My attempt at getting a PC or Mac into my 2003 WRX wagon.

Thursday, May 26, 2005

PC vs Mac

As a unix junkie, I'd love to be able to run OS X rather than a Windows based PC in my car. It sure seems like I would have a hell of a lot more control over the system if I could do this rather than dealing with service packs all day long.

In the realm of showstoppers I found that there isn't any GPS software available for the Mac, or at least none that has voice guided navigation. The only piece commercial GPS software out there seems to be from the folks over at Route 66 in the Netherlands. Strangely enough, these folks make GPS software with this feature but only for Pocket PCs and Symbian phones; not for PCs running MS Windows or Mac's running OS X.

In the PC realm I'd love to use a Nano ITX motherboard (12cm x 12cm) but sadly they aren't yet available for public consumption. Rumors are that they may be available in June of 2005 but who knows ... the schedule has slipped often on this board. So, that leaves us with the Mini ITX motherboards (17cm x 17cm).

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

WRX Car Computer Concept

As we all know, the WRX begs to be modified. Most go down the route of modifying it such that it's more interesting from a mechanical standpoint and there's no arguing that there a lot of work that can be done on this front. The same can't really be said for the WRX when it comes to the realm of car computing. What does this mean you ask? Simple, I want to have a single interface that will help me do

1) engine diagnostics (OBD II)
2) play music (mp3s + am/fm radio)
3) GPS navigation

These are my #1 goals. Everything else is bonus points.

The goal of this blog is simply to document the process. I've already gone ahead and purchased a few parts and will begin working on the installation this week-end. Documentation will follow ...

In the meanwhile if you've got thoughts/comments/etc ... I'd love to hear about 'em!