So I got to thinking, it's time to do something different.

I've decided that I am going to put a Mac Mini in my glove box and install either a motorized 7" screen in lieu of the Stock radio or place a permanently displayed screen in the space provided when I take out the stereo. I may, if I need extra room for a screen, relocate the climate controls to a different location and make that center console area just once nice large touchscreen.

I'll update this when I finsh this endeavour and will try to throw some pictures and info about the install when I'm done. It should provide a very nice music/DVD/GPS platform to work on. The Mac Mini will be built into a removable dock in the Glove Box so that it can be taken out if need be to be upgraded, new info put on, upgraded etc.

Besides the anti-mac comments I might get, has anyone tackled such a project in any capacity, and or have any advice on this?

-Russ

 

Get talkin with Brrman!

 

I'd say get another center console and learn how to work with fiberglass. then you can mold the screen in and/or move the buttons and HVAC around a little bit. It really is a simple project, wiring is rediculously simple if you keep everything where it's supposed to be. Get it on wi-fi and you have a nice little uhhh...work station.

 

lets us kno how it goes!

-bean

 

Nice! I was going to do this on my B5, but we upgraded before I had the parts together. I'm still thinking of doing it in the new car but it may take a while...

Keep us posted on the progress. The only problem I seen from the various other mac mini installs is the lack of software for GPS nav, but IMO its a small price to pay for the functionality.

 

Why not use a slightly outdated (just to lower the cost) laptop with windows or linux software?

That's what I would do. And I'm almost contemplating it and putting something like the "Streets" software to use instead of a GPS.

You can put the laptop under the seat or if it's a thin one possibly behind the dash, set it up to recharge anytime the engine is running (it's one wire). Pull off the moniter and use the in-dash as the "new" screen.

 

The laptop LCD is not a touch screen, so you'd need to have a keyboard and mouse laying around and use them every time you wanted to change playlists, skip a song etc.

but in general a laptop would be just as easy as a small PC/mac mini providing you used some type of other input device like a touch screen anyway.

I've been considering just wiring up a docking station of sorts for my powerbook. I'm still not decided on which way i want to go. But I'll probably end up with the mac mini since its cheaper than the powerbook and you get more resources without the risjk of damaging the powerbook.

 

Makes sense now. I just thought about the touch screen on my way home. It's would probably be more worth it with the mini mac, but in my case, since I'm damn near close to broke I'd deal with a wireless keyboard/mouse combo of some sort.

 

I'm not a fan either, but it really comes down to what you like.

 

Buy a Powerbook and put it on the passenger seat.