Very odd computer needs, suggestions?

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imported_BigPerm

Junior Member
Nov 1, 2004
18
0
0
Hi everyone.

Just FYI I have done a search on the forums and have found literally no information about a similar project, so hopefully I get some good feedback here.

Many people have integrated a PS2 or XBOX into their car audio system, it's relatively common in the world of car audio. However, I want to take it a step further and integrate a computer into the next audio system I'm building.

There are several purposes for this:
1) Real time audio analysis and tuning via Spectralab
2) Wireless internet access anywhere I can drive my car
3) PC games for entertainment
4) USB Storage, etc for pictures and media. Take a picture or video, dump it out onto the hard drive of the computer in my car
5) Cool factor

Now, there are several challenges here. I'll list the ones of which I am aware and depend on anyone reading this to add any more:
1) Space/size (working in the trunk of a SUV, but lots of things will be going on)
2) Power (inverter will work, but how well?)
3) Hard drive durability (is driving while the HDD is spinning a possibility? what about high volume scenarios?)
4) Sub speaker magnets will be within ~1-2 feet of hard drives

Those are the four issues that seem the most pressing to overcome. Here are my solutions thus far:
1) Shuttle PC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?item=N82E16856101053) is the one I'm considering. I'd like 2 5 1/4" bays, but I don't think it's possible in a micro-form pc)
2) Not sure here. How big of an inverter will I need to be safe?
3) This is the biggie. Are there laptop-like hard drives that are more durable for this application, but are 3.5" sized? What's the most durable hard drive for an application such as this.
4) Goes along with #3. What's the recommended distance I'll need to be safe? Max/min distance? For anyone who cares the sub magnets weight about 40 pounds each.

As far as other details, I'm trying to keep the entire PC under $500, but honestly suggest anything. Money is not a *real* object here, because if it will work for what I need, I'll spring for it.

Any other thoughts, challenges, etc?

Thanks for reading,
Mike
 
H

hurtstotalktoyou

Platinum Member
Mar 24, 2005
2,055
9
81
I know this is not what you want to hear, but I don't think this is a realistic goal. The tasks you describe are consistent with an ordinary car audio system and a laptop in the passenger seat, both of which require basically no special features, and which provide greater functionality *outside* the car.

Just get a CD player with a line-in port. Best Buy has one which can be purchased and installed for $128 ($72 deck + ~$6 tax + $50 installation). Then just get a basic laptop you can plug into it. They cost about $600 new for something basic.
 
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imported_BigPerm

Junior Member
Nov 1, 2004
18
0
0
You are correct, that's not what I want to hear, because that solution is not a good one for what I need. I don't want a transient laptop in the passenger seat, I want a computer integrated into my car. :)

As far as head units with line-ins, etc... I'm more than familiar with them, and not to be elitist, but I certainly wouldn't be purchasing it from Best Buy in any event.

I guess to summarize, I know *how* to make what I want work by throwing a laptop into the car. We're not talking rocket science here. What I'm going for takes considerably more time, money and planning than that, thus my original post.

Thank you for the reply.
 
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imported_Baloo

Golden Member
Feb 2, 2006
1,782
0
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This is all you need, well, except the monitor. It's is small enough to mount just about any way you need. For a more durable hard drive, replace the one it comes with with a solid state drive
 
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imported_BigPerm

Junior Member
Nov 1, 2004
18
0
0
Why is no one addressing my questions? Yes, despite your snarky blowoff, it does need to be a PC. The details are unimportant to the progression of this thread, and if you want to start a thread about why a PC would be better for a car audio RTA tool than a Mac, by all means, start your own.

I was very specific about my current issues. Durable hard drive, power inverter, etc. If anyone reading this doesn't have anything constructive to say to address those potential issues, then just ignore this post and move on, I'll figure it out through trial and error eventually.
 
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imported_BigPerm

Junior Member
Nov 1, 2004
18
0
0
Yes, I asked very specific questions about a very specific need, and I should be greatful for your trite blowoff responses? Get over yourself.
 
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