Interest in an In-Dash Stereo/MP3 Player/COMPUTER?
 

Is anyone interested in an in-dash computer that would fit where the stereo goes and would play CD's, MP3's, and well, anything a normal computer would do? There are a lot of details that are not ironed out yet, but here are some points I've been thinking of:

I've been (SLOWLY...research taking up my time) designing an MP3 player that also supports AC3, Ogg, and AAC formats. Size is the dimensions of a standard IDE HD and about 1/2" thick, not including the color touchscreen LCD. It would have to have a lot of features to warrant production/price.

What OS are you planning on running on it? If it's Windows, you'll need licenses, so I'm willing to bet it's a UNIX derivative...in that case, you're severely limiting the apps that can run on it. What architecture...Intel, ARM, Motorola? How big of an LCD? Color? Where are you going to put all of the connections, like HD, keyboard, joystick, LCD connection? To play videos, where does the DVD drive go?

That should give you enough questions to chomp on for a few minutes...

I'm happy with my mp3 HU. I don't foresee the need for GPS or video games...

Good luck if you pursue this.

Always good to make use of technology. I don't see how a production system could be built for under 1k though. Single din size and navigation would be the key selling point. I doubt people want to read email on the road or browse the net.

www.phatnoise.com

It has a linux core, software upgradeable, around $1K including a low end head unit.

It could probably be done for a little over 1K.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MacGyver
[B]What OS are you planning on running on it?

couldn't you just use a sony clie w/mp3 and hook it up to a head unit that accepts external outputs? there's software for gps and it plays short movies.

Can you sync your Palm to it? Can you use voice recognition? Play DVD's? Will it interface with the dash controls?

Blake

You know whats happening? We're getting to the point where the console will need to be redesigned for all these new ideas. Anyone up for that?

lucid, explain what you mean....

Blake