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maheepgupta · 19th February 2008, 12:58

Hi Guys

Like all other techos and car lovers here, I always wanted to have a cool and rocking car and then fit a computer in it. The first dream came true when I bought the Suzuki SX4 ZXi (Golden Beige) last October.

Well, there can be a debate if SX4 fits in this cool and rocking category or not but then again, at least I think so. You know “its my car” syndrome.

So now after 4-5 months and saving up some money (which drained after buying the car) I am all set to fit a car PC in it. I know there are several other guys here, who have done it in past but I don’t think any SX4 has it so far.

The very first idea was to fit a traditional carputer (with the parts sourced from net and that popular shop in Mumbai) but then I started thinking in a different direction. I considered having a touch screen based Laptop Like HP TX1200, so that every thing stays compact and hassle free. But somehow I was not very convinced with the idea. Even though TX1200 has a 12” LCD but that was still too bulky to be fitted and operated in the dashboard or similar place. Either I had to go for an additional screen or compromise on the placement of the system. Plus, even after spending 50k or so, it still required an external GPS, Modem and so on. Thus it is ruled out.

Now what I have planned is, to use an advanced Windows Mobile based PDA (you can call it a basic UMPC) and shortlisted Dopod U1000

Dopod International Corp.
Dopod U1000: More than an ultramobile PC
Dopod U1000 Overview - Handheld - CNET Asia

Though it can not be called as a PC or carputer but if we think twice there are several advantages with it. For example 5” touch screen LCD, Pretty fast 624 MHz Processor, In built GPS, 8GB Drive, compact (when speaking about fitting it in car) and so on. In brief these are the pros and cons which I have considered

Pros

1) Compact size which can be fitted pretty easily at any desired location
2) 5” Touch Screen based LCD
3) A QWERTY Keyboard can be attached
4) In built GPS receiver
5) As its basically a mobile phone, so I can get a 3g/Edge connection and use it for all internet related functionalities, plus in emergencies I can always use it as a phone to make calls
6) 8 GB Micro Drive & Expansion slot for another 4 GB
7) Pretty Good Voice command implementation
8) Wi-Fi in built
9) Bluetooth embedded with A2DP profile
10) VGA and stereo out available
11) Charging is no issue and can be attached with the cigarette lighter
12) Easily detachable, in case I don’t want to leave it car
13) 3 MP camera if I ever need that (though I don’t think so)

Cons

1) Its windows mobile 2005 based so no full fledged OS but that is certainly not an issue as I am a mobile developer myself and have a team of mobile development guys (I run a small development company here) so we can develop virtually any thing which is required (or should I say, which is possible)
2) I will surely miss the fun of assembling a carputer and customize the dash board to fit that but this option seems really tempting so..
3) Storage space might be insufficient when thinking about videos and a load of MP3 files

Now I need some suggestions and advice from the experts, like if this is a good idea to go ahead with or I should explore more options.

Another thing, which is the best place to fit it in the SX4, In the dashboard below stereo?

My ideas was to somehow create an assembly and fit it on the driver or passenger side sun visor, so that it would be easier to operate and when required, device it self can be detached by removing the cables and locks (which will be required for assembly)

Please suggest

Lastly, sorry for such a long post but this is the shortest after 3 drafts of original text

Cheers !

19th February 2008, 12:58	#1 (permalink)
maheepgupta Newbie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bikaner Posts: 12	Car PC (UMPC) in Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hi Guys Like all other techos and car lovers here, I always wanted to have a cool and rocking car and then fit a computer in it. The first dream came true when I bought the Suzuki SX4 ZXi (Golden Beige) last October. Well, there can be a debate if SX4 fits in this cool and rocking category or not but then again, at least I think so. You know “its my car” syndrome. So now after 4-5 months and saving up some money (which drained after buying the car) I am all set to fit a car PC in it. I know there are several other guys here, who have done it in past but I don’t think any SX4 has it so far. The very first idea was to fit a traditional carputer (with the parts sourced from net and that popular shop in Mumbai) but then I started thinking in a different direction. I considered having a touch screen based Laptop Like HP TX1200, so that every thing stays compact and hassle free. But somehow I was not very convinced with the idea. Even though TX1200 has a 12” LCD but that was still too bulky to be fitted and operated in the dashboard or similar place. Either I had to go for an additional screen or compromise on the placement of the system. Plus, even after spending 50k or so, it still required an external GPS, Modem and so on. Thus it is ruled out. Now what I have planned is, to use an advanced Windows Mobile based PDA (you can call it a basic UMPC) and shortlisted Dopod U1000 Dopod International Corp. Dopod U1000: More than an ultramobile PC Dopod U1000 Overview - Handheld - CNET Asia Though it can not be called as a PC or carputer but if we think twice there are several advantages with it. For example 5” touch screen LCD, Pretty fast 624 MHz Processor, In built GPS, 8GB Drive, compact (when speaking about fitting it in car) and so on. In brief these are the pros and cons which I have considered Pros 1) Compact size which can be fitted pretty easily at any desired location 2) 5” Touch Screen based LCD 3) A QWERTY Keyboard can be attached 4) In built GPS receiver 5) As its basically a mobile phone, so I can get a 3g/Edge connection and use it for all internet related functionalities, plus in emergencies I can always use it as a phone to make calls 6) 8 GB Micro Drive & Expansion slot for another 4 GB 7) Pretty Good Voice command implementation 8) Wi-Fi in built 9) Bluetooth embedded with A2DP profile 10) VGA and stereo out available 11) Charging is no issue and can be attached with the cigarette lighter 12) Easily detachable, in case I don’t want to leave it car 13) 3 MP camera if I ever need that (though I don’t think so) Cons 1) Its windows mobile 2005 based so no full fledged OS but that is certainly not an issue as I am a mobile developer myself and have a team of mobile development guys (I run a small development company here) so we can develop virtually any thing which is required (or should I say, which is possible) 2) I will surely miss the fun of assembling a carputer and customize the dash board to fit that but this option seems really tempting so.. 3) Storage space might be insufficient when thinking about videos and a load of MP3 files Now I need some suggestions and advice from the experts, like if this is a good idea to go ahead with or I should explore more options. Another thing, which is the best place to fit it in the SX4, In the dashboard below stereo? My ideas was to somehow create an assembly and fit it on the driver or passenger side sun visor, so that it would be easier to operate and when required, device it self can be detached by removing the cables and locks (which will be required for assembly) Please suggest Lastly, sorry for such a long post but this is the shortest after 3 drafts of original text Cheers !