Car pc idea... suggestions... comments
 

I have been pondering an idea of a car pc/video system for awhile now. i now many people have done this before, so i am looking for something original.

Here's what i was thinking...

In-dash 7" LCD with TV Tuner
In-dash AM/FM/CD/DVD player
10" drop-down LCD
R/F wireless headphones
PS2 or XBox
A/V unit - 2 video inputs, 2 video inputs, 2 RCA outputs, 2
RCA inputs
2 X 400WATT DC/AC convertors (one for PS2 and one for PC)
600 WATT 2-channell Amp
2 X 10" subs in Bandpass box
Computer:
Pentium P4 1.6 ghtz
512MB RAM
52 DVD Rom
CD Burner
Soundcard with RCA inputs/outputs
Videocard with video inputs/outputs

i have attached a .jpg image of the layout.

http://images.cardomain.com/member_i...9/345461_1.jpg

I would like to get your opinions on this setup. Also, if you know of any websites where i can find the video equipment, that would help out tons.

don't have my magnifying glass handy for that layout image :) but you've got the right idea.

With that much stuff, pre-planning is extremely important. Figure out were each and every wire will run, connect, terminate and what other wires will be joining it along it's path. Then figure out where each component will go. And i'm serious when i say this, pull the car apart and do a FULL and COMPLETE pre-install mock up of the entire system, how the wires will run, how each component will fit and mount (always keep in mind the panels that will be put back, keep them handy) this will show you how it all goes and what wires are run together, what components will share wires, etc... Yes, you be driving around with a gutted car for weeks....is it really so bad? (didn't think so)

I would ditch the AM/FM/CD/DVD player, in favor of a dedicated AM/FM/CD player. Cheaper and a little less wiring in that most valuable real estate behind the dash. I'd use the PC DVD player instead. Less bling, more ping :)

I would also ditch the 10" monster flip down in favor of headrest and visor monitors. I know, the 10" was mainly for the PC, but if ya gotta have it (which you probably do, a 7" montior for a PC would suck) what about a hatch mount? when the hatch is up, it flips down from it (not the roof) or from the rear most of the roof? just some ideas...

other than that, your all set. Oh, wait....MORE POWER!! can never have too much, but must be dealt with properly.

Wow, i should drink more often, i'm so chatty and damn, i'm making sense too!!! :D :D :D

plus you won't need the in dash dvd if you have ps2 or xbox...

wow, you read my mind. My plan was to strip the car out and see what i had to work with and then start running wires and mounting things. Test everything out and then put it all back together.

The reason for the lcd up front was so i could use it as a monitor for the pc. I have GPS unit, wireless internet, and some other goodies that i will need access to. The 10" display was mainly for the PS2/Xbox, movies, etc. I went with the in-dash dvd, for one reason, i have 3 small kids and i am not sure if i want them messing with the entry of the DVD. But i will see how my wallet feels about it when i get to that point. I thought about the headrest monitors, i thought why not and have the dropdown as a added bonus. I may just add them in, well see.

I am going to upgrade the alt for more power, possibly add a secondary battery system, just for the media i have in the car.

I was pleased you thought my idea was pretty good. I still have a few months of saving to go, before i start... i'll keep you posted

thanks for your advice and added opinions