In-car PC? (Was: mod idea.)

[Kent McLean]

Nate Stuart wrote:
> I have a mini-itx system put together that is
> powered by a little DC-DC power converter, the entire computer fits in
> the little stow tray at the drivers knees, and there is a slot load
DVD
> drive from an iMac sitting below the 5.6" LCD panel in the center
> console for CD's/DVD's/VCD's/etc.

Nate,
I have no real need to play movies in my dashboard,
but I'm curious as to the amount of money and time you
spent on this. It would seem to me that a (cheap) used
laptop computer, with DVD player added, might fill the
bill. A DC-to-AC converter could power it. Drive the
LCD via the laptop external monitor port. Maybe a
PCMCIA card to drive a remote control (mouse?).

So, is the "stow tray" that small? Were you looking
for a permanent solution? Are there features or
functions in your setup that a laptop couldn't provide?
Are you going to use it to do other things (e.g.,
electronic gauges, etc.)?

I do admire your ingenuity, I'm just being curious.

Kent
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy"