I know its been touched on before, but im thinking/pondering putting a PC in my car, the main things Im after are

MP3 playing

DVD watching (not while moving, or visible to driver)

Sat Nav

GPS

not too sure how to go about this, yet but im thinking one of those small computers

Main problem area I can think of is the PSU

I dont want to get rid of the existing radio in my Octy, so need to plug into the speakers for the MP3's

Im thinking of a small TFT screen (touchscreen ? not sure of the cost) for control of the computer

I have seen a couple of threads that touched on this subject, but has anyone actually done this successfully ??

Is it a viable cost alternative to just bungin an MP3 player in the dash ??

PSU isn't really a problem...just need the 12V converter and a regulator...

Costwise...head units which combine DVD/Sat Nav/MP3 are all still quite expensive, so you'd probably save a bit doing it with a small computer.

You'd use the aux in on the head unit to put the sound through the speakers...this might be your first stumbling block, as I don't know of anyone who has got the AUX-IN working successfully on the Symphony...

ColinD has a working example of an in-car PC. If you want to see what a Mini-ITX board is like let me know...

Rob.

A link for you to take a look at.....

http://www.cartft.com/carpc here you will find touchscreen tfts at around

You could also try Allcam in Nottingham. They have a range of good quality/relatively low cost solutions for the touch screen (as well as other monitors etc.)

I purchased a 7" TFT for use as a rear screen in my Superb, and it's excellent.

You can find them at: http://www.allcam.biz/products/lcd_touch_screen.html

Bagpuss.

Another person to speak to is David Collins (davidcollins01), he comes on her everyso often, he is LFC958's son.

You can get the lillyput tft's for

There is a digital car UK forum, found it buried in mp3car.com.

You can use an invertor, but your pc is 12v...same as your car battery

Just need to regulate against spikes and it's good to go...okay thats 6 people that need pics...guess I know what I'm doing tomorrow lunch

Not found the UK section on MP3car.com yet

the more i read about this lot, the better I like the idea, needs a lot more research yet though

Here you go, UK forum, some good info: http://www.digital-car.co.uk/

My Dash Mount: http://www.dashmount.co.uk/

PC stuff sourced from SiHorton.

ITPS unit from: http://www.mini-itx.com/

Screen from: www.PCmediastore.co.uk

Software at the moment: http://www.mediaengine.org

Lots of odds and sods from maplins like some 4/8/12/16AWG wire. Small lead acid battery, diode, rocker switch...fuses etc etc...