Car Computer?, Ideas? Options

[cnelson]

I would like to install a car computer. I need to know about how much it would cost me. I just want to take an old laptop mount it somewhere power it up to a touch screen monitor then somehow rig it so when the car comes on so does the laptop and when the car shuts off so does the laptop. I also want GPS. I know its a big under taking but i have high hopes on how sweet it would look. I posted in pittfire's theard but he hasn't been around in a couple days so i made my own topic. -cnelson.

[orvillescelica]

its true that you are restricting yourself by using a laptop. There will probably not be an extra slot to add cards, extra memory, or a lto fo the things you want. It comes down to what you think you can do, what you want, and what youcan live with out. Like Hanyo said, its all about improvising; figuring out what you can do with what you can get with the knowledge you have.

If you dont NEED to use an amp if you dont use your existing head unit, but the sound will come out horrible and low if you dont. Most head units have an amplification system in them, so i would suggest going through a head unit either by an aux port or an fm transmitter.

Im really not quite sure wha tyou are asking about the battery, can you please clarify?

thats the exact screen i have, its great.

And to answer your question, if you dont take the time to do research about the build and plan it out, it could be the hardest thing you ever do.