Aaah, the AutoPC. Running Windows CE. Still like it as an idea, but it should run a real OS.

The MP3 player that I built has the ability to be all of these. (Well, it's based on a P90, so things may be a tad slow, but you see what I mean...)

The interface is the killer...

Chiark,

Don't suppose you looked into touch-screens? Did you try that change to your /etc/lilo.conf ('compact') for faster kernel booting?

Steve.

Needs a bigger hard disk! I have 10gb + of Mp3's ;)

Looks like a good idea but you need a decent touch screen interface and the HD to be a removable module so it is easy to copy data.

I wouldn't bother with the PS/2 ports, just have a wireless keyboard/touch pad if that is really needed.

One thing to remember - there really aren't that many people who'll pay say £1500 for non-oem in car hifi. Something similar could be better integrated into new cars without worrying about 1 DIN format, and perhaps integrating Air Con, Phone etc...

How about some speed camera detecting software on the unit too ala geodesy??

Me, I'd buy one when they're going for £500 on ebay/6th planet etc ;):D

Seriously, good luck, if you want any more ideas on this drop me a line, this is something I too have been thinking about (vaguely) for several years...

Jon

Ahhh - there is some progress on this in Japan.

Carrozeria (Pioneer) have a HDD based Navi system that can be upgraded to hold 12 gig of MP3s (2 gig std), will accept info from a DVD ROM for where all the fixed cameras in Japan are located, net capable, hands free phone, traffic info (incl. trouble and jam avoidance rerouting), many functions are voice activated and it can tell in most situations if you are on a flyover/raised road or not and point out which lane to be in at confusing intersections (useful for those multideck roads in Tokyo ;) ). The onboard sensors help when you are in black spots for GPS coverage.

There is a 7" in dash monitor, and the system can be expanded to take signals from a DVD source.

Take a squiz at: http://www.hdd-cybernavi.com/hdd_navi/hdd_navi.html

It's all available for a price ;)

Enjoy :D

Some piccies:

In car 5.1:
http://www.pioneer.co.jp/carrozzeria...img/51sys2.gif

The navi/music bank side of things:
http://www.pioneer.co.jp/carrozzeria...m_img/sys2.jpg

So, who's up first :D

[market research]

Let's just imagine this:

http://www.gas-station.pwp.blueyonde...eamproduct.jpg

- Playback: DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, VCD, CD, MP-3, MPEG-4
- Dual AM/FM/RDS/DAB PLL radio with 60 stations memory
- Multisystem TV with 2 video inputs and 1 output
- In-dash fully motorized 7" wide color TFT monitor
- Detachable front panel with touch-screen operations
- 10 band graphic equalizer with 20 presets
- 4x40 + 2x5 Watts power output (max)
- Integrated 12 ch. GPS receiver with D-GPS support
- Dual map storage for uninterruptible on-board navigation
- Turn-by-turn routing with aerial view
- Adaptive voice control and announcing
- Remote tracking with featured logging
- Integrated wireless modem (GSM/GPRS, CDMA networks)
- Internet surfing, e-mail, fax, SMS support
- WindowsCE platform
- Built-in hands free
- Hard drive 2.5-inch 6GB mounted in shockproof case
- i/o 2 x USB ports, PS/2 k/b & mouse
- Single DIN

Let's assume this was decent quality, offered outputs to amps and was comparable in price to the mainstream manufacturers' control units (i.e. saves the price of the navigation jukebox, etc, etc - I reckon that this equals about 60% of the mainstream manufacturers' price). Would this be tasty?

[/market research]

Cheers

Lee.

P.S. 100 nostalgia points for anyone that remembers the Clarion AutoPC. 1000 points for anyone that bought one!


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[Edited by 12LEE - 2/12/2002 1:04:39 PM]

[Edited by 12LEE - 2/12/2002 1:05:39 PM]