KevinL

I'm thinking of doing something simillar to this when I get my IS.http://www.powerpage.org/2007/01/car..._mac_mini.html
I think this would be the logical step for use of the Nav screen and be able to watch actual or ripped dvd's, downloaded content, listen to your music library, etc. Plus it would cost less than this guys since we already have the screen. Just buy a mini http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL....8.1.5.1.0.5.0
and the touch system and other peices. I would think you could do it for less than a grand.

Has anyone else tried this in thier IS?

nabisco

Coming from someone that has had a carputer in there ride let me state some facts about this setup. I’m 90% sure you will not be able to use the screen that’s already in the car! The screen needs to be a VGA USB touch screen. Example would be Xenarc screens. The quality of these compared to the screens that are in the Lexus is not comparable! You can’t see **** during the day. You have to use computer based GPS witch is crap. Crappy POI, lost signal, bad voice recognition. Again no where comparable to the Lexus! Sure you’ve got some things that it can do but all in all the Lexus is a much better setup.

KevinL

Thanks for the info. I figured you could use an adapter like NavTV to get the image to the Lexus screen. I would also use this in conjunction with the Lexus Nav, not to replace it so I wouldn't need the computer based nav functions. I would just want a place to keep lots of music, movies, wi-fi internet where available, etc.

Axvel

I'm sure it can be done, I mean i'm sure there will be a converter like for an Ipod to use with our stereo. We have a nice screen with good resolution in our car. You dont' necessary need to use it for gas prices **** or GPS on the computer but everything else is great like the internet, I have a mac mini behind my plasma TV i will try to play around with the IS. I'm sure i can get a signal somehow through this Cable:


and then use a something like an ipod adapter to connect it to the screen so no VGA or DVI cables are needed only RCA or S-Video which we can find in a aftermarket ipod connectors,

BUT I HAVE ONE QUESTION HOW WILL THE TOUCH SCREEN FUNCTION WORK?

I Will try to figure it out somehow...any gadget guys here?

Axvel

!

nabisco

So you won't be using the touch screen on the compuer side... The touch screen will not work unless you can connect it via USB

KevinL

I know there are many touch screen overlay manufacturers out there and many are usb based. I am not sure if you could find one the size of the nav screen and then overlay it on top without interfering with the factory screen.

http://trolltouch.com/

Here is another installation. http://www.kusnetz.net/prius/

nabisco

This site is dedicated to carputers...
http://www.mp3car.com

Axvel

thanks for pointing into the right direction

kensteele

been out to mp3car last year trying to figure out how to install this extra powerpc macmini i have into my car. gave up; screen was the showstopper. now macmini is idle on my living room floor now...for sale.

Axvel

so the screen worked great..what was the problem, controls? or installation

kensteele

^^^couldn't find an appropriate place to tactfully mount a nice external touchscreen. really would have liked to use the nav but not possible.

Gernby

iTrader: (1)

He didn't say the screen worked great ... he said it was a "showstopper".

Axvel

thank you for useless comment

07Txlex

FYI..... BY "showstopper" he meant that is what stopped his show so to speak.. Meaning that's what caused him NOT to pursue it anymore