Slashdot Mirror
The DIY Car Computer vs. the iPad
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?"
Where is the fun in just buying an iPad?
"I use a Mac because I'm just better than you are."
Your warranty won't be voided by removing the radio system.
At least, not the important parts, like your transmission or the engine. So you lose the warranty on the radio, you weren't planning to use it anyway.
Check the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
Screw little double din plug in units. This is how it's done: http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http://www.mr2forum.de/thread.php%253Fthreadid%253D42132%26tbb%3D1%26usg%3DALkJrhh99PEv9yDW3PB3qSJPiLQWKs6GVQ&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=de&tl=en
A couple years ago, I took apart the stereo of my Volvo V70 to install an aftermarket iPod connection. Volvo unit was much crappier and more expensive, so I got a different one and installed it myself. For some STUPID reason, some of the wiring for the SRS somehow connects through the stereo. So by taking the stereo out to plug in the iPod connector to the CD changer port, I tripped some SRS alarm in the system that told me there was a problem with the Airbag system. The Volvo dealer (who I was obviously trying to avoid) told me that they were required by law to inspect the whole system before they could reset the mysterious sensor that I apparently tripped. They also charged me like $150 for this "service" which obviously negated any DIY savings.
The iPad is neat but not even close to being a decent CarPC for several reasons
1) Glossy LCD Screen makes it impossible to read in a car
2) Lack of a tactile interface
3) Tiny, internal GPS can't connect with an external GPS antenna
4) Lack of XM radio integration (Not everywhere has 3G)
5) Audio quality is mediocre when compared to a discrete sound card
6) The screen is huge. Most cars don't have that kind of room in the dashboard without serious modification
7) The interface, while intuitive, is not great in a car environment. I want to see MPG, the song playing, distance to destination, and more on a single dashboard screen
8) It's easy to steal if you make it removable
just pay attention to the road, and drive?
The computer is a handy distraction for my wife, who would otherwise criticize my abilities as a driver despite not having a license herself. If she can instead distract herself with a game and let me drive in peace, then having an in-dash computer is better for my marriage.
I write sci-fi for metalheads
I don't use the CD Changer anymore. I plug in my iPod or iPhone. I don't have a GPS system because the navigation system on my iPhone works well. I don't watch DVD's while driving and I don't have young kids, but if I did, I'd give them iPads or iPod Touches instead and they could watch or play or whatever. All this stuff works whether it is my car, a friends car or a rental car. It also works when I'm not in a car. Why would I want to pay for something like that if its bolted into a car? Hell I watch all of my video on my iPad or my computer so our TV is gathering dust. So many of the previous generation of entertainment devices are now obsolete. It's funny.
Very often, people confuse simple with simplistic. The nuance is lost on most. - Clement Mok
She Who Must Be Obeyed.
They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it's not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance. - Terry Pratchett
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.