Wonder if this could be done :) Portable Entertainment
 

http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/bmwpc/

Original Article.

Was curious if something like this could be done, really like the project, and can do something like this on my own for around 400$ (Touch Screen LCD = 250$) from what I see in the article, it hides in the glove box, how big is the glove box in the 318ti?


Also, I would like to add something else to the mod, Since I would be interested in installing wi-fi internet, I will need to go thru a antenna, so where exactly does the antenna pass thru the 318 so I can arrange something of the sort to be done =D

This is all in a thinking progess now :) I will plan to do it after I get my 318ti, eventually...hehehe :)

Don't rice out your future ti!!!

I think the CarPC is a great idea...

I built one of these once, used a Transmeta Crusoe 1.2ghz processor and a 7" touchscreen. It was nice, stored the computer in the trunk, wired to the dash. Unfortunately, it made it look pretty ricey in my opinion. It was functional though, with GPS and everything. Also, the dashboard space isn't very large if you have the stock stuff in it.

As for WiFi, don't use the radio antenna. I guess you haven't taken physics (cause you're 15), but the antenna is tuned to the FM frequencies and not the 2.4x ghz for WiFi. The best recommendation I can give you is to stick an omnidirectional antenna under the passenger seat dash.

Well, Obviously I knew the antenna wouldnt work (I was planing a custom one) But, I meant, like could I use the pre-wiring or not? Since I was planing on a omnidirectional one, just it'd be placed on the roof of the car :) ( A fuba clone!)

Also, when you stored it in the trunk and wired it to the dash, how hard was it to do? I mean like conceal the wiring?

Also, do you think this is to ricey? All I really want is GPS/Mp3. I can go the way of buying a cd player with aux in then a USB gps and use my laptop, but that looks shotty D: Plus, I have like more then half the parts already needed for the project :)

I removed the seats, carpet, routed wiring through that, replaced carpet + seats. It was a pain in the butt to do. Also, getting a cd-player with aux in is a pain to hookup to the sound system properly since you have to deactivate the midranges, tweeters, replace the 5.25 speakers and the 4" rear speakers with full range speakers. That's not a cheap job.

Your best option would be to get something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Lowrance-Navig.../dp/B0006OCJ2W

Then get an Alpine RCA input adapter for your factory head unit, add a dashboard 1/4 inch stereo plug wired to the Alpine input, and connect the two by a short connecting 1/4 inch stereo plug (male-male).

I think thats actually a pretty good idea for entertainment purposes, navigation, engine management for tuning and monitoring...all around goodness :)

Shameless plug, but if you're interested, I used this laptop + my Pharos GPS in my 318ti to navigate myself to Long Island and back once.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...2016&rd=1&rd=1

You needed a GPS to find your way from NJ to Long Isand? I'm speechless.:eek:

I had it auto-reroute me via sirius traffic alerts. I've never driven through Manhattan myself before either, and had to get to Syosset. Don't make fun of me for my lack of directional knowledge!!

I was kidding. I'm sure it came in handy getting to a specific place on Long Island. I'm only 10 minutes from Syosset. Come by and see me sometime.:biggrin:

Heh, Thanks 1996Bmw318TI, :) Your advice is one of the best on this topic!

My hats of to you! =D. I will do it, but as a LCD costs nearly 300$, Im'a stick to my Ibm t40 and a USB Gps for now. (Just need to find one now :D)

thanks all!


Edit!

And omg! I found what I want to do! =D

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3...318tipcuz7.png

Something like this! =D I found it on a google image search, but the orginal link is dead :(.

Wow... that guy moved his climate control down and put a 7" touch screen in... nice!! That's not ricey.

The problem with that in my opinion, is that it sits way too low in order to watch a movie or something. And its nearly impossible to put in a In-Dash Monitor, I had to struggle to fit in my Alpine Cd Player. Pretty tight back there had to cut some plastic pieces out.
But the whole car multimedia idea is cool.