Well im looking into building a carputer..

have read through alot of threads on here, and have gotten alot of information.

I have just sold my p80rs headunit and i was looking at getting a 9887 etc... but have now seen this and possibly considering it.

If I was to build one for my car, I would need the following components : ?
Small form factor PC or laptop running XP
Touch Screen (looking at some liiliput ones on ebay)
some sort of AC to DC converter for the power?
USB hub for upfront connections
Possibly an external sound card, So I could mount this also up the front under screen area (if this could be done, assuming PC is in boot?) and this would have the volume knob on it?
A Seperate Switch to turn the PC/laptop on or off.


Now the issue is.. What is the best and easiest software which controls the outputs on the soundcard? as in assigning them to left high, left mid etc etc
Auto EQ/Time Alignment? if this can be done? apparently need a good Mic? and possibly a pre-amp? and which software would peope recommend for this?

Also the preout voltage isnt very high on the Sound cards? this is going to be a problem? or Do I just get a line driver?

how hard is it to setup the software to do this? and configure all channels?
I have installed a few of the software paclages people have recommended on here, and I cant seem to get to them to work! :| they are all trials versions too... if that makes anf difference, as Im testing it on my PC - got an Audigy 2 ZS


Ideally would like it to do:
Play DVD's
Watch TV if it can pick a signal up
Radio
GPS
Full EQ, Active x-over and TA
play all my music and Movies


Its really the software side of things im not sure about with building one... and how well the processing (DSP) compares against high end eternal processors or even the H701 Alpine...

Lots Of questions

also whats a good external Soundcard people would recommend on here for this sort of application

Im trying to do this whole thing on a budget...
I could sort the PC out easily as far as parts etc (wouldnt need to be a high spec machine.. )


also would this be a good converter from AC to DC? http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID...=&SUBCATID=

First up, I think you mean convert DC to AC

Yes, That would probably do the job well.

However, its horribly inefficient going 12V DC(Car) -Inverter->240V AC -Power supply-> 12VDC + 5V DC + 3.3V DC.

Instead, Most people buy a DC-DC power supply, so it connects directly to the cars power system and then powers the computer hardware, no ineffient AC conversions needed. Have a look through some of these threads: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/power-supplies/

i have given up on this idea..

Have done more search into this, and I think for now I might settle with a alpine headunit + processor