I would like to install a computer and a touchscreen monitor on my Prius 2010 without any "major" modifications. The Prius 2010 has a glass on the driver side near the mirror which can possible mount a touchscreen monitor using a suction cup. The computer (probably a mac mini or a atom) can possible be mounted under the driver seat etc. The computer would output audio through the aux in. Now, I don't want cables going all around, so is this possible without any major modifications (like removing the dashboard etc). Also, where can I find these components (mainly the monitor and the mount)? Another problem is, how does the computer know when to startup and shutdown when the car is turned on?
You are fighting the recent safety trend about distracted driving. My iPod driving suggests there is merit because operating the iPod puts the drivers eyes and concentration inside, not outside the car. But the technical aspects are easy. One problem with car mounted electronics is 'bling' for car thieves. The part is just a broken window away from walking. But speculation, I would be more interested in an iPad with a heads-up display, semi-reflecting reflector. You'd need a 'mirror reverse' application but at least the display and operation would keep the driver looking in the direction of on coming traffic. You might look at audio assist systems used by the blind and a bluetooth audio connection. Voice commands and audio feedback solves the problem of 'hands free' operation . . . except for the risk of distracted driving (an imprecise term.) Bob Wilson
Check this thread for details. http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/79796-netbook-ipad-in-prius.html Plus, I highly recommend you ascertain the risk to you and others around you in what you are going to do with a full-blown computer active while driving. It is bad enough with cell phone, MP3 player, and Nav, but add a completely interactive device in the mix, then you will no longer be driving the car. When Knight Rider came out, I considered putting multiple computer systems in my Trans Am. I had the basic networking (using Arcnet) with 4 computers interconnected all designed, and I was using Radio Shack voice recognition (and voice synthesis) peripherals. The missing piece was AI (Artificial Intelligence), and even now, the computers do not have enough intelligence in order to use them hands-off. It is one thing to have fixed-function computer in the car (like the Prius Nav and Audio setup), but it is another to have a generic computer where you have to baby-sit it in order to make it do something. This is distraction to the max... Personally, if you want to spend the money, put in a FLIR instead and just get a touchscreen tablet computer to use when you are not driving the Prius. IMHO.
A computer in a car is nothing out of the ordinary. Check out mp3car.com. They have a great forum and helped me install my CarPC in my Civic back in 2006. Nothing beats having 1Tb of your music and videos, GPS, Sirius, Internet, (and of course live streaming of shows, music, internet radio) and lots lots more. The mac is a bad choice for many reasons, but people do it. The atom is very underpowered, but an Intel Littlevalley board should do the trick for a basic install. If you are going to do it, I would do it right and make it look OEM. Having a suction cup mounted screen just looks stupid. You are going to spend money to do it correctly, why cheap out on the screen (the part you will interact with everyday)?!
