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The DIY Car Computer vs. the iPad

Posted by kdawson on from the easy-way dept.

Julie188 writes "Auto dealers are selling infotainment systems at a nice fat profit, but if you know your way around a motherboard and power supply you can rip out your car stereo and replace it with a do-it-yourself touchscreen PC, complete with DVD, GPS, TV, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, MP3, and Internet surfing. The question is, is that even worth the bother? Or is it better to bolt a mount into the car for an iPad or a Galaxy tablet and call it good?"

11 of 202 comments (clear)

  1. The ultimate in auto entertainment systems by Animats · · Score: 2, Funny

    is "Fully Loaded", by Bruce McCall.

    (This is one of Bruce McCall's many drawings of dream cars of the 1959s that should have been.)

  2. Already on it by RevWaldo · · Score: 2, Funny

    http://www.steering-wheel-ipad.com/

    And it won't void your warrenty!

    .

    --
    Prisencolinensinainciusol. Ol Rait!
  3. It's also a nice place to sleep by publiclurker · · Score: 3, Funny

    if SWMBO did not appreciate the latest expensive toys you just purchased.

  4. Re:Theft by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 2, Funny

    Does it look like an iPad when a tief looks through your window?

    Just put a Gateway 2000 sticker on it.

    --

    "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

  5. Knight Rider by Chyeld · · Score: 2, Funny

    If I can't convince my passengers that KITT is in the car with them, it's not worth doing.

  6. Re:Of course it's worth the bother! by Quiet_Desperation · · Score: 2, Funny

    cause if there's one thing I need, it's the ability to check my facebook account in addition to checking email on my blackberry, fiddling with my radio, arguing with my wife and entering coordinates into my GPS.

    And in Hell, you fiddle with your GPS, check email with your radio, argue with your Blackberry and enter coordinates into your wife!

    (rimshot)

    Hey-yo!

    (crickets)

  7. Re:Depends on the use case you are going after by shadowrat · · Score: 4, Funny

    Can it play regular CDs or DVDs?

    use physical media inside the car? I bet you have one of those cars with the hand crank in the front to start it as well.

  8. Re:Why not... by rockNme2349 · · Score: 2, Funny

    That's boring, think of all the stuff you could do while...

    hold on, I gotta change lanes...

    --
    Sewage Treatment Facilities - "Our duty is clear."
  9. Re:Theft by ebuck · · Score: 2, Funny

    Just put a Gateway 2000 sticker on it.

    And a "Windows ME" sticker next to the Gateway one.

    I guess you don't care about your vehicle's resale value.

  10. Whoa there, Sonny... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    That's a load-bearing stereo you are messing with!

  11. Re:Same day use? by rrohbeck · · Score: 2, Funny

    Meh. Velcro? Just use the WheelMate.
    http://www.amazon.com/AutoExec-WM-01-Wheelmate-Steering-Wheel/product-reviews/B000IZGIA8/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

    --
    thegodmovie.com - watch it