The Mac Mini in car

The computer in the car, you hear more talk and it will soon be a reality for everyone. As such, we use mainly the term embedded PC. And the Macintosh in all this? Apple products have some advantages that make serious underdogs.

PC or Mac? 

For the office or at home, many people ask this question. The PC is universal, the Mac is simple and convenient. That one might summarize the famous War PC / Mac. Critics of both sides do not want to hear about the competitor who is, for them anyway "unrecoverable". So whether you are a fan of either, or both, there are many opportunities for them to enter the cockpit of an automobile. We also dedicate a folder to the PC board in a few days to complete this first article on the computer in the car!

The Mac Mini and Bluetooth remote to control Front Row

Operating System 

PCs usually run on Windows, Mac and Mac OS X. It is the third world, that free software based on Linux and on PCs. Whether you choose one of these three operating systems, there are no cons-indication for use in the car. They all provide the same functionality: audio jukebox, DVD player, GPS navigation, wireless, etc..

The significant advantage of current Mac is their recent transition and widespread on motherboards with Intel. This amendment now allows Macs to run the Windows operating system through the application Boot Camp. We can therefore use more or less easily any operating system on any machine. The PC works great with Windows or Linux. The Mac works fine with Mac OS X and Windows. Hackers have managed to run Mac OS X on PCs, but Apple vehemently disagreed. On the other hand, it is possible to install Linux on a Mac, but in this case, beginners abstain.

Mac or PC, all operating systems are compatible (or nearly!)

Since the operating system becomes virtually independent of the machine, the choice he would tend to focus only on the machine itself? This is not exactly the case, as Mac OS X will not be officially accepted on the PC. For now, the Mac thus retains a small advantage in accepting it without a Windows problem.

One solution, the Mac Mini 

Apple's range includes five models. Two laptops, the MacBook and MacBook Pro, and three desktop models, the iMac, the Mac Mini and the Mac Pro. We will drop the portable models that do not interest us. The iMac is the model with built-in screen 17 or 20'', the Mac Pro is a tower. Leaving only the Mac Mini. A tiny computer that could almost believe it is designed for use in car. Her measurements are only 16.5 * 16.5 * 5 cm as well say tiny! It was enough for enthusiasts and professionals over and throw him up in their vehicle.

The multiple connections at the back of the Mac Mini Collection 2006

The Mac Mini has everything you could want in car 

- VGA video output for a monitor and a USB port for touch panel 

- A second USB port for the GPS antenna (and there are two USB ports) 

- An optical digital audio output to connect to the audio system 

- An audio input for connecting other source 

- One FireWire port to connect your iPod if the 120 GB are not enough integrated 

- WiFi for connecting to its home network 

- Bluetooth for wireless connexiosn in the car 

- DVD player 

- And a remote to control the Mac Mini 

Hard to beat, all integrated and ready to use! The technical issue is resolved, we now know how to effectively integrate a Mac into a car.

Seamless integration 

The solution that immediately comes to the idea would be to install under a seat or in a corner of the box given its small size. The glove box, if it helps, seems more appropriate, especially to insert and change discs or DVD. The problem is also linked to all connections to be expected: as far as the computer is closest to the screen placed on the dashboard.

The Mini Dock System Design signed

System Design of Japanese society has simply provided dedicated support to an installation in the dashboard. The main advantage is the seamless integration. The second is the possibility of withdrawing support the Mac Mini simply. An integral handle allows the holder to bring the Mac Mini to itself and then unplug it and remove it.

The Mini Dock situation in a Toyota

Others have decided to start from scratch and get the job done. Here is a selection of the best integrations of Mac Mini car.

Toyota Prius, installed in the bottom of the console

Infinity M45, hidden in the armrest between the front seats

In this Ford pickup, the Mac Mini is within that space, he graduated with a jack!

In the Golf IV, the Mac Mini fits into the glove box

Perfect installation with USB hub available in the Lexus IS300

A computer in a car is good, but a keyboard and mouse to control it, not what is most enjoyable. This is where the touch screens. Then one can either connect the Mac Mini has a touch screen home or purchase a screen of this type. This is the kind of product that is found more easily on the web.

Even with the touchscreen, not easy to double click a small icon, select a file. It is much easier to switch to a media management software such as Windows Media Center with its large icons and large menus. This is called a front end. There are a whole bunch of others on both PC and Mac.

However, a front end that is primarily responsible for the management and media playback. To access the browser traffic, it would be a shame to leave the front end. That is why enthusiasts have developed car with front end application integration is needed specifically in this environment. Using this type of font end is also specific for small touch screens with icons easily "touch" the finger. For now, only i3Wheels Idash and still seem relevant. Competitors iMeedia CcarProject and seems to have been abandoned ...

You can also use the front end comes free original Mac in Front Row. This provides access to media management only. It will therefore come out of Front Row for navigating or address book.

i3Wheels and a nice interface that gives access to main functions

iMeedia, a simple but effective front end appears to be abandoned

Front Row on the original screen of an Audi A6 

Idash, another front-end Mac-specific in-car use

Mac on autopilot 

Have you ever heard of the DARPA Challenge? It's a race in the American desert, which took place in 2005 and in which there were only SUV Volkswagen Touareg unmanned ...! The pilot was to create competitors from computers, they are free to choose the most effective solution. Team Banzai has chosen, guess what, the Mac Mini. Or rather three Mac Mini plus some other devices that were intended to reach the finish line at VW SUV.

The equipment on the Touareg Banzai for DARPA Challenge

Mac or PC in the car? 

Using a Mac Mini in a car, there is obviously only advantages: the compact side of the machine and its equipment more than complete, specific applications that enable simple use in the automotive environment. In the PC world, applications are more likely to result almost identical. The important difference is the fact that PCs are for cars already on sale while the Mac Mini is an adaptation for enthusiasts. But a great adaptation if you decide to spend a few hours in care integration. Mac or PC, the computer will come no matter what happens in our cars and the war between fans of both camps will not die.