Re: Small, low power for carputer

On 07/11/11 19:45, Nick Rout wrote:
> I am after a small low power computer to incorporate into my car (BMW
> E39) (and run linux of course).
*snip*
> external power brick, but the power brick tells me it outputs 19v,
> which won't be available in the car.
>

You should expect to use a voltage adaptor which can take your
(unregulated) 12V Automotive power supply and turn it into a (regulated)
supply of higher voltage.    These are readily available
aftermarket-branded with a variety of connectors for most major brands.
Alternatively a low current Inverter that'll get you back to 240V would
work, though less efficient of course.  By low current I mean ~150W
which are pretty cheap and readily available.

And from what i've seen your best bet is going to be a netbook
conversion of some sort.

Even an old EeePC 700 series may do what you ask, with whatever
peripherals it doesn't have inbuilt, added via GPS.  Mine has 3x USB
ports, VGA out, built in ethernet and wireless, and runs Ubuntu painlessly.

(I've run Eee Series kit in my car on my 150W inverter without drama. 
The power brick on my Lenovo suggests input Max 100-240V @ 1.5A (which
for 100V is 150W... so i'm assuming that at 240V for the same wattage
the Amperage will be far less, and thus, my Lenovo is also fine.)

Mark.

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