Shirleyda4runner

Well its been a while since I added an update to changes that were taking part in the 4runner. Two major things is that I added an iPod dock that will serve as a phone charger come June 11 (You know what that means). Also more of a kind of pseudo computer install that began over a year ago.

I wanted an Apple Computer in there, I have had a Powerbook for a while, and once the gears got turning I ended up with an idea to have a removable carputer for media only (as there is no good GPS for Apple yet). I wont put up an entire write up because its still slightly buggy. The laptop sits in between the passenger and the center console (which just happens to be a slightly larger gap than that of the driver and the center armrest woo hoo) , through the built in S video output the signal is sent to a cheap (200.00 on ebay) display. I control the Powerbook with a Griffin Airclick (about 25.00 on ebay) and have set up a charger through an inverter behind my center dash. Using the built in auxilary input in the back of the blaupunkt deck I get the sound to the speakers.

I will post pics if you guys complain enough about me not posting pics so lets see those complaints.

And the worst part, I have STILL not completed my brakes... priorities? who needs em right... actually.. tomorrow... I gotta do that.

Shirleyda4runner

The software I use to play with the applications is Front Row... it had to be hacked to be able to be used by the powerbook but it works flawlessly.

gilby4runner

keep us posted.. sounds like a great idea

4Hummer

Shirleyda4runner

welll... nuf said... i will go snap some today as soon as the roomate gets back with the camera.

MillerPKA

should sound tight, i want it done by the end of the summer so you can disrupt classes with it come fall

hey are those katzkins in your 4r or acutal new upholstery?

Shirleyda4runner

Actually Upholstered, the computer is already done if you want to get a look at it before you leave for summer, I have summer courses in 2 weeks. Im bout to go take pictures of the whole setup right now.

Shirleyda4runner

Turns out, none of the roomates have a good digital camera so I borrowed my friends macbook to take some crappy teaser pics. I'll find a camera from someone tomorrow... looks so much better in real life. Im posting this from the 4runner by the way... also, My 4runner is not right hand drive i just dont wanna flip the image until I have one worth flipping, tomorrow. Patience.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/740119

scroll all the way to the bottom.

Shirleyda4runner

i planned but didnt expect this:

I am able to turn the screen off and the computer doesnt go to sleep, so for long night time driving it doesnt get too annoying...pick a favorite CD and pick the tracks just like I would if I were listening to an actual disk.

Also, the computer is simply plugged into an inverter that is wired up to a switch on the left of the steering wheeel. The remote and the reciever is tucked into the Cup holder, finally a good use after I butchered it in hopes of building an ipod holder that tucked into the dashboard.

If things go to plan, I should be able to replace the controller with the iPhone in june with the help of some sort of "control your mac from your phone" program that I hope apple released. There is already a dock plugged into an extra ciggarette lighter in between the e brake and the arm rest. I guess since I have been working on this for over a year planning and plotting... it seemed a lot less complicated than I thought. I highly recomend this mod to anyone with an apple laptop readily available as that is the most expensive part of this entire thing.