small update to autopc project

I've been glancing over things on the internet, and found a couple fun things that would fit nicely into my AutoPC project.

First off, after a short inquiry to the people at NorhTec, I've figured out that the NorhTec MicroClient JrMX is better for a similar price, and just gives me a better base to work off of in general. I'd be ordering the $170 version with the 2 RS-232 ports, SATA connector, and TV-Out. With the addition of a SATA port inside of the computer, I can remove the USB interface for a SATA drive, trimming a little off of my price. I also have a 60GB 1.5" SATA hard drive from my PlayStation 3 lying around, so I can use that. That trims off the $70 I had estimated for the hard drive portion. Also, since they didn't have a picture of that particular model with the TV-out, I asked them to supply one. They did, and it shows that it removes the PS/2 keyboard port.

So, in light of that, I went looking for some USB keypads instead. And, oh, did I find one. I found this little bugger. It is a standalone calculator, but also functions as a USB hub. The prospects that lured me into this the most were the fact that it's got a keypad and an LCD display fully integrated, which could give it a ton of potential. If I can get the screen to display custom output, through a bit of hacking or such, then this thing would be a steal. Plus, having more USB ports (even if it is USB 1.1) is always a good thing. This trims about $20 I had estimated for the Keypad and LCD module.


Seeing these, I've revised my price list to the following:

1. NorhTec MicroClient JrMX - About $230, shipped.


2. SD card - $6 for a new, low capacity one, though I'm sure I have one lying around somewhere.


3. Bluetooth module - $2 for a cheap one, or recycle.


4. Number keypad + LCD - $20


5. Hard drive - $0, recycled from PS3. (though if needed, I can get one for fairly cheap)


6. Car shock mounting and connections - $100, since I don't have an actual figure to go off of (can anyone help with this, perhaps?)

Total price thusfar: $358.

Finding that keypad trimmed a good portion off, and upgrading to the MX, while slightly more expensive for the actual computer in the first place, allows me to recycle my SATA hard drive. The faster processor, more RAM, and TV connection all justify it, even if I couldn't use my SATA hard drive. I don't know what I was thinking, honestly.

AutoPC ideas

I'm mostly posting this as a place to organize these ideas and get some feedback.

I've been considering how a car would be if I were to try to spec it out to my liking. That said, I would like to be able to have a full computer system with minimal footprint on the car. This computer would need to be able to:

• replace the car's stereo system and use its own audio.
• have a low-power draw, possibly idling while the car is off.
• play media files (MP3, perhaps FLAC) from a hard drive or a USB drive connected.
• be shock-resistant, as it is going to be mounted in a car.
• cost less than $500 for the base configuration. I may add more components or interfaces over time.
• minimize boot time, in order to be functional as quick as possible.

My base configuration for my AutoPC I'm deeming as the following:

1. Base computer for all the heavy lifting.
2. Swappable SATA hard drive.
3. Small keypad, possibly just a modified number pad.
4. LCD text display, for audio file management.
5. Bluetooth audio.
6. AUX-in.
7. Shock-resistant padding.

Eventually, I may add other features to it such as a DVD-ROM drive, touch screen, a more in depth display system for playing DVDs, Bluetooth phone integration, etc. I might also integrate into the car's electronics system for other purposes, such as remote or timed car starting.

For my base computer, I think I'm going to start with something like this NorhTec MicroClient Jr DX. Small, low power draw, provides plenty of connections, no base moving parts, etc. Being able to boot from a MicroSD would allow me to custom fit the software to fit my needs while still having no moving parts. The PS/2 connection would be able to provide a nice standardized interface for a keypad. USB ports could be used for Bluetooth, connecting a phone or a flash drive, or other purposes. Onboard audio provides a place for audio in and audio out, easy modifications to put into the car's audio system. COM ports provide an interface for possibly tapping into the car's electronics system at a later time, and for the LCD character display. Integrated NIC could serve some other purposes in the future.

If the project ever pans out, I'm sure I'll learn more about how to interface with the car's audio system and integrate it into the electronics systems and such.

IMy price list would consist of about the following:

1. NorhTec MicroClient Jr DX - About $200, shipped.
2. MicroSD card - $5 for a low capacity one, or recycle.
3. Bluetooth module - $5 for a cheap one, or recycle.
4. Number keypad - $10 for a basic one, or recycle.
5. LCD display - $30 estimate.
6. Hard drive + USB interface - $70 estimate, or recycle.
7. Car-related connections - $50, since I don't have any real real clue but would give an estimate.
8. Shock-resistant padding - $50, same as above.

Total as of right now: $420.

Any thoughts or feedback would be greatly appreciated in the comments.