[cstavaru]

Hi,

I have a dilemma:

Solution 1: $600 Car PC which fits in the trunk under the trunk floor, in the empty place where a DAB tuner would have been (driver's side in the trunk under the trunk floor)

Solution 2: $250 Car PC, a bit more powerful, which doesn't fit that space and may be placed in the trunk somewhere (maybe attached to the back seat backrest or attached to the left wheel well in the trunk)

What would you choose ?

[fdriller9]

So solution 1 is more expensive because of its small size? Can you provide specs of both systems. I have built many computers, not car pc specific but I did research it allot when I was about to put one in my e46. You definetely want a more powerful computer. Waiting at your desk is one thing, but in your car, you're most likely going to be using it when driving (I know it's a bad idea but let's face it, we all do it.) You're going to want quick, instant inputs that have you spending more time concentrating on the road than waiting for the computer, glancing back and forth, distracting you from driving safely. If you haven't already, check out www.mp3car.com. They have a great forum and an even better store with every car pc peripheral you can think of. Btw if you're comfortable with building it...you will save allot of money. Especially with the os (cough, cough).

[fdriller9]

BTW what front end are you going to be using?

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by *********

BTW what front end are you going to be using?

My front end will be the iDrive screen I purchased the BMW Accessory Control Module which adds 3 video inputs to iDrive. I will be using one of the inputs to connect the car pc.

The computers are either an Atom Z530 single-core with Intel NM10 (Pine Trail) or an Atom D510 dual-core on the same platform. Plus 2-4GB of RAM and an Intel SSD drive. So it will be pretty responsive I think.

I pretty much settled on the more powerful Atom D510 and I found a way to put it under the trunk floor using the popular M350 Mini-ITX case. The only drawback is that I could not find a proper sealed case with heat pipe instead of the open M350 case (has many tiny holes) but I suppose dust and condensation will not be a problem in that area of the trunk.

[Frank2808]

I'd go with the more powerful pc... sticking it on the back of the seat or on the side where the changer would be isn't going to cost you a lot of trunk space. Also, great choice on the SSD, they're perfect for car pcs.

[JayKay335i]

You can fit a lot of hardware into those mini cases these days. I'd suggest building your own purpose built system or having a local shop do it for you. Should save some $. Also, I wouldn't bother running an atom processor. You'll just have to replace it in a few years.

[fdriller9]

I would go with the dual core and 2gb of ram...anything more 2 is over kill for your application. Just get a slimmed down version of xp and you should be good to go. Can you elaborate on the "BMW accessory control module"? DO you know if it would work on and '06 iDrive?

[my07_335i]

i use an ion platform in an m350 case for my HTPC running XBMC for linux, more than powerful enough for any 1080p movie. I would suggest however depending on what you're gonna run, a single core. It will produce less heat, thus mitigating the need for increased ventilation. The new atoms are more powerful than the original (which is powering my file server)

if you built a tray, you could maybe mount it where the CD changer should be.

[DJKhan85]

NEVER skimp on porcessing power for space. Made that mistake with my first 3 carpcs.

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by *********

I would go with the dual core and 2gb of ram...anything more 2 is over kill for your application. Just get a slimmed down version of xp and you should be good to go. Can you elaborate on the "BMW accessory control module"? DO you know if it would work on and '06 iDrive?

Yes, there are ACM modules available for both the "old" and the "new" (2009+) iDrive systems. It adds some nice capabilities like a video input, possibility to add front/rear cameras, enhanced USB support, etc.

See my post here:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...5&postcount=34

[fdriller9]

Nice. Once I get my audio setup figured out, I might look into this!

[mgithens]

I ran a carpc for years, eventually gave it up because of the cold winters... now that SSD is an option, all the hard drive related issues go away.

The downside to the idrive screen will be the low resolution, but the real question I have is how do you intend to control the computer??

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by mgithens

I ran a carpc for years, eventually gave it up because of the cold winters... now that SSD is an option, all the hard drive related issues go away.

The downside to the idrive screen will be the low resolution, but the real question I have is how do you intend to control the computer??

I did some tests and the resolution seems ok. I intend to control the computer using a Logitech DiNovo Mini Bluetooth keyboard with mouse pad, hidden in the glovebox

But in the future, since the ACM unit also provides an universal CAN interface, I may buy a CAN 2 USB interface, and have access to the iDrive knob operations from inside the Car PC...

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by cstavaru

I did some tests and the resolution seems ok. I intend to control the computer using a Logitech DiNovo Mini Bluetooth keyboard with mouse pad, hidden in the glovebox

But in the future, since the ACM unit also provides an universal CAN interface, I may buy a CAN 2 USB interface, and have access to the iDrive knob operations from inside the Car PC...

Integration with the iDrive knob will be sweet. If you get this to work I will definitely have to put a CarPC in my whip. I hate how limited the iDrive is. Even an aftermarket HU with a screen would satisfy me but swapping the iDrive out for that is too much work.