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[LexDiamond]

Ok Briman, I see you point but Id like to keep my hearing though, hence one sub.

This is no longer a huge or big system or setup.

New Title: Mac mini running some good speakers and stuff.


Either way for toytaco,
To set up a carputer you need some things
-Monitor preferable touchscreen with good resolution (at least 800X640) for computer tasks like internet and other things. Regular low res works for dashboard though so if thats all you want then use something like a head rest monitor or in dash motorized one.
-A DC to DC power supply (carnetix makes a good one. small affordable.)
-An adapter for the computer so you dont have to rip open the power block for home use. "The macpac" mp3car.com
-To get four channels from the mini you need to find a usb sound card with 5.1 rca or mini jack output
-Radio is a USB (Radio Shark 2 from Griffin.) I am debating weather or not to get this as I have Sirius and don't really use the radio but in dead spot for the sat the AM would still work i guess so maybe.
-Mini Usb key pad for a texting like keyboard for minor navi or internet searches.
* If the mini is mounted out of sight then you have to get an RF remote control (I choses a Keyspan) to use dash board.

To have the amps turn on with the car I have just had a switch for em and same for the carputer, just in case i need to do something on the computer with the car parked and off. The computer really doesn't drain the battery that much and the power supply if installed correctly will turn off inf the battery voltage gets low leaving some starting juice left.

For day to day use its great. Set the mini to go into hibernate after 5 min or whatever if unused. The power supply dopes this anyway after the car is off but i like the failsafe. Turn the car on and press play on the remote to turn it back on, Its back in 3 secs.

Use the included software "Dashboard" (the menu button on the remote) to run the media. As the minis have 80 gb hdd and dvd, blue tooth, wifi, cd burner, and others It trumps any of the all in one head units coming out now as far a price and capability is concerned. Install is a little more involved but its worth it.

There are usb gps as well as well as usb cameras that can be used for backing up as well as security. Its very customizable and you only get what you need.



Mp3car.com has most of the things you need for the carputer install.