I need to have that carputer. That thing is unreal!!! Was just wondering if you made the step by step directions on it yet. Was it hard to make the dash piece?

Unfortunately, I still haven't had the time to make a write-up. I want to get it done but things just keep coming up.

The dash peice was moderately difficult but the most important thing in fabrication is patience.

Got a link or pic so we can see what you guys are talkin about?

I hope you enjoy hacking computers and hardware mods, because what Mbai2 did is NOT for the amatuer, no matter how easy it sounds. He's very talented. To see what you're getting into, do a google search on CarPC, or Mini-ITX motherboards.

http://www.mini-itx.com/
http://www.dashpc.com/

He's posted pics before, and hopefully, will again in response to this thread. He basically built a very small form factor PC in a box shaped like the radio, hacked the DIC, installed a GPS, and put a touch screen in front. He has a hard drive in it for the OS (I think he's running a version of windows, but many I've seen are running Linux. Microsoft actually makes a Windows CE OS called 'Auto PC' specifically for this. This allows one to run any app a PC will run (Navigation, MP3's, and with a WiFi card, will surf the net in your driveway or in front of Starbucks!)

Mbai2 is da man, but I don't expect many can follow. It's not a project for a beginner hacker, or the faint of heart (with cutting up your radio).

Thanks for the kind words Ody :bouncy:

Here's the original thread with a few pics: http://cadillacforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34877

And a video (right click to save for it to work): http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mattbai/CTS/CarPC.avi

The software on screen looks different in between the pictures and video because I updated the software to a newer version.

I'll also try to do a write-up soon (I know I said that 3 months ago...)

Told you Mike, no easy way to get what u want even though its possible. Mbai is definitely the man in that area, I wouldnt even attempt it seeing if u fudge up you'll have to buy an whole new factory system which is not cheap, even off ebay. Best bet is to go factory Nav or maybe pay Mbai to build u a version of his, haha.. Actually thats not a bad idea, Mbai would u consider building these for forum mbrs??

I have a custom stereo install place that said they would do it for me. They are going to install a custom fiberglass peice so that I can keep the DIC screen just like his. Do they need to be linked somehow or are they just two seperate units?

I'm getting the computer built because I definetly dont know ghow to do that stuff.

I figure if I have it all done by pro's I shouldnt have many problems.

I'd be very surprised if a car stereo shop could build a carputer. It won't be cheap either. Mini-ITX motherboards alone are $150 to $250, add memory, a touch screen, a hard drive, DVD Drive, GPS reciever, 12VDC to ATX power card, custom enclosure, and pay someone to program and integrate it all, and you're much cheaper to get a factory Nav. Parts alone will likely run close to $1000. Paying someone to build and install it will be another $1000, easy. Anyone who is good at this is charging $50-$100/hr for this. That's only 10 -20 hours of time to build. MBai2 did this as a hobby/project, and likely has many more hours into building his. Locating, obtaining, and sorting through parts will take up 10 hours of time, alone.

I'd strongly suggest reading up on these. They require a lot of development, as I don't think any exist 'off the shelf'. They're typically computer programmer/hacker/engineering hobbyists who build them. My first (and only) attempt at one was using the guts of a Toshiba Libretto laptop with a 1GB CF drive and a custom built GPS reciever. It was my Jeeps Nav and MP3 player linked to the AUX input on the stereo. Very clunky and it took many months to get right.

Go to mp3car.com They will build the carputer however you want it with whatever parts you want and program it for around 1300 (with all the best stuff). The custom stereo place will make he piece and install it for abot 700.

If I get out of it for 2000 and have one of the coolest systems around. Thats absolutely fine with me!

Told you Mike, no easy way to get what u want even though its possible. Mbai is definitely the man in that area, I wouldnt even attempt it seeing if u fudge up you'll have to buy an whole new factory system which is not cheap, even off ebay. Best bet is to go factory Nav or maybe pay Mbai to build u a version of his, haha.. Actually thats not a bad idea, Mbai would u consider building these for forum mbrs??

I'm out of school for the next year so I have a little extra time. I may seriously consider building a few of these for people on the forum. I live in Michigan but I'll travel if you pay for it :p

michigan, eh? hmmm...i might be willing to check these little carputers out. we'd need a definitive list of what would/could be included. it seems you could make some serious bank if you're willing to dedicate the time...

just don't want a gangly snaggle of wires, screens, and other stuff. tastefully done would yield some interest i'm sure...

I would definetly think about that. What you should do is just custom build custom computers and the bezels for people. I would definetly order one of those. If your interested let me know cause I want to get this done asap.

Thanks Mike

hey mbai how are the mini itx combo on heat? I was thinking of building a slim box to put under the glove compartment and running the video out to touch screen but haven't really had any time to play with my car in last 3 weeks (end of the quarter :()