I was reading autoblog and was wondering if anyone has or is planning on installing a mac mini in their s2k. It's about the same size as a regular din- head unit, so it seems to be a great fit. Hmm... might be interesting

Post pictures if you have any.
http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000020027587/


i just got one from
http://www.spam.com/?r=14941294

now the only problem is trying to figure out how to put it in.

Rob

 

While it is small, its not small enough to fit into a single DIN. And while its a cute and reasonably good for just a basic in home PC, for 500 (not including screen, cables, keyboard/mouse) you can get better stuff.

 

I disagree with the previous post. The Mac mini is a great choice for what was done in the article.

iTunes is a great mp3 interface. It's rumoured voice recognition control software is in the pipeline, too. Even without it, touch screen lcds are relatively inexpensive. The mini also possesses DVD playback, bluetooth, firewire, usb and wireless networking. So, for roughly $1500 you could have a car with mp3, cd, dvd, wireless networking, bluetooth and gps. Rather than make this a mac vs. pc thing, let's appreciate the MM is a reasonable value. Maybe not the best, not the worst. It's like comparing the S2000 , Z4 , Boxster and SLK etc. And while I like the s2000 enough to have purchased one, I'm glad the competitors push Honda to improve and innovate.

This would be a great addition to transport cars like minivans or family wagons.

When I started composing this article I was going to write anyone who would put this in a S2000 should have selected another car. I've convinced myself otherwise.

Hmmm. Let's see. Place the mini in the secret compartment. Connect it to the head unit. Oh, the possibilities.

Ok, well it's not S2000 feasible now unless you're a true boffin. Would your mind change if there were a magic cable to link firewire/USB to the HU? Change the paradigm. We're looking at the future. The computer brand is unimportant.

 

It's true and the mac mini is the perfect in car computer imo. OSX is groovey, and there are tons of practical applications. The possibilities are endless, makes me think of the what can be done with my minivan...

hmmmm.

 

While the Mac-mini-me is one option, there are many other options for a DIN-sized computer running Windows or Linux. Many people have built din-sized or smaller full-featured computers. A few have actually built them inside DIN-sized HU chassis (just gutted an old HU).

http://www.epiacenter.com/ is a great place to see some the of the different ways to build miniITX form-factor PCs. Check out the prijects and the forums.

Many carputer folks at http://www.MP3car.com also use MiniITX format components to assemble their stuff.

I think the Mac Mini is impressive on its own but it's not the only computer that small...and there are other options for car-oriented computers. One of the best reasons to go with a non-Mac is the astounding array of enthusiast software (mostly freeware) to integrate music, navigation, gaming, video, communications, etc. in a carputer.

 

As a complete Mac junkie who runs a development and hosting company on Macs I have to say that for me at least the Mac Mini is not the best in car option. The sole reason is that there is no navigation software/GPS/maps available. All the other multimedia features it is as good as if not better than Windows/Linux options (IMNSHO) and is a simple off the shelf option.

But without nav it is pointless in a car.

 

There is software for Maps/GPS for the US. One package is sold on the Apple website.

The software is about $40. A GPS device would be around $300. Almost half the cost of the Mini!

 

Couldn't find it. Want to point me to it?

 

http://rs108.66.com/route66/products.php?c...ec=0&prodid=716

I did a google search and came up with this, too.

http://www.gpsy.com/

The above link seems to need maps.

 

Neither of those are turn by turn navigation assistants. GPSy has been around for ages but the OS X compatible version is an OS 9 app running under classic. The Route 66 looks promising but appears to be a planning package rather than a driving assistant. I guess that makes sense as they don't expect you to have a Mac in your car.