Finally installing a Carputer
 

Im doing this a little different than some of you. I'll be using a 15" LCD screen instead of mounting a 7" lcd in the dash. I had some leftover parts after I upgraded to Athlon 64 on my desktop, so all I needed was a case and a wireless keyboard and mouse and I have my new computer all set. Here are the stats:

300Watt Antec PSU
AMD Athlon 2800+ Sempron
512mb PC2700 DDR
120gb SATA HD
Geforce FX5500
16X DVD-ROM
FM Transmitter

As you notice, im gonna start out with a FM transmitter, mainly because im on my stock BOSE. Until the BOSE dies, I dont really plan on replacing it. Should work fine. I have a 300Watt Power inverter to satisify the Computer and Monitor. I'll be using this computer mainly as a MP3 player, DVD player, and a work station. Thats why I went with a 15" LCD Monitor, it was on sale for $180 at best buy, so I couldnt lose. Looks great too. Only tricky thing is mounting it. For now I can strap it in to the passenger seat facing me, but later I want to somehow mount it to the dash and be able to move it when needed.

Heat wont be too much of an issue. Only time it will be running is when the car is on, so if it gets hot (which I never let it get hot when driving), Ill have the cold air pointed at the floor and it will cool it off instantly.

Any advise on what to watch out for?

sounds tight, post pics and update us as you go, i have seen this in another car that a friend of mine did, it worked out great for him and no problems.

Well the FM transmitter was complete sh!t, so I bought a tape adapter and it sounds 100x better. Little less quality than playing CDs, but not very noticable. Was playing some DVDs and it sounded great with the BOSE.

Any Ideas on howto mount the 15" LCD in the front of the car? for now I have it wedged in between the passenger seat and the center console. Sits nicely and barely moves, plus it faces me directly. Id rather have it mounted on the dash above the glovebox or something. What could hold it up?

Finally got the screen mounted perfect. And now for the pictures.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...arputer002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...arputer004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...arputer008.jpg

that really screams, "break into my car and steal me!"

not that I wouldn't love to have a carputer setup in my car too. I just couldn't stand getting my gear jacked.

looks cool mang

a little too open

damn, thats pretty dope... having a computer in ur car, a desktop version too!. hehe
How exactly did u power the computer and the monitor ? I think i wanna do this also. If u could PM me a tutorial or something.

Well first off, I live in a fairly safe area. Second, my windows are tinted a good deal, so its not easy to look into what to steal. Im also using a sun shade for when I park in "shady" areas, so its even harder to look inside the car, I also cover up the lcd screen so its not even noticable.

So Im not too worried about someone breaking in, my car is garaged anyways.

uh yea... i'd still worry about it, cuz i thought i lived in a safe area until someone *** did jack my stuff. I'd just be careful man, try to put that tower in the trunk and mount it so it doesnt roll around when you go thru a turn. and i'd try to mount it to something with some spring-age/give and take so that it doesnt bounce around too much. then, i'd try to get a smaller monitor and mount it somewhere pro style. maybe have it slide in and out of the glove compartment or something like that...
but looks great and a very nice idea.

haha..he was joking!

Yea, I actually just mounted the tower in the trunk today. As for the screen, Ive got something I can cover it with, and still, the tinted windows help. I dont want a smaller screen really, much easier to see during the day with this one.

Hmm. Where's your mouse and keyboard?

Using a sun shade when parked in shady areas just makes it more obvious to a thief that you're trying to hide something that they want ;)