Computer... for my car?

[Pesmerga]

I know how to put together a PC for my desktop, but I want to start on a little project for my car. It would involve installing a PC into my car, connecting it to a flatpanel lcd located somewhere in the front. It would be used for directions, Skype, mp3, browsing, emailing, etc (of course while stopped).

Now, let me tell you that I understand that there are probably cheaper and more practical ways to get my car to do those things, but I like the idea of a separate LCD monitor somewhere in my car. Anyways, I need some info and I think you guys might be able to help...


1) I live in Florida. How hot can I let my computer be before heat begins to damage it? How can I best protect my PC from the heat? The PC itself should be out of direct sunlight (covering it up with reflective material and using those windshield covers, etc).

2) Power supply. I figure I can plug it into the car battery. Somehow.

Here's a rough newegg grocery list

It's a big more expensive than I'd have liked it to be, but I think it's near the cost of a GPS+Mp3 player, with a lot more versatility, plus it's a learning experience.

As for the PC parts themselves, I tried to keep it as cheap as possible without going into the stone age.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144162

My biggest concern is heat... what are unacceptable levels of heat, considering the hottest it's going to get is when the car is off and parked in the sun.

 

[Naudian]

: \

 

[Asus]

Why not get a LCD touch screen?
And buy old used parts for the PC. Wouldn't want new parts to break for some reason by being outside in a car.

fyi CPUs go up to ~70C before they auto shutdown when running. That's ~160 F.

 

[Pesmerga]

Because it's $369? That would tack on about $200 to the total cost for a feature I will hardly ever use while driving.

And it's extremely small.

 

[Krynn72]

Why do you need such a huge monitor?

 

[Asus]

That LCD was an example. First one I saw on google. Maybe there are cheaper.
And why not buy a cheap laptop? I guess I'm not sure of what kind of functionality you are going for. Not regarding apps but just how you would use it having to throw a keyboard in your lap etc. It doesn't seem like a unique experience that way compared to building or using a desktop PC otherwise...

You can get AC DC converters but you would have to check on the power.

edit:If you are going for a full-sized LCD maybe you could mount it with a swivel arm so it folds under the dash on the passenger side. /shrug

 

[phantomdesign]

You could get a used touch-pad or a laptop. Those are generally designed better to handle bumps / movement than normal PC hardware.

 

[TechnoHippyChic]

You would need something like this controller to prevent battery drain. They also have supplies with that built in, but they're expensive for the wattage you get.