I have most if not all the parts to custom install a PC with windows 7 into my wifes HHR, she has a new dell lap top that she could use however
I want to build in a left over dual core system into the HHR to make my wifes work easier while she is between signings. she mainly needs a PC to go on line
and get on her e-mail or a web site to download and print the documents that she needs. the PC with the right software and hardware could double as a GPS
I have found many sites that offer PC GPS systems for around 100 bucks I don't know if they are any good compared to the little Garmin she has now.
I wanted to mount the computer components hidden yet accessible so I was thinking of mounting the pc parts in the same space with the inverter but I am not sure if thats a good idea or not I am sure that the power inverter which is not a pure sign wave inverter may be a issue with noise being so close to the PC I guess i could shield the parts some how.
Anyways if some on has done this already I would appreciate some tips.
I am good with building computers and using software but I am getting into a area where I haven't gone before. the main thing is I want this to be reliable.
if I can pull this off with out spending too much more on parts I plan on running a panel mount USB connector to the front of the HHR so she can plug in her Iphone and tether to the PC and use her Iphone for Internet.
I would like to keep the head unit factory as it has a built in Xm blue tooth etc. I have a spare 15 inch LCD that could be sacrificed for this project.

I have found that they have usb fans pretty cheep so I am pretty sure I can keep cool air to the pc parts.

I have researched that even knowing my Power inverter is not a pure sign wave inverter that it shows that it will power up and run the Dell Laser MFP 2335 that we bought for this project. the inverter should be able to power up the computer also but I am not sure if it has to have a pure sign wave inverter or not for the pc. also the monitor would need power so I am thinking that I should go with a 12volt drop down type monitor instead of powering up everything with one 1500 watt inverter. I bought a second Cobra inverter to power up or charge the lap top if needed that fits in cup holder in the rear of the arm rest which has a 12 volt socket back their for it. The lap top I want to keep away for the internet as Its main function is for E-signings (paperless Signings)
and This Laptop has never been used for anything else so I it works great
and I want to keep it that way. This leaves the Laptop also as a back up in case the HHR's computer crashes . If anyone has any ideas or parts to help me pull
this off It would be most appreciated. I would be happy to buy the parts of course. Thanks in advance.

 

Do a web search for "car computer" There are a lot of guys doing this, many of them are for sound systems but the basic parts and power supply stuff would apply to what you're doing.

 

I just haven't seen one done in a HHR yet, as we have more space than some and less than others. but thanks for the Info. I will end up mocking the components up and testing it out before I mount anything.

 

Garmin offers a usb gps antenna to use with a laptop. I bought one 2+ years ago. It was Ok when new. When using it side by side with a year old garmin 265 wt and an HTC Desire smartphone. The phone was using Google Navigation. Of the 3 , the HTC was the most accurate and the usb lost signal waaaaay too often. Have a look at this forum in link and others before deciding on what gps would suit best.
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/

 

I orderd a universal Tray and decided the ones that hardmount to the floor would do best ... have a fourway splitter off the front dash powerpoint with independant switches for each of the four ports ... and have a one peice AC/DC converter that tucks nice beside the console between it and the seat ..I will take Pic later and try to hunt down brand names for you ...

 

One member who did a carputer:

 

The main reason I said to do a search was because of the power supply they use...... There's no reason to use an inverter and a 110V AC power supply in a car. A DC-DC converter is the more efficient, less heat, and smaller way to go. Takes the cars 12V in and outputs standard computer voltages for the motherboard.

 

I like the Carputer setup a lot but, I already have a inverter on the way for the MF laser Printer, so I have the needed power and I have plenty of power supplies for them as well.
I am trying to do this on the cheap. plus like I said I dont want to get rid of any of the factory equipment. my wife and I are happy with the factory head unit. I simply would like
to add another Screen somewhere else on the car for her to print with.
in fact if the PC GPS sucks, The 15 inch screen I have can be molded into one of the back panels as she just needs to print some documents for the next job so she doesnt have to run home print then possibly end up pretty close to where she was. this will just save time and and make her life easier. thanks again for all the info I will be looking into the Carputer for my smart or my HHR when ever I get another one.

 

I build police vehicles for a living and most of them have computers. I'm not sure if you are still working on this but you might want to try jotto desk or havis sheilds. they make vehicle mounted computer mounts.

 

www.mp3car.com the forums have all you need to know.