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[satans_banjo]

Hi

I've been thinking of installing my modded Xbox into my car as the brain behind an extremely low-budget entertainment centre. The software isn't really an issue (I could quite easily install a suitable Linux distro along with a front-end) but finding the cheapest hardware for the job is quite difficult. I'll need some sort of screen along with a way of controlling it (possibly touchscreen) and then I'll need a way of connecting it to the other parts of the car such as the CD deck and audio head unit. I might even install a GPS later on if I'm feeling adventurous

So does anyone have any advice for someone who, quite frankly, has never messed with a car's electronics?

Thanks

Banjo

[xboxhackern00b]

got maxx has his xbox in his RX-8

[Arjun]

QUOTE(xboxhackern00b @ Jan 9 2007, 01:06 AM)

got maxx has his xbox in his RX-8

Yea but I believe that is a simple Xbox install running XBMC. He wants to use an Xbox as a computer. As for LCD screens, the cheap ones that I can think of are Pyle and Pyramid(Not sure if they come in touch screens). One problem is you'll have to create a touchscreen interface...then again, they should have some for Linux. It might be easier using a wireless xbox controller/keyboard/mouse.

[G0t M4xx 21]

QUOTE(xboxhackern00b @ Jan 8 2007, 06:06 PM)

got maxx has his xbox in his RX-8

that I do...



Xbox + XBMC + Car = awesome

[ubernewb]

i sincerely doubt you're gonna be able to piece together a reliable system for under a grand or so.. there's a huge difference between a media system (ie. xbox with xbmc) and a full blown car-puter. indash touchscreens alone run at least 350-400.. you might be able to find one a little cheaper on ebay, but i won't even begin to go into how crap those things are. all i can say is that i've been there and done that, and greatly regret wasting the cash.

if you really wanna do this, head on over to mp3car.com (at least i think that's it.. been awhile) and check out the systems they have. best thing to do on a short budget is to buy the thing a piece at a time, saving up in between. better that then blow it all on some cheap crap you're gonna have to replace shortly down the road.

uber

[twistedsymphony]

^ I'll second that...

don't waste your money on budget crap... it will only end up costing your more in the end and you'll have less to show for it.

[spyvie]

QUOTE

I've been thinking of installing my modded Xbox into my car as the brain behind an extremely low-budget entertainment centre.

I just recently had the same idea myself. I have little experience with linux so that's what i'm working on at the moment.

QUOTE

I'll need a way of connecting it to the other parts of the car such as the CD deck and audio head unit. I might even install a GPS later on if I'm feeling adventurous

If you're going to run linux and a frontend for a carputer, the xbox itself becomes the headunit and you can use the xbox optical drive as your cd/dvd deck.
From what I gather so far, most people are using XP OS for gps since linux seems to have less support for it.

[CattyKid]

I wouldn't go linux, I would go with XBMC.
You are going to need a laptop hard drive in place of the Xbox hard drive as those aren't really meant o be in motion when spinning like they would in a car.
Same thing for the optical drive, you should get a laptop CD/DVD drive since the one in the Xbox is not supposed to move while the disc is spinning.  360 disc scratching, anyone?

As for the touch screen... I would can it and go with either a wireless controller or remote control... cheaper and will be just as good/better because you can game too (obviously not WHILE you are driving though)

[Videogamebuyer14]

Pyle's stuff ain't that bad, but Pyramid is so-so. I've been interested in designing a carputer myself, and I might take it up one day.