I'm new to the forum, just got my 05 Xterra S 4X4.
I used to use a laptop but I find myself not having much room for that in the Xterra.

Found some 12 Volt PC and touchscreens for cars on the web.

I was planning on replacing the car radio with a 1-din unit and installing this 1-din retractable touchscreen monitor.

http://store.karpc.com/item-XENARC-700IDT-7-IN-DASH-LCD-Monitor-w-VGA-Touch-Screen--1-Din+In-Dash

I would then use my laptop connected under the seat and maybe eventually get this PC

http://store.karpc.com/item-Xenarc-MP-SC3-CS1-P4-12V-Mini-PC--MP-SC3-CS1

Anyone have any experience with these types of products.
Any input or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Are you going off road? making water crossings? rock crawling? or is this the urban assault vehicle?

couple of things I would consider before investing in the hardware. under the seat is a bad idea if you are taking it off road (water), I would check for extra dash space and shock dampening material to house it in/on. the touchscreen itself is fragile and it can be punctured by accident. other than that good luck!

NO Extreme off road. Basicly Fire Roads and the occassional water crossing in winter.

I was thinking of using a compressed foam pad and elastic straps to hold the laptop in place and reduce shock.

I've used touchscreen LCD panels in the past and they seemed very resiliand. It's definately a stronger material than the LCD itself. Naturally I'm sure it can be damaged fairly easily if not carefull.

I'll keep you guys posted as I move along with the installation.

I gotta ask what is the point of this. The Xterra has a double din, you can install a nice touch screen receiver unit for about the same price and have all that gps stuff right there, no need for a pc & receiver which I would bet would be less stable.

true.... but most aftermarket din adapters only open up 1 din for use.

it is a moot point, hell my Garmin E-Trex handheld works great. no mods, no electrics... but then again I don't have a fancy touch screen hehehe

I gotta ask what is the point of this.

True I could get an integrated NAV with a 6.5 inch LCD Head unit.

The PC gives me a greater variety of Navigation possibilities at a more reasonable price. For $100 I have topographic maps from Delorme including trails from parks and recreation areas.

Matching up 2 1-din devices in a dual din openning is pretty easy. The existing radio mounts seem to be adequate for the job. Once the one-din LCD is retracted it also attracts less attention.

I figure Im in starting at around $300 for a good 1-Din Head unit with harness and antenna adapter. + 500 for the monitor. I have the laptop and software already.

I compared prices and I'd be looking at $2000 + for a quality Dual Din head unit with Nav. Even if I invested in the PC I'm still ahead and have greater flexibility.

I also use the PC while working on the road. I'd stop by a starbucks get a coffee and wireless internet access. I can return customer phone calls and e-mails.

And then there's the gadget factor. I like gadgets but I don't like wires all over the place. This would allow me to have a clean install.

I just installed my 7 Inch VGA touchscreen and Car PC.

Got the compnents as open box items from karpc.com. The PC is VIA MII based with a PCMCIA slot.

I got a Verizon Wireless broadband card for highspeed Internet access and a Garmin GPS 18 USB with nRoute for navigation

To free up some space I installed a DUAL I-Din motorized face plate radio with XM-Radio module. Found it at myradiostore.com. Best buy carries it in store.

Here's a quick pick

http://www.troletti.com/05xterra/05xterracarpc.jpg