A while back a few of us were looking for in-car PC monitors.

Well, "found one" :D

7" widescreen, touch screen, VGA input (so sharp small text, not the fuzzy stuff out of a composite input), 2 composite inputs too :D, runs off 11-24V, supports NTSC and PAL for composites, native resolution 800x480. Touchscreen is a serial interface. Display is manufactured by panasonic and seems to have a good contrast rating.

Price is $400 or less for groups. Shipping may be around $50 max. Looking to see if there's a way to minimise VAT.

Richie? David_W? Anyone else?

nick,

if pat oks this for our in car pc purposes, then you can count me in!
and yes I do occasionally read your forum.

Count me in baby!
In fact, given the right discount, I'd be up for 3 probably (got a couple of friends who'd want to play ;))
Keep me informed!

PS SWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTTT !!!!!!!!!! :D
Just changed my car and stereo, so I haven't got a screen in the car any more. Was wondering how to do the in-car mp3 thing. Seems like you might have my solution ;)

They do look to be just the thing I've been searching for. The native resolution of 800x480 is usable, but they can also be driven in other resolutions and still be legible, apparently. I'd like to see this to believe it tho ;)

I'm tempted to buy one first to get a sample if there's going to be a few of us shelling out significant money. It does look just perfect and I'm very hopeful as I've seen very good comments about the unit.

There may be an option of motorised DIN unit, but this adds around $100-200 and isn't yet ready. I'd rather have the flexibility of stand-alone. I reckon it should be possible to have this motoring out of the space on top of the dash in MY98-MY00, or MY01+...

If anyone's running out of serial ports, maplins are selling USB to 9-pin serial adaptors with driver software for Windows, Linux and most OSs for 19.99, so that isn't a problem.

Keep posting - will cross-post to Computers as there may be interested people in there :D
Nick.

Nick

If they'll give a discount for a couple, then grab one for me anyway. As long as they're not complete garbage, I'll be happy.

Let's face it, £250(ish) for a VGA in-dash screen is a bargain in anyone's books!

Looks like discounts will only be on shipping.

He'll ship as "commercial samples" which may avoid VAT.

Yes please..

David

any pics? links?

Specs are (nicked from website)
These are brand new screens, never refurbished or returned, and all screens have a full 12 month warranty!!!

Perfect for using your computer in the car as an mp3 player, GPS navigation system or a mobile office. This beautiful VGA resolution monitor connects via the monitor port on your video card, no TV-out needed.

The picture is so fine that you can read text on the 7" screen at 1600x1200 resolution!!!

The touchscreen is provided by EELY, a leader in touchscreen manufacturing. It connects through the serial port on your computer, or you can buy a serial to USB adapter for your laptop. All necessary software is included. Specifications.

Package Contents:
• 1 DS700YYV Screen Unit
• 1 Self Adhesive mounting stand
• 1 AC wall adapter
• Cable Kit
• Instruction Manual
• Software CD for touchscreen
External Specifications:
Video Source Input
• VGA analog male connector (15-Pin D-SUB) x 1
• RCA composite video female connector x 2
Audio Source Input
• RCA audio female connector x 1
Touch Panel Output
• RS-232 female connector x 1 Power
Source Input
• Single 12V DC IN (Supports 11V ~ 24V)
External Buttons Input
• TACT OSD buttons for Menu/Select/Increase/Decrease
• TACT PWR button for power switch
Internal Specifications:
• LCD Module : 7” Panasonic TFT LCD module (EDTCB18QCF)
• LCD Native resolution : 800 x 480
• Supported display resolution : 640 x 480 ~ 1600x1200
• Supported refresh rates : 60, 72, 75 Hertz
• Video Format : NTSC/PAL
• Auto-detect Hot Keys : Available while in off
• Menu Colors : 18-bit (262,144 Colors)
• OSD Menu : Digital Style

Pic:
http://www.dscustoms.com/images/Products/DS700YYV/DS700YYV_stand-logo.jpg

It's from an outfit called "DScustoms" - their website is a little basic. I'll order one and see how it looks.

Cheers,

Nick.

now im thinking about windows embeded.. and not using disks..

David

Sweet :) Put me down for one :D They seem the same as the ones sold by Xenarc (these ones (http://www.i-zone-3.com/components.htm)) but for $100 less :D

Richie.

They are. Both xenarc and these are manufactured by an outfit called "Gain".

I'm definatly interested in one - have been in touch with xenarc before for one of these and they quoted me $500 for a single screen but I never got round to ordering....

Rich

Well, looks like I've sold my old screen so I can justify buying one now :D . I'll order one (or two - I think someone definitely wants one no matter what) initially and we'll take it from there :)

might be interested in one. keep me updated :)

would that be me nick??

David

Nope.

Need to sell my old screen again - buyer pulled out.

80 quid anyone? See the thread ;)

I definatly want one....now....mwhahahahaha....

err.....I'll get my coat.....

Rich

I'd be interested in the touch screens, assuming we get enough people together for it. Keep the thread alive, and let us know what the final outcome is ! :)

well i am interested :D

I'm feeling interested too!

Ok Interested

Vince

As was said does seem to be the same as (these ones (http://www.i-zone-3.com/components.htm)) however this only supports a MAXIMUM of 800 * 480 and only has 480 pics deep so that's it. The DIN in car PC at the same site really has me drooling though.

The maths dont add up though since 2400 x 480 wouldn't be 16:9 so now I am confused,

Vince

It's the same as a xenarc one, yes - the touchscreen vga one with 2 composite inputs.

Samples ordered.

Will update you all as soon as they arrive.

Cheers,
Nick.

Well, the guy ships fast :) - just got an update from USPS:
Your item left the United States from SAN FRANCISCO AMC at 10:15 am on May 21, 2003. Status is updated every evening.

So it's now just down to our fabulous UK post to get here...

The anticipation is killing me.....

Rich

It's killing you?! Chiark's ordered two and the other one's for me!
Here I am, a whole bank holiday weekend to play, and it's not going to be here in time! :(