Build Your Own Car PC

Another truely sensational book! <br /> <br />After reading and thoroughly enjoying his last book (50 Awesome Auto Projects for the Evil Genius), this had a lot to contend with,- but the detail, friendliness, and utter genius of this guy and his projects are once again, outstanding!!! Unlike most books of this nature, there is a separate chapter for components required throughout, a great idea! Once the project is completed, you're not on your own - as the author guides you through all the setup procedures until its ready to use. I tried several off the projects in the previous book, some succeeded, some, ummm, didn't, - but I think that anyone even slightly interested in cars and / or computers would really enjoy this, whether or not you own either! <br /> <br />This book is full of detailed photos which really help understand some of the more complicated parts - and probably a necessity for the less technologically-minded of us! <br /> <br />Please don't stop writing, because I don't want to stop reading!

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.' <br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />Then in Chapter 10 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 That stuff is expensive if you buy it from the car company and it goes out of date quickly.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. <br /> <br />All in all, maybe it does make sense to build a car PC.