is there some generic alternative to the Mac Mini? I'm contemplating building a CarPC(just a thought), and I'd like something that'd fit in the glove box, or something similar. Thoughts? Suggestions?

although i have never done that cause i never owned an xbox , but about that size of mac-mini , maybe you can have a look at linux on xbox , its a 733 celeron with about 10gb hd , in a sense its x86 , there used to be a need to open up it casing to do something to the hardware or what(i cant remember), but nowadays theres no need to that if you go for "xbox software distros" , as for the "xbox hardware distro" , i guess you might need to open up the casing ,they mentioned the "requirement" for an Xbox with a Samsung drive at some place ::

http://www.xbox-linux.org/wiki/Getting_Started

http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbox-linux/


these are BSD and Linux on mac-mini or iPod ::
Running Linux and BSD on the Mac Mini

I think this may be what you are looking for : http://www.logisysus.com/
Note:I have never bought anything from them, so I can't comment on their service.
just thought it was a pretty cool concept;mini PC's

nice package , even come with 7-Inch VGA Monitor and battery packs

I've seen some very cool installs with a mac mini into cars, it depends on what features you're actually going to be looking for. If it's just playing music + dvd's, the mac would be fine, sticking an xbox in as other's have suggested lets you play games through it aswell which can be a riot with four people trying to play on a 7" screen, or the other alternative which can be very cool if done right is a shuttle xpc in the boot. This gives you pretty much everything and cheaper than a mac mini including sticking a nice big 200Gb hdd + wireless adapter into it. Gives you a lot more storage space, and gives you wireless net access for e-mail + stuff too!

Obviously not, because an XBox is HUGE compared to a mac-mini. I doubt an XBox would fit in any glovebox.

There is a wide range of solutions. There were mini-PC chassis long before Apple dreamed up the Mini. Shuttle, Antec, and Asus have all offered micro-ATX and micro-ITX as well as proprietary form factors for ages now.

Also there are embedded modular PC components available. I'm designing an embedded solution for data aquisition solutions in manufacturing situations but the power supply will be all low-voltage at 12VDC so there is no reason you couldn't build a PC into your car integrated as cleanly as say, a typical aftermarket car stereo can be. You'll have to be creative in designing the project box to ensure adequate cooling but otherwise there is a huge range of low-power high-Mhz solutions available if you search. You can even get strong-arm/Xscale-based solutions if you want a really cool-running yet capable embedded PC solution, and since you want to go the Linux route there will be no compatibility issues whatsoever.

the boot? what's that? Which is smaller, mini-ATX, or mini-ITX? Other thoughts?

any links for the embedded stuff? Like a PDA? or something else?

The trunk.

I found something on slashdot
http://www.timekiller.org/carpc/

maybe it'll help

What about a laptop?

A laptop would work, but I don't want to just have a laptop set up. I'd like a more discreet...almost built-in kinda look. Other thoughts?

There s a company producing a Mac Mini box clone for the x86 world. When I get back from class I will look it up.

Sounds like a great set up for war driving wifi.

Of course your mileage may vary....

Althougth seriouly I read an article in popular science about how they are going to network automobiles for safety and communications.

Example: two hi-tech cars. The car in front brakes suddenly for some reason. The braking car broadcasts a stop/slow down message to the car behind it to stop or slow down. Accident averted.

Once cars are networked high speed chases will become a thing of the past. Also parking tickets and moving violations will automatically be assigned to you when you break the law.

Personally I hope they can deliver low cost broadband before they roll out networked autos because telecommuting will save money and lives in the long run.

Thorn168