Got an idea

1713 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by west_aust, Aug 23, 2005

west_aust

Discussion Starter · Aug 23, 2005

Instead of using a conventional dvd player, im thinking about maybe installing a Mac mini instead, same size, quite cheap (600cdn) and many more functionality than simply a dvd player

still using the Dietz adapter (if i can find where to buy it)

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AudiA4B6US

· #2 · Aug 23, 2005

How is the resolution of the RNS-E? Can't imagine that is much more than 320x200 or so. While the idea is interesting you might be better with a DVD/MP3 player. Those come with remote and play all kinds of media. A computer needs time to boot, a safe way to shutdown, and some custom application as human interface. Idealy it would be CAN connected to be controlled via RNS-E and not via IR remote.

There is an interesting project on www.3pmdev.de, a Linux mini-PC controlled via CAN-bus (old Navi D only at this time). Now, once they support the RNS-E, add an internal DVD drive to play video and make that less than the 1k Euro they currently ask for they could have some success.

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todd1010

· #3 · Aug 23, 2005

west_aust said:
Instead of using a conventional dvd player, im thinking about maybe installing a Mac mini instead, same size, quite cheap (600cdn) and many more functionality than simply a dvd player

still using the Dietz adapter (if i can find where to buy it)

I was just going to post something about that. That would be sweet, those things are just tiny and powerful!

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west_aust

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 23, 2005

AudiA4B6US said:
How is the resolution of the RNS-E? Can't imagine that is much more than 320x200 or so. While the idea is interesting you might be better with a DVD/MP3 player. Those come with remote and play all kinds of media. A computer needs time to boot, a safe way to shutdown, and some custom application as human interface. Idealy it would be CAN connected to be controlled via RNS-E and not via IR remote.

There is an interesting project on www.3pmdev.de, a Linux mini-PC controlled via CAN-bus (old Navi D only at this time). Now, once they support the RNS-E, add an internal DVD drive to play video and make that less than the 1k Euro they currently ask for they could have some success.

havent thought about screen resolution, indeed that could be an issue

anyway, i was just thinking about then when i saw a special on the mac minis this weekend, still gotta get the Dietz first, and dont feel like waiting 2 months for it

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todd1010

· #5 · Aug 23, 2005

what are the specials on the mac mini's?

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fritzner

· #6 · Aug 23, 2005

check with BayrischerS4 for the Dietz adapters.. i believe he has some on order..

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fritzner

· #7 · Aug 23, 2005

here is some helpful info..

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/how2/article/0,20967,1057162,00.html

The In-Car Mini
Why: To have full computing power on the go. Stash the Mini in the glove box and attach it to a touchscreen LCD in the dash to play DVDs and MP3s, edit Word docs, or surf the Web outside your local Wi-Fi hotspot.
Parts and labor: In-dash touchscreen LCDs run $275 and up; the two most popular makers are Xenarc (xenarc.com) and Lilliput (lilliputweb.net). You can power the Mini straight from your cigarette lighter, but a better option is the Carnetix P1900 dual-output 140-watt regulator ($100; carnetix.com)â€”it can supply juice to both the Mini and your monitor straight from the carâ€™s battery. Finally, control it all with software called i3 ($25; i3team.com), a customizable interface designed specifically for easy navigation on small touchscreens. Be inspired by other peopleâ€™s installations and learn more at macvroom.com.

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west_aust

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 23, 2005

todd1010 said:
what are the specials on the mac mini's?

150$ rebate which brings it at 600 rather than 750 (all prices canadian dollar) for the first gen mac minis

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