Using PC in car

I need to update my GPS unit, I am using a Garmin 172c.
I use routes, way points and tracks to navigate. Descend Garmin unit costs allot and most of them have small screens and small resolutions.

In stead I was thinking of using a laptop with 10" screen on a RAM stand or fix a mini PC and use a small touch screen.

Any thoughts on this, is anyone using a PC in there car?
Searching the forum i found someone using IPad I an not sure If the maps are god enough.

 

heres a link from a previous member car puter
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/63823-carputer.html

 

i believe the money that uyou spend on this pc will be way too much, instead i will put a navigation dvd system on it!!!

 

Worth taking a peek at maybe

http://www.lowrance.us/Products/Automotive/HDS-5-Baja/

It's what the baja dudes use.

 

I am running a 12" touchscreen laptop on a ram mount and am pretty happy with it.

I run three programs, all tied to the GPS:

Delorme Street Atlas
Overlander (Spatial Minds)
Topo (National Geographic)

It is a lot more expensive than a stand alone GPS but I have a laptop at the end of the day.

 

Any pictures of your setup? That sounds awesome.

 

anyone heard of a gps unit that has video & audio outputs? so i can connect it to my in dash screen.

 

I have a friend (its true) that used to drive over-the-road truck and he used a laptop with Microsoft Streets for his road guide. This way he was able to track his mileage and expenses really easy while having a GPS the whole time.

 

How about using a netbook?

 

I will tomorrow.

 

Check mini-box.com for their complete systems or build your own. I've built mine with a SSD and HDMI touchscreen for $700 and it's boot time is faster than my wife's Avic or her OEM system in her Dodge Charger. Centrafuse software. Install will be next month but the PC is built and will fit under drivers seat. These are far better than stock head units because you can upgrade as technology advances. Good luck.

 

i have my laptop connected to my X-1 that way I can monitor all parameters of the engine......

I can patch my Moto DROID into my laptop and run the GPS...if I have my laptop on while on road trips and/or wheeling...it tracks my route using google maps...FTW!!!

 

Another good source for ideas is http://www.mini-itx.com. There are lots of tiny computer boards that could fit. You'll pay more than a dedicated unit though.

 

I'm saving up to buy one of those, load it up with RAM and SSD's and use it for my home theater pc I can control from my laptop or maybe later through a remote control.

I never bought or setup a touchscreen interface. That might be more workable for a car/truck