Neil T Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 Sure this has been discussed before but........ PROBLEM : I've got my 12V television with all the necessary computer connections so it can be used as the computer screen as well as playing DVDs, CDs, and being the actual television. I had planned on buying a mac mini computer and installing in the cupboard beneath the TV with a bluetooth mouse and keyboard - all beautifully integrated and minimum gear on show.......... until I discovered that the new mac mini has the voltage transformer no longer as a 'brick in the lead' but within the computer itself and no possibility of digging it out. So I go on the net and all over the world there are people on boats / yachts / trucks etc. fulminating against Apple for not understanding the 12V computer user and two US companies offering to take your mac mini and do a dismantling operation that invalidates the warranty but gives you a 12V computer. I do NOT want to have my inverter on just to ramp up the voltage to mains only to pull it down to 12 or 6 or 5 V for the innards of the computer. I also don't want a laptop if poss, just a properly integrated, well tucked away system. ANY ADVICE? Doesn't have to be a mac given that they're so uninterested in my custom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 Google mini itx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Pink Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 The fact that this; http://mikegyver.com/gyverisms/files/DIY%20for%20Mac%20Mini%20in%20Car.html Converts to run on straight 12V, ie the usual DC-DC converter is not needed. ...make the Mac Mini a lovely 12V machine. Worth noting also that the losses running on an inverter against 12V-24V are around 15% (on a macbook pro) charging the battery these people are also very useful http://www.carnetix.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuncanS Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 http://linitx.com/product/10917 combined with any standard lightweight computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smileypete Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 I do NOT want to have my inverter on just to ramp up the voltage to mains only to pull it down to 12 or 6 or 5 V for the innards of the computer. I also don't want a laptop if poss, just a properly integrated, well tucked away system. ANY ADVICE? Doesn't have to be a mac given that they're so uninterested in my custom. What's wrong with a lappie? They're specifically designed for low power operation and you can still plug in an external monitor. If the lid gets in the way of the power button, just take it off: Next step is to get a 120mm fan and sling it underneath, and yes I do need to get the hoover out! cheers, Pete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arpeeuk Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 If I was in your position I'd hold fire for a few weeks and then try a Raspberry Pi. At 5v 1a you can easily run it from a 12v converter from Maplin and at a price of <£20 for the machine you're not going to loose a lot if you're not happy with it. Rik Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 Might be of some interest? http://www.in-carpc.co.uk/hardware.htm?gclid=CNqspryBqK4CFQcRfAodQkexRw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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