How to get 'CarPuter' to turn on remotely?
 

Hey guys so my Xmas project is a carputer. I ordered a 7.2" TFT LCD to mount to the right of my Radio/Vents, FM modulator, wireless keyboard/trackball combo and will be using a Dell Inspiron 1100 laptop with no screen (the monitor cracked one day and it's 300 for a new one which isn't worth it, however is an excuse for a mp3/gps setup :) )

Anyways here is the question. The dell powers on when you press the power button and let go. If you take the battery out and power is available via a/c it will only turn on if you press power and let go. Any ideas on how to remotely start the thing? My only idea is to have it just on standby and use the keyboard to turn it on however rather have a real switch. Checked bios and nothing with regards to turning it on via button press.

Also for the lcd, it draws 7watts (off of 12v dc) is 7watts too much to tap into a fuse under dash?

replace the dell button with a switch located near your dash

yep ^

take apart your laptop and install a momentary switch where the original dell button is now. Just run the wires out and to a spot on your dash where you want to install the button.

Check the bios of your device. Many computers have a setting that turns the device on on power loss. How are you going to turn it off? please don't just kill power to the device, you will have a real mess on your hands, and will be running DiskCheck more often than you like.

This is a delay timer, the Amp guys like them. If you are savvy enough to solder to your power button, it may work to send a low/high/low pulse to the puter.
Find out if you have a wake on usb feature. The same device could trigger a keyboard encoder to send a <shift> to your laptop, which is a little less spooky than hardwiring to your power button.