Build Your Own Car PC

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 212 pages
• Published by: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics
• Edition: 1st Edition March 28, 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0071468269
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0071468268
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Weighs: 14.4 ounces

Product Description
Everything you need to expertly install car PCs

This is a heavily-illustrated, step-by-step guide to installing and controlling a car PC -- using commonly-available, off-the-shelf components. Numerous how-to photographs and product shots allow you to easily navigate each step even if you have little "do it yourself" experience.

• Includes parts and required tool lists, troubleshooting tips, and a list of manufacturers where you can purchase the parts best suited for your customized system
• Companion website offers free software and demo versions of products to use with your car PC

Back Cover Copy
JUMP-START YOUR CAR'S IQ, VALUE, AND CAPABILITIES WITH THIS FUN, EASY-TO-FOLLOW GUIDE

You will not find an easier or less expensive way to bring the ultimate in computer and GPS technology to your car, truck, or SUV than this start-to-finish guide from expert customizer Gavin Harper. You don't need any electronics or auto experience to get started!

With clear, hands-on photographs and instructions, Harper walks even newbies through every step of the process, from choosing equipment to installing finishing touches on an IT system that will set your car apart -- and save you hundreds -- perhaps thousands -- over what your friends will pay to have others do it for them.

SMART CAR!
No matter what type of vehicle you own, Gavin Harper's Build Your Own Car PC makes it simple to:

• Install a GPS that tells you where you are and how to get where you want to go
• Create voice control of audio and video
• Automate heating, cooling, lighting, and other functions
• Build in ultrasophisticated car security
• Much, much more

WHY IT'S EASIER WITH THIS BOOK

• Features the best, most complete illustrated instructions for installing a car PC and a GPS system
• Focuses on prefabricated components that are easy to work with
• Compares products by brand name, and tells you where to get what you need
• Shows you exactly what to do with more than 200 photographs and illustrations
• Provides expert troubleshooting (and trouble-avoiding) tips
• Gives you free, helpful software at the book's own Website!

Reader Reviews
The first thing that I thought when I saw this book was why would I want to build a car PC. Then I picked up the book and the first chapter was titled 'Why would I want to build a Car PC.' The first reasons that he gives have to do with entertainment: replace your radio with satellite or audio jutebox, add television and a DVD player. Well, the last time I turned on my radio, which is AM/FM and maybe cassette (I forget), it worked. But that was several years ago. I don't like the noise. So far, no sale. Other people, perhaps yourself, will want an improved entertainment center, so this might be important for them. Then I got to Chapter 6. Here he is talking about On-board Diagnostics. Your car (unless it is really old) has built in diagnostics. This electronic system monitors all kinds of stuff that's going on in the engine. Now this is something that I can care about. When the stupid 'CHECK ENGINE' light comes on I'd like to know if it is something serious like no oil pressure (i.e. pull over quick) or if it's something like the car has been X miles and it's time for regular service. Then in Chapter ten he goes into GPS and map software. That stuff is expensive if you buy it from the car company and it goes out of date quickly. If you do your own you can upgrade it as often as you like. All in all, maybe it does make sense to build a car PC.