How many people have (or have thought about) a "carputer"?

Question

The idea is to have a "non-hard drive" based computer that runs standalone Windows XPE (pre-installation environment, not to be confused with WinPE, actual Windows XP design the way YOU want it) from a Bootable-CD from one CD-ROM.

Your MP3's are stored on DVD's and up to three DVD-ROMs may be used for DVD MP3's since there is no hard drive. Three DVD's hold 14 Gig of info which equals about 2700 songs or more.

This all ties into your sound system.

No hard drive means nothing will crash. A touch screen display is really the only other peice of equipment needed.

Who has one and what problems have you ran into?

...if you live in the NorthEast where it gets cold, hard drives tend to freeze or collect condensation (BAD) in the winter. This is why DVD's work much better (IMHO).

If you are interested check out these links:

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/
http://www.bootcd.us/BartPE_Plugins_Author/Sherpya/

I've got a WinXPE CD I use for spyware/virus removal and I could make one for a "carputer" as well.

Answer 1

I dont have one... but sounds sweet.. i'mma look into that...

As a tech though.. the system still may lag or freeze from time to time.. though no hard the memory chips the OS is contained on will and may run into some error along the way.. i havent came across a SOLID non-freezing or lagging PC/mac SYSTEM..

Answer 2

dude, i have a computer in my van

we built a box and mod'd it underneath a console we bought a Meyer's

it has 2 video cards and a 200 gig hard drive and the CD ROM is located under the stereo

we usually don't need any Cd's at all, its all saved to the hard drive

the hard drive is removable, we pull it out from the back and bring it in the house to transfer information to it

we have the 2 video cards one for a 17" LCD that sits in the back for the kids to watch cartoons and they have wireless headphones so i don't have to hear Finding Ne mo and the Sponge bob Movie all of the time, the music plays through our stereo speakers (it also has 2 sound cards)

Answer 3

OMG OMG OMFG you actually said something worth while YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY and to ricky its not about how many songs you can listen too in the car its about being able to listen to whatever you might want to listen to whenever the mood strikes you and not havein a giant collection of cds in the car or having to change the cds all the time thats why im gettin the ipod interface for mine which in my opinion is the best route cause you dont even have to stop listening to the song. Your listing when you get in the car you plug it in and keep listening and then you unplug it and get out and keep listening. Plus the hard drive dosnt have to stay in the car so it dosnt have to worry about heat cold and moisture. Also the interface charges the ipod for ya while your driving allowing you to listen even longer when you get out

Answer 4

Yes, I'm getting ready to install one soon. I dont know if I will buy one allready made, they are expensive or I will build one to mount in my trunk. I am very serious in installing one in my Honda Civic. I am a PC tech so, and I used to do car stereos so I know I can figure something out. As for running off of a DVD, I will have a hard drive instead. I am also going to get a cellular card for internet access.

H4ppy H@ckin'

Answer 5

I just don't see much point in it. Sure it would be cool, but I think it would end up being more trouble than it is worth. How many songs can you possibly listen to while driving in your car. Personally, I think a single MP3 CD is to much music for me. Different strokes for different folks though.

Answer 6

I was going to do that untill they made a wonderfull advancement in technology, they called it a CD Changer. Alot less expensive and as long as you get a Mp3 capabile one it'll play the same amount of music!

Answer 7

Good idea