Pengu
Digital Music Pimp
Ok.. So This is simply a theory question at the moment.. But anyways. I'll outline what it is i wanna do, and then go into detail about certain aspects, and what im looking for, is responses to questions posed, and of course, any suggestions or comments..
Ok.
I currently have a whole heap (20+Gb) of digital music (mp3's) on my computer, which of course i use iTunes to listen to. I also have a JVC KD-LH2000 MP3 CD player in my car, and this makes it really easy to listen to a whole heap of music at once. But. I have bigger plans, for the future.
At some point in the future, after I get a newer car, I basically want to install a computer into the car somewhere, to make it easier for listening to music, watching movies, etc, and of course to give a complete "multimedia" experience.
Now I guess you're probably thinking "He's CRaZy!".... if you are thinking that, i say Pfft to your bland mind . Anyways
So first off, is of course to select a computer to use. I first off thought about either a PowerBook or an iBook, and then I was thinkin about an XServe... However, an XServe is like $AU7000 or something down here, so thats a bit pricey.. I then thought, If it's only going to be playing MP3s, and movies a something like a 400mhz G4 would be fine..
I just happen to have a Gigabit Ethernet (or so the box/online specs/book says, even though the motherboard has 10/100 on it next to the ethernet port) G4. With work, will come the new car, and of course, the ability to felxirent a new powerbook or whatever.
So then i thought, why not either:
Next we come to the issue of displaying and controlling the computer. The display would be relatively simple, using a video card with AV ports on it, or S-Video etc, as there are many in-car LCD units with a range of inputs.
But. How to control it?? Keep a mouse/keyboard in the glove-box with a really long usb cable?? Try and find a touch-screen system and make it work??
And for those of you who intend to make this all seem unecessary, I have already seen the Clarion deck that will play MP3s, VCDs, DVDs, and has 5.1 sound output. But. it still uses CD's for Mp3s. I want MORE! Plus. you all KNOW this would be cool.
Ok.
I currently have a whole heap (20+Gb) of digital music (mp3's) on my computer, which of course i use iTunes to listen to. I also have a JVC KD-LH2000 MP3 CD player in my car, and this makes it really easy to listen to a whole heap of music at once. But. I have bigger plans, for the future.
At some point in the future, after I get a newer car, I basically want to install a computer into the car somewhere, to make it easier for listening to music, watching movies, etc, and of course to give a complete "multimedia" experience.
Now I guess you're probably thinking "He's CRaZy!".... if you are thinking that, i say Pfft to your bland mind . Anyways
So first off, is of course to select a computer to use. I first off thought about either a PowerBook or an iBook, and then I was thinkin about an XServe... However, an XServe is like $AU7000 or something down here, so thats a bit pricey.. I then thought, If it's only going to be playing MP3s, and movies a something like a 400mhz G4 would be fine..
I just happen to have a Gigabit Ethernet (or so the box/online specs/book says, even though the motherboard has 10/100 on it next to the ethernet port) G4. With work, will come the new car, and of course, the ability to felxirent a new powerbook or whatever.
So then i thought, why not either:
- modify the current case and replace the dvd drive with a combo drive, and put two 80 or 100 Gb hard drives in it.
- take out the motherboard/etc and mount it into a case/box/rackmount-case of some sort with whatever drives i require.
- The audio system will be very high-powered, and as such will create a lot of air pressure/vibrations, particularly in the boot area, where any computer is likely to be installed, for lack of space anywhere else.
- Also, correct me if i'm wrong, but a computer power supply converts from 240v (110 in the US?) to 12v for the components in the computer. A car uses a 12v system. While Inverters (12v - 240v) are available, it seems ridiculous to invert, and then convert back to 12v.
Next we come to the issue of displaying and controlling the computer. The display would be relatively simple, using a video card with AV ports on it, or S-Video etc, as there are many in-car LCD units with a range of inputs.
But. How to control it?? Keep a mouse/keyboard in the glove-box with a really long usb cable?? Try and find a touch-screen system and make it work??
And for those of you who intend to make this all seem unecessary, I have already seen the Clarion deck that will play MP3s, VCDs, DVDs, and has 5.1 sound output. But. it still uses CD's for Mp3s. I want MORE! Plus. you all KNOW this would be cool.