BM as a Car PC Front End

[Pollo]

I have a RAM mount for my car and for my Jeep.
I have a Panasonic Toughbook 73 (with a touchscreen, sweeet!)
I have a bluetooth GPS receiver, bluetooth OBD II code reader, and my cellphone configured to be a bluetooth modem (unlimited data plan and high speed data, see speedtest results below).

In order to bring it all together and have a nice interface I need a "front end." Among the list on the linked page is BM. I considered it, and after trying trial versions of several popular front ends, I think I'm going to do it.

Programs that I use or am trying out:
GeoBuddy - I like to geocache, great program, I've been using it for several months
ProScan - One of the two OBD II code readers I'm trying
PCMSCAN - The other one, they're both alright
Google Maps with GPS Tracker - Just installed it today, I'm going to try it out on the road this week

I use napster, and streaming music does work marginally on the cellphone modem.

Using BM would also be the solution to playing music, or watching videos and DVDs (not while driving, of course!)

Has anyone attempted this madness, or am I the first one here to mention it?

My cellphone modem speed test results:

Not too shabby for on-the-go internet on my laptop, eh? I use the Samsung Sync (AGH-A707), great little phone.

[tmar89]

There are far better options at the www.mp3car.com forums such as RoadRunner. My two favorite skins are:

LSX Void
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/rr-s...oid-3-0-a.html

Digital FX
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/rr-s...-released.html

[pvrguy]

I also have a RAM mount in my Sienna and use a Toshiba Tecra S2 with BTV and BM with a FireFly for long trips...mainly for the wife to catch up on some shows on our yearly trip to Florida. It's also backup to the in-van DVD system for the kids. I use Microsoft Streets and Trips with GPS.

Right now I use my Creative Zen W for mp3 and video also for short trips since the van has an aux jack.I have also loaded Media Monkey on the Tecra for mp3. BM works but I think MM is better for mp3...DJ mode on shuffle works for me. I feel BTV is great for the TV shows.

Sure it's not an Integrated solution but it's not that difficult for me...for the wife...different story...but she doesn't have the interest and is not a tech like me...but she reaps the benefits...

I have been dreaming of a better setup for the future for a while now. The stuff on mp3car.com like tmar89 said is the way to go.

Ultimately I want one or two mini PCs with a terabyte or more of storage under the seat with WIFI. I want to integrate it into the van's DVD player or replace it with headrest lcd screens like http://www.autobarn.net/consoles.html

Unfortunately it's a matter of time and money...maybe Snapstream would sponsor my dream...

[Pollo]

I'll have to give RoadRunner a try, didn't see that one before.