When I first started this project, my plan was to have an all out computer system with a dashboard integrated touch screen monitor for control. This system would also serve as a replacement for the existing head unit yet at the same time still allow me to play mp3, videos, some games and basic windows applications.
During the planning stages of this project, the most ideal components comprised of the following: a xenarc or Lilliput 6.5" in dash touchscreen, a mini-ITX motherboard with on board CPU and at least 512MB of memory, a dc-to-dc power module and a portable wireless keyboard for additional text entry. After researching all the parts, the overall component cost came close to $1000. This was definitely more than what I was willing to spend for the setup.
I wanted a cheaper yet equally functional solution. A regular small screen video monitor and a mini-ATX motherboard in a custom housing seemed more viable. Power can be via a cheap (but less efficient) dc-ac inverter, and a wireless keyboard and mouse combo for control.
I obtained an asus A7V400MX mini ATX full featured motherboard with an athlon xp 2500 CPU and 512MB of PC2700 memory for about $50. I then got a small form factor case for another $50 and a 175W ac inverter from Radio shack for $35. An old AGP video card with s-video output, a 60GB 2.5" laptop hard drive with 3.5 IDE adaptor, a PCI wireless B card for connectivity and a mini wireless keyboard with integrated pointer for control.
(Asus A7V400 Mini-ATX Motherboard)
(Thermaltake volcano 9 cooler with modded heatsink and vantec low noise fan)
(AMD AthlonXP 2500 unlocked CPU and 512MB of PC2700 memory)
(Mini wireless RF keyboard with integrated pointing device)
Since the case was a little bigger than I originally planned, I decided to match the housing with the existing subwoofer enclosure assembly rather than hide it. This way, the setup would also be easily removable when needed.
(Plastic bezel pieces primered and ready for painting)
(Plastic trim pieces painted and polished)
(Front panel completely painted and assembled)
The pyle video monitor that I intended to purchase from London Drugs went out of stock. Fortunately, Canadian Tire had a Myron&Davis MP1607 on sale for $200. This was a bit more than what I intended to pay for the monitor but since the Myron&Davis could also double as a standalone DVD player, I may find other uses for it.
The Myron&Davis looks like any portable dvd player. The biggest difference is in the way it's hinged. On a regular dvd player the screen usually folds away when viewing . With the Myron&Davis the screen folds toward you during playback. This feature actually makes it perfect for the location that I intend to place it. The MP1607 can work as a fully portable dvd player with the purchase of an optional battery that connects to the bottom of the unit. It could also be used as a fold down monitor (like those found in minivans) with the purchase of an overhead dock. For my application, I made a custom receiver/dock out of plastic and fiberglass and molded it to the forward portion of the center console. The entire assembly (or just the monitor) can be removed if necessary.
Control switches and indicator LEDs were replicated on the vehicle dashboard by means of a male-female 25 pin plug and a 15' run of cable. Control comes in the form of an RF wireless mini keyboard. General functions have been mapped to certain keys for simplicity. 
A touchscreen monitor would have been more convenient so that a more integrated software solution such as RoadRunner, Centrafuse, Mediacar etc., could have been used. The system works as expected and with the exception of a small screen, visibility has been acceptable. Viewing Office applications or documents on the small screen is almost unbearable. Playing graphics intensive games is impossible. 
(Carputer installed beside the subwoofer enclosure)
(Carputer under the roll-up cargo cover)
Within a few weeks of installation, the system lost its novelty. While it did afford a more integrated solution to my needs, usage is actually a bit more cumbersome. There is really no practical use for the system since most of the functions have been taken over by other more specialized devices.
1. Diagnostics- standalone portable ODBII code reader, programmer and tuner
2. Communication - plugin V3 bluetooth handfree(to be upgraded)
3. Navigation - external portable Garmin C330 GPS
4. MP3 playback - Sony 8805 deck plays mp3s on cdr/rw; CDMX757 plays mp3s on 10 cdr/cdrw; ipod (and other player) connectivity; Myron&Davis plays mp3s on dvd -/+ or cdrs
5. Movie and picture playback - ipod can play slideshow viewable on M&D MP1607. The 1607 can also play dvd movies directly. It can also function as a monitor for viewing movies from portable divx sources
6. Other computing needs - any laptop or a netbook (mini laptop)
(MP1607 in DVD playback mode)
(MP1607 in MP3 playback mode)
