So I see someone's had a similar idea...

[DarkWolf]

http://www.tunertricks.com/blog/index.php?p=40

Though my implementation has the Mac Mini in the dash replacing the head unit with a flip out screen, rather than the glove compartment... but now seeing this setup actually implemented, I think in the glove compartment or under the seat might be better, and have a built in screen in the dash, rather than flip out.

The A/C outlet is a nice touch :) Though I probably would've gone with a black one to better match the interior of the car.

[BP]

Or just forget the Mac and buy a turn key PC system, http://www.drivesoft.net/

[DarkWolf]

Yeah, I'd looked into that as well, but ultimately decided on a Mac Mini running Front Row.

[Roliath]

someone from austin posted on "hardforum.com" a similiar mod to this but his car was an 06 GTO..came out nice

here's the link
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1074480

[DarkWolf]

Very nice :) I'll have to keep checking back on that link, I'd definitely like to see it once it's all completed.

I like that the stock head unit had the connectors attached so you can just put the stereo back in if needed. One of the ideas I'd had for this project, would be to have all the connections, power, video, usb/firewire, etc. all mounted so the Mac Mini could be easily removed/reinserted in the dash, for easy upgrades, software updates, downloading new songs, or whatever.

Sure I could just load stuff on a dvd or usb stick, but even if just for the security of being able to remove the thing when I have to park the car somewhere for any length of time.

[The Big Matt]

check out www.mp3car.com there's some pretty good ones done on there

[SNEAKY]

[QUOTE=Roliath]someone from austin posted on "hardforum.com" a similiar mod to this but his car was an 06 GTO..came out nice

here's the link
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1074480[/QUOTE]
nice

[The Big Matt]

here's a pretty slick 350Z install

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=32479&highlight=350z

A little more than going with the mac mini, or even a mini pc, but still pretty nice, especially the 7inch screen in the storage/factory DVD area.

[BP]

[QUOTE=The Big Matt]here's a pretty slick 350Z install

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=32479&highlight=350z

A little more than going with the mac mini, or even a mini pc, but still pretty nice, especially the 7inch screen in the storage/factory DVD area.[/QUOTE]

It's a very common mod on those cars, it's almost as if Nissan designed it that way intentionally. They have a huge and virtually useless compartment behind the passenger seat.

[momo stallion]

im debating doing this to my aviator.

the way i see it:

apple mini mac ($600)
carnetix p1900 dc-dc power unit plug and play apple mini mac cables ($130)
8.4" touch screen lcd panel ($300)

usb gps ($130)

there are a lot of other little mods i want to do to it, but they are usb/cheap solutions.

hope the battery is good enough.

[The Big Matt]

I was wondering why not go with a laptop setup? Find an old laptop with a bad/broken screen, throw a 7 inch screen in the dash, throw the laptop in a storage area, and walla.

Of course it's going to need a little more work, than just that, but I can't see it being that big of a problem