What would be sick is if Apple releases TV out from the iPhone. At that point all you would need is a monitor and an aux input.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Mac Mini in Car - Discussion, Pics and How To...
- Thread starter DavieBoy
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
VPrime
macrumors 68000
Plus GPS.
GPS, and front end is what made me go with a PC base.. Plus it was cheaper 😉
Ljohnson72
macrumors 6502a
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/maccar/
There a couple actually. AMP is my particular favorite. None for the Mac will be as nice as the PC ones but these are all free and pretty good.
Just An Update
So I brought the iPhone App "iTap" after trying the free app "RemotePad"
iTap was $3.99 and I really like it because it has a full keyboard and other features like volume control.
Also, I decided that I am only going to use my 1st Gen Touch to control my Mini. Thus leaving my iPhone out of the equation and able to still surf on it's 3G.
I also included a pic of the search field in the iTunes Remote in case someone has no clue what it looks like. I have my phone mounted to the center console. It looks kinda cool at night when the album art is on both my touch and car screen, and it is nice to be able to change songs without disturbing the fish tank screen saver.
Next I will try to make time to mount my iSight somewhere and try out my GF's 3G card while she still has it.
So I brought the iPhone App "iTap" after trying the free app "RemotePad"
iTap was $3.99 and I really like it because it has a full keyboard and other features like volume control.
Also, I decided that I am only going to use my 1st Gen Touch to control my Mini. Thus leaving my iPhone out of the equation and able to still surf on it's 3G.
I also included a pic of the search field in the iTunes Remote in case someone has no clue what it looks like. I have my phone mounted to the center console. It looks kinda cool at night when the album art is on both my touch and car screen, and it is nice to be able to change songs without disturbing the fish tank screen saver.
Next I will try to make time to mount my iSight somewhere and try out my GF's 3G card while she still has it.
Attachments
Sdashiki
macrumors 68040
How does using a remote control (itouch/iphone) to control a mac mini inside a car...work?
Your hands are distracted as well as your eyes when working the remote.
A touchscreen LCD and possibly a remote controller (physical, not video/touch) are your safest bets. not just for usability, but for real safety on the road.
Your hands are distracted as well as your eyes when working the remote.
A touchscreen LCD and possibly a remote controller (physical, not video/touch) are your safest bets. not just for usability, but for real safety on the road.
Well since I just got my car cleaned, Sure I will try to make a quick video and upload it. I have to test a friend's cam for him anyway (why people go out and buy things that they have no idea how to use is beyond me).
1. It works through the internet sharing prference of the Mini. See my earlier post and feel free to ask any questions to clear anything up.
2. Yea, I mainly use the Apple remote that came with the mini. A lot of times that I have used the touch/iPhone it has actually been the passenger. It is just way easier to find a song with the iTunes remote for the touch, rather than scrolling using front row.
Also, I swear, you get used to having a Monitor in the car, I have had it for years without incident, (knock on wood). I would never watch something for the first time while driving, but I am perfectly fine with things like The Simpsons and Music Videos playing. There is kinda the 3 to 1 second rule. 3 seconds for the road and 1 for the screen.
Finally, A touch screen display would be better and I do recommend that. I happened to have the Flip Out DVD Player for a couple of years before I installed the computer. There was one time where I considered adding the touch screen but then moved my attention to other things...
jeremy.king
macrumors 603
It takes just one second to make a mistake and kill someone or yourself. You should reconsider watching videos while driving - for everyone's sake.
Consultant
macrumors G5
Perhaps the software created for powermac g4 in the car can be adapted?
PowerMac G4 in car
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/56835/
PowerMac G4 in car
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/56835/
Wow, that software looks sick, if it could be updated. My setup is mainly for entertainment purposes so I wouldn't really want to put in any work. Plus I do not know ______ about programming.
Here is another cool car that I think is "pretty heavy" or "far out"...
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/05/think-different-apple-delorean/
VPrime
macrumors 68000
For some mac front end software check out
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/maccar/
Actually check out the rest of the forum for any more related info 😉
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/maccar/
Actually check out the rest of the forum for any more related info 😉
I have to read this in full but before I did I wanted to talk about a new monitor being sold in the US (I think it was already for sale overseas).
http://www.mimomonitors.com/
They are 7" computer monitors that plug in via USB. They come in 2 models: Same resolution but for an extra $70 it is touchscreen, has a cam and mic built in. The $200 also has audio in and out, which will solve a problem I had once where someone wanted to input there shuffle to my radio.
I emailed the company with some questions I thought were important...
1. Can it work with the Mac Mini as a second monitor?
Yes! Once you install the DisplayLink driver it will work on any Intel-based Mac running Tiger or Leopard. In fact we've had some success using the Mimo as the ONLY monitor on a Mac Mini (after installing the drivers, of course).
2. With a newer computer (intel macs about a year old) would I have to attach both usb cables, or should one be enough?
In most cases, one is enough. On a MacBook we recommend plugging into the USB port closer to the back of the computer; the port closer to the front does not always provide enough power to USB devices.
3. Does the monitor display appear in the Displays section of system preferences just like any other secondary screen?
Yes.
This thing looks great for all kinds of purposes. I want to mount one next to my bed. Money is kinda tight because I am going to Disney World next week but I will definitely be ordering at least one as soon as I get back. I'll let you guys know what I think.
Attachments
The trackpad (either physical or virtual with iPhone) works well. I have both now.
A printer? You want one in the car. You could put a photo printer somewhere. My ac to dc converter does have two outlets. I figured that en extra outlet could not hurt for the future. I have never used it to date but plan on using it if I had to charge my macbook or the GF's Pro.
I wouldn't need a printer but if I did I would probably just use printer sharing to my iMac.
Samsung just announced one as well you may be interested in.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/samsungs-syncmaster-u70-is-7-inches-of-extra-real-estate/
Doesn't turning the computer on and off every time you start the car tax the hard drive?
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/samsungs-syncmaster-u70-is-7-inches-of-extra-real-estate/
Doesn't turning the computer on and off every time you start the car tax the hard drive?
If it were touchscreen I would be all over it. I might get one anyway if they released it for mac. It says it currently only supports windows. I rather have a Samsung anyway...
Ummm, yea it can not be good for the hard drive. Not to mention that my current way of turning it off is by killing the power. (I set it to automatically power up when it regains electricity) It is covered for over another year with applecare. It has given me no problems to date. Must be strong considering all the bumps I hit...
All my music videos and music is also on my iMac which is backed up so I am not that worried. Even if the HD dies next year to spend $80 on a new HD every couple of years is okay for me.
Obviously putting the Mini in your car is not easy to do or maintain, and it is not cheap. Its also never going to be perfect. It ends up being a hobby like any other. I never feel like I am finished with it. I like it, a lot, but it will always suck up time and money I guess...
I have an Internet solution....
What I use to do for Internet, and a wifi network for that matter, was have a aircard from ATT, or whoever, and share its connection to the airport. The sharing only worked with a special driver from the company that made it. (Seirra Wireless) The included program didn't allow for sharing. Just my two bits.
What I use to do for Internet, and a wifi network for that matter, was have a aircard from ATT, or whoever, and share its connection to the airport. The sharing only worked with a special driver from the company that made it. (Seirra Wireless) The included program didn't allow for sharing. Just my two bits.
Did you do this in your car? Or was this from one laptop to another and such?
It's krayzie that the OS X built in internet sharing could not handle it...
Sdashiki
macrumors 68040
Carnetix makes a controller which after the car is shutoff, a predetermined timer puts the Mac to sleep. And wakes up starting the car.
yea be careful guys. i've got a kenwood headunit in my GTI and I'll occasionally put a movie on during a long drive late at night. but this isnt one of those things were if a cop catches you he gives you a $100 slap on the wrist.... THEY IMPOUND YOUR CAR. happened to a fiend of mine in highschool. cost around $1500 to get his car back on top of the fact that they confinscated his $1200 head unit.
back on topic. i never even thought if this but it's a pretty awesome idea. GJ with all the custom work guys
It was from my Mini to all the other computers in my house. The same idea could be translated into a car. The fact OSX couldn't handle the sharing surprised me too.
