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View Full Version : Anyone running a CarPC, or thinking about it...


Spawn
02-01-2008, 08:55 AM
Taylor, I'm looking at you on this...

I've been testing a new front end developed by the boys over in the UK called FreeICE. Hands down, one of the best Front Ends going, there are a few issues as it is only a month old, but it is a drastic improvement over others like RoadRunner and Centrafuse. The whole thing is in flash and is a self contained application using windows media player for all of the media, everything from music to video to DVD, all right out of the box, no configuring required. Backgrounds are customizable as well, and has a picture viewer. you can embed most gps programs in it too. And if you can find a little piece called Silabs usb, you can use it as a radio reciever.

Check it out if you are interested...

http://www.digital-car.co.uk/forum/show ... ost&t=8575 (http://www.digital-car.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?goto=lastpost&t=8575)

http://www.freedrive.co.uk/freecar/mp31.jpg
http://www.freedrive.co.uk/freecar/mp32.jpg
http://www.freedrive.co.uk/freecar/pics.jpg
http://www.freedrive.co.uk/freecar/scan.jpg
http://www.freedrive.co.uk/freecar/gps.jpg
4sc
02-01-2008, 09:35 AM
that looks pretty nice, ive seen a few mac based frontends using a modified version of front row, but so far, no gps integration... and i probably woudnt bother until thats available....

what kind of screens have you been looking at? touchscreens? or using a separate keyboard/mouse?
CRXZC
02-01-2008, 10:09 AM
Very Cool!

I'm tempted to do a carpc setup now...

Any pics of your actual PC Setup? I need to do some more research...
Spawn
02-01-2008, 10:20 AM
I've been using a touchscreen since last May, makes things sooooooo much easier. No pics of the setup as it's really an individual thing, every one is different, you build what you need to basically. I am running my old desktop computer from 3 years ago as mine.

I would say check out the forums on http://www.mp3car.com for more info. It's a fair bit of work and maintenance though.
CRXZC
02-01-2008, 10:43 AM
Any problems running an old pc like that in the cold?

I'd want it to all be hidden - spare tire well possibly...
Spawn
02-01-2008, 11:30 AM
some motherboards and hard drives tend to be bitchy in the cold, previous one was, went back to an older model and it's fine to be honest. Again, it's really dependent on the hardware you use. Most screens look really dim until they warm up as well, usually in the same amount of time it takes you to warm up the car anyway.
Jdc
02-01-2008, 12:29 PM
What's wrong with XP or Vista?
Spawn
02-01-2008, 12:41 PM
It runs in Xp/Vista. It's not an OS, it's a front end. Basic description, rather than have 5-10 seperate programs running through windows on a carpc, you use a Front end which basically acts as a single point from which all of the programs run. So far it has music, video, dvd, gps, radio, and a picture viewer. future implementation will include cellphone access via bluetooth.
Jdc
02-01-2008, 01:45 PM
Sweet................... Freeware? :lol:
Spawn
02-01-2008, 03:45 PM
indeed
4sc
02-01-2008, 04:18 PM
must... not.... spend.....
taylor192
02-08-2008, 01:31 PM
That's kick-ass Spawn, what's your real name on Facebook or MSN email? I'm trying to stay off RLers yet would like to keep updated on this. I'm redoing my CarPC (just got a USB GPS! and ordered a USB OBD-II reader) and this would help a ton, RR is good, yet far from great.