? or maybe some pics? i tried searching mp3car.com but i cant find the damn cl i saw a while back.

Stealth CL

wow i would love to do this but.... Electronics >>> me

sookati

go to this site: http://www.fastmatt.com/carputer/

A guy installs his stuff in a mazda 3. He's got some good layouts. He got rid of his head unit, but I'm gonna keep my after-market one because I'm fond of the EQ and the radio in it, I'll just throw the mini's audio into an external input on it. Due to space limitations with keeping the stock headunit and the fold out screen in the console, the mini's best spot will be in a custom mount cut into the glovebox. I'll have to reroute the ir receiver to the dash so I can still use front row, but that shouldn't be too difficult.

sookati

Hey, check out the Carnetix P1900 power supply, it goes straight off your battery and is much better than a regular inverter. It's designed to work with the mini nd power all the accessories (screen, usb hub), and if you use it with its mini wiring kit you dont have to use the power brick that the mini comes with, and there are power settings on it that will throw it directly into sleep mode when you turn it off and wake it up when you turn the car on.

GCora

thanx sookati, i wasnt sure what to use...i only have the mac mini so far, intel chip, dual core processor....i need to get the display and some more accessories [ I just got my CL, dont have much done] so I will update some pix soon....!

gaping46and2

iTrader: (2)

Any thing new with this, I'm really excited to see something?

CBRTLS47

Considering that the heat/AC run through there too(or is that only the TL, cant remember) that might help in the summer but I would think would be too hot in the winter with the heater on. Im no expert, just my input. good luck on the intall and mini mac is the way to go! so much in so little!

gaping46and2

iTrader: (2)

The CL doesn't have any vents in the rear, so that really shouldn't be a concern.

withoutcomp1

iTrader: (1)

[IMG]I had a dell gx150 desktop motorized out of my spare tire well about 5 years ago, you can do a search i had some pics up but like i said it was a while ago. I had a 8.4 in touchscreen up front with a fm radio card, gps software, obd2 reader and i was also able to control actual car functions with the computer like open windows, pop the trunk turn on lights, ect. I think i still have some parts in my basement if your interested, i know i still have the relay controller to operated any external 12 volt devices throught the parallel port on the computer, i think i have a couple of monitors (touchscreen and non touchscreen), pm me if you have any questions. Oh i think i still have a power supply also.

withoutcomp1

iTrader: (1)

StypeCL

Sweet!

artbran

iTrader: (2)

I have plenty of them computers that i can sell people if they want them... GX150's GX240's and the works... haha

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

nice setup, too bad it a was a dell.

withoutcomp1

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, but it it was good enough for the car.

Stealth CL

love the way that screen sits, what happened to the seat heaters?

withoutcomp1

iTrader: (1)

Nothing, just pics before it was totally back together.

artbran

iTrader: (2)

did you have to wait for the computer to start up from it being powered off or did you hibernate it? jw

withoutcomp1

iTrader: (1)

Hibernate, Then when i started the car it booted back up.

All Mine

Looks like you had the same kinda screen, and molding that I have.

redsly

Would like to know where I could get the bold items and around what price.

withoutcomp1

iTrader: (1)

I am pretty sure i have a 8.4 in non touchcreen monitor, 7.8 touchscreen monitor, and the relay controler still in my basement i will check when i get home tonight.

redsly

Good to go...
Let me know prices for the touch screen and relay controller.

Also, did you use a power converter and the 110v input (for wattage) or did you just use a power source from the vehicle since they are both 12v?

withoutcomp1

iTrader: (1)

I had a power inverter, but i am pretty sure i have the 12 volt power supply for a mini atx board, but again i will check when i get home.