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What makes it tick?
Software that powers the Carputer
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The software that makes the Carputer function
I have tested many different front-ends and applications for use with the
Carputer, so this page may change quite a bit, but here's my current
software configuration:
Operating System: Windows XP Professional
CarPC Interface: Coyote's MediaCar with Pontiac Skin
Navigation: Destinator Maps with the Destinator 3 SDK/Front-end
Music: WinAmp
DVD Playback: Power DVD
Windows XP Professional
Windows was already on my Laptop so it was the OS of choice. The
other software will run on any version of Windows, so this isn't something
I would necessarily need. I will probably chose XP Home or Windows98 when
I build a dedicated PC for the Carputer.
Coyote's MediaCar
MediaCar is one of the easiest user interfaces to use and is probably
the most stable. Out of the box (so to speak) is it's ability to control
MP3s, DivX videos, DVD, GPS, Radio and any other applications. It took
only minutes to get it to work right and just a bit of tweaking to get my
applications to work.
There's plenty of suppor online for MediaCar and there's a bunch of cool
skins created for it already. Plus, with a little work, you can
create skins of your own for use with it.
Destinator/Destinator 3
Destinator (along with the Destinator 3 Front End) is a great
application. The front-end gives you convenient access to all the features
including turn-by-turn directions and easy route entry from the
touchscreen monitor. The voice that guides you is clear and the acuracy of
the maps is excellent. I had the Destinator product which is a PocketPC
application, but with the Front-end (which is still in Beta unfortunately)
you can just copy the maps from the CD-ROM and you're good to go.
WinAmp
Do I need to say any more than WinAmp kicks the Llaama's Ass?
PowerDVD
PowerDVD works, but I'm not that happy with the interface. For one,
it starts up it's own control panel which was not designed for touch
screen access. I need to look for a skinnable DVD player, or work on
something for Windows Media Player.
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