This would make a pretty sweet Car PC!

[gjackson]

http://www.mobilewhack.com/reviews/sony_vgn-ux50_umpc.html

Note the integrated bluetooth GPS!

cheers

[DesertRose]

http://www.mobilewhack.com/reviews/sony_vgn-ux50_umpc.html

Note the integrated bluetooth GPS!

cheers

Wow - that's really a great-looking unit. Now if only we could get a similar one in Mac!

[Ron B]

I've considered using a Mac Mini mounted somewhere in my truck, and just having a mini keyboard and small screen where I could reach it. It's a/c, but uses very little power so an inverter wouldn't be a problem.

RB

[PCRover]

I tried PDA's, Laptops, Tablets and none worked nearly as well as a permanently installed Carputer. I think a MacMini would be a great CarPuter. It is the perfect size and running on an inverter would be fine, but does have some drawbacks. The MacMini seems like the perfect mobile solution for the Mac community.

[gjackson]

Never liked the idea of using an inverter to power a carputer. Why go from 12vdc to 110ac and then back to ~13vdc? Check out:

http://www.kennettnet.co.uk/astramac/power/

for how to convert a mac mini to 12vdc.

cheers

[rgsiii]

I used a different method.

http://www.carnetix.com/CNXP1900.htm

[TiredIronGRB]

I use one of these... cheap, rugged, and plentiful (have a extra for spares) I use Delorme TOPO USA. It also doubles as my speedometer. Used a speaker wall mount to mount it to the floor (under the console).
http://tired-iron.mounet.com/Grace4X4/GRBTLC/TLC_35.jpg
http://tired-iron.mounet.com/Grace4X4/GRBTLC/TLC_36.jpg

[Scott Brady]

Very nice solution tirediron! How has it held up with corrugated roads, etc.?

[TiredIronGRB]

Excellent, I have had zero problems from it, I drive it 3 or 4 days a week to work and ride a minimun of 80-100 miles a month offroad. It's easily removable to take inside at night when I convert the GPS logs to map routes. I map all the trails I ride, it really helps when in places like WindRock and Harlan, KY where there's 100s of miles of trails in relatively small areas (10,000-20,000 acres). It's also a dump for all my pictures when my CF cards are full, and of course internet when I'm close to WIFI.

[rgsiii]

I have found some pictures of my Mac Mini. The unit is mounted under the driver seat. So far no problems. I have not been thrilled with the GPS software currently available for Macs. With the new Intel based processors, the next Mac OS is going to have a built in Boot Camp which will allow for either start up in the Mac OS or windows.

That will allow for essentially any software to be used and a pretty nifty little unit. Currently Boot Camp is available I believe in a beta version. I was unable to use Ozi Explorer using Virtual PC and I think this will be an interesting option.