My In-Dash Car PC project

This is interesting.

I can have a PC with USB, that would be tethered to my BlackBerry with unlimited Data Plan, the BlackBerry acting as a cellular modem for Internet access.

The screen would be the PC screen, the touch for the mouse.

Would that be possible with relatively easy-to-install 3rd party thingamajig?
I build PC's now & then, I'm a computer programmer, so wires don't scare me.
I just don't want to void the warranty.

On In Dash PC - USB MP3 car kits, iPhone, iPod car integration, MP3 AUX-IN car adapters - GROM PC adapter for Toyota Scion Lexus 98+ it's to connect to a laptop.
I want to just use a tiny Motherboard & laptop HD, and re-use the Prius screen and touchscreen. Instead of another, different, pull-out LCD screen.

Possible?

 

Thanks...I'll stick to using the AUX and the mini stereo jack and a standard mp3 player.

The 6-CD mp3 play capability of the car is nice, I just wish it could be upgraded with a better version. My files are (mostly) well named and contain extra info, that the MFD doesn't display, other than a few char's of the filename.

 

They have TMR screens as well. Cheaper and like transflective. Unfortunately none seem to be available in the in dash units.

BTW I just am reading up here as I am a grad student and will be working with a Prius (09) with a L5 module. I already put a carputer in my WRX years ago, but I thought I could save a lot of trouble if I could find how people did it in the Prius instead of trying to figure out the best spot to store everything.


(Well I can't link to mp3 car b/c of the restrictions but here is the url

Code:

vbulletin/show-off-your-project/90457-03-wrx-wagon-install.html

)<--That is my install I moved to a cold location and the HDD immediately died of course so I went to a SSD. They sell cable that lock for the HDD connection btw, but I don't know if they are actually useful. The other option is to hot glue the connections down so vibrations do not loosen them. (oops I see you did that later already).

I always heard the in dash screen broke often, and your experience seems to confirm it. From what I gather though the replacement actually worked without breaking? I want to know so I can get something together. I would prefer an in dash unit so that I don't have to futz around trying to make a complicated screen install.

(BTW when people say "in-dash" PC they usually mean the compute is in your dash, not in your trunk. Plenty of people have stuck a PC in a dual DIN opening).

 

Yeah I was planning to put in a automatic in dash unit for the reasons you mentioned. It is sad there are no sunlight readable ones available though. I will definitely post up as I make progress.

Do you happen to know if anyone has replaced the electric motor in a prius? Everytime I search I never seem to find the information I am looking for (it always comes up with specs but nothing else). I was curious as you have the L5 module as well I saw and I was wondering if a more powerful electric motor could make use of the hymotion pack to meet higher acceleration standards without engaging the ICE. (have to check the current limit on the wiring too I know)

 

Is it necessary to disconnect the 12V before taking this lower plastic piece off?

 

Well to answer my own stupid question: no need to disconnect the 12V - nothing blew up when I took the panel off. YMMV of course.