Rishi

I'm using a hard drive in a laptop sitting under the rails of the front passenger seat. Gone about 1000 miles so far and no problems. I'll update if anything goes wrong, but currently like my setup a lot. Can't see the laptop the way its sitting unless the seat is move all the way forwards (can can just see about 2 inches of the laptop sticking out). Have added a USB hub to load data/ music to the laptop. Its an old laptop, so very cheap. Have added a remote switch to turn it off/on. Turning it off puts it into standby, so takes only seconds to re start. I'm still waiting for my GPS module to arrive to complete the setup along with MS streets. Only thing I wish my screen was birghter in sunlight, but its still useable.

If I were you, I would keep the stock screen. Unless you pay a lot of $ or are very artistic, it is very hard to get a result which will look as good. If you can find an easy way to hack into the stock screen with a PC, go for it, but I would not expend the stock NAV for this.

I have to agree - the laptop is a very good solution. I actually got my carpc installed over the past couple of days. Managed to get the wiring done by simply pulling out the Cubby and vents and using a guide wire. So didn't have to dissasemble the centre console! Was very worried about breaking clips along the way otherwise. Located the P1900 power supply and laptop under the passenger seat and hid all the wire under the centre console by 'tucking' it under the plastic. Power is obtained by the centre cigarette lighter and wire is run under the seat by drilling a small hole in the armrest. Unfortunately, along the way I burnt out my original intended computer (see prev post), I think from an electrostatic discharge. So am now using an old laptop. I agree with NSFW regarding the benefits of the power management features on the laptop. The next step for me is to develop a remote on/ off switch I think which can be done by attaching a wired "momentary" switch. Will try this when I have the time. Also probably need a faster laptop.

Thats great news if it hasn't overheated or caused you difficulties. Armrest it is!

Yes, its an '08 with Aux in which I intend to use. Now that I'm thinking of it, it may be easiest to locate the P1900 in the armrest and and power it with the cigarette lighter located there. Will it be necessary to fuse the P1900? Or can I rely on its internal fuse for surge protection?

Hopefully not! I've reinforced the bondo with dense cardboard and cotton mesh - was in the form of rigid canvas I found at the dollar store. Of course, time will tell if it will crack....

Hi all, this thread has been key in convincing me to put together a carpc project. Things have been slow going, but so far I have been working on the fabrication part of things and have procured all the major parts (I think!). So far I have: Xenarc TSV screen ~$200 ebay Bezel - partly bondoed - see attachments. $100 Computer ~$150 Carnetix P1900 ~ $100 Supplies: bondo, paint etc. This project has been a bit more complex than I had anticipated with a lot of learning as you go, and still learning. As far as planning, I've decided that I can stuff the CarPC on an antistatic mat under the passenger seat. Considered the trunk and the glovebox, but felt that I wanted things to be as inconspicuous as possible. A couple of questions: 1. Where is the best placement for the carnetix P1900? 2. How best to power the P1900- directly from the battery, or from the cigarette lighter or tap into the fuse box? 3. What is the best way to sand the bondo/ bezel and paint it? I've been having trouble getting a smooth and even surface. What's the best paint for the plastic and bondo? The last picture is with the Xenarc LCD frame placed behind it. Any help or suggestions are much appreciated!

At 4 3/4" x 4 1/2", and 5W power consumption -smaller than a Mac mini. Can't comment on speed however. Love the fact that it has no fan. If I hadn't already purchased a pc, i might have gone for this. (cappucino pc is what I have).

Even better - check out: http://www.fit-pc.com/new/ R.