Carputer (Car PC) LCD Touchscreen
Installing a Car PC is not difficult, but there are some differences between a carputer and a desktop PC. One of the differences being the LCD display. You not only need to know what size fits your needs, but you also need to think about how you want it mounted and how you're going to deliver power.
Most people either opt for a single DIN flip out unit (fits in the space of a regular CD player), use a standalone monitor mounted on the dash, or fabricate the LCD screen right into their dash. The single DIN flip out option is definitely the easiest route, but doesn't look as clean as a custom installed, flush mounted display. With whatever option you choose, you need to make sure that you have enough room.
  
Carputer LCD touch screen monitors will have at least three separate connections for power, video, and touchscreen input. We know what to do with the video and touchscreen input (at least I hope so!), but how do we supply power to the monitor? While most carputer LCD displays can be connected directly to your car battery, this is a bad idea because of the unregulated voltage.
When you crank your ignition, the battery's voltage drops to around 10v, maybe even lower. When you're car is running, your alternator probably puts out 13.8-14.4v, not the ideal 12v that we would like.
That unregulated voltage can lead to unwanted behavior such as the screen flickering. It can also cause the brightness to change uncontrollably in addition to decreasing the life of your display.
Instead of powering your display straight from the car battery, the widely accepted method is to use your carputer's power supply. Simply snip off a molex connector and use quick disconnects to connect the LCD's 12v, ignition, and ground wires to the yellow and black wires from the molex connector.
Powering your display via your intelligent carputer power supply ensures that your display receives regulated 12v power and automatically turns on and off when needed.
Now that you've figured out the LCD style you'd like and know how you're going to be powering it, the only thing left to do is figure out what brand to get.
Xenarc and Lilliput are excellent choices; they both have been in the carputer industry for many years. Xenarc tends to be a little higher quality than Lilliput, but are also a little more expensive.
You may also want to look at displays manufactured by Shark. Word on the web is that these displays use Samsung LCD panels.
Although I try, I can't always answer everyone's questions. So, if you're looking for feedback regarding this subject, MP3car.com's LCD display forum is a good place to start.
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