MacVroom » Installation

Mac mini Automotive Dock Update

admin — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 22:21:27 +0000

The Japanese Mac mini auto dock that we reported on earlier is now shipping for US customers. An English version of their website is now available with installation photos and a few installs that utilize their dock.

The stand alone mini dock DIY kit is available for $500, and the All-in-one Pack, which includes the dock, an 8″ LCD display, USB hub and necessary cables, is available for $1050.

The mini dock looks quite nice, and the installation pictures do a good job showing how the dock works. We still think the cost is high for this dock, but if you have a few bucks to burn and want a nice in-dash install that can be easily removed, this is a good solution.

Discuss this story

Apple Power Adapter for Mac mini

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 04:47:59 +0000

Have you sacrificed your Mac mini’s power supply to get your Mac’d ride powered with the CarNetix CNX-P1900? Apple now sells the Mac mini power supply separately for $49.00.

If you are in need for an extra one, head over to the Apple Store and pick one up.

Discuss this story…

Mac mini Automotive Dock

admin — Mon, 18 Jul 2005 19:30:49 +0000

Our friends at 123Macmini.com alerted us to this new auto dock specifically designed for the Mac mini. The Mini Dock is available as standalone dock or as part of a complete system that includes the dock, 8″ LCD display, USB hub and necessary cables. The Mini Dock alleviates the worry of leaving the Mac mini in your vehicle by allowing for easy mounting and ejecting the CPU. Unfortunately, the Mini Dock is only available in Japan and is quite expensive – 175,000 JPY (US $1,566) for the complete system and 55,000 JPY (US $493) for the standalone dock. We’d love to see one of these docks available in the US for under $200.

Visit the Mini Dock site here (Japanese).
English translation available via Babel Fish.

Discuss this story

Datamation Mac mini Security System

admin — Thu, 05 May 2005 01:12:49 +0000

Datamation Systems Inc. has introduced a physical security system that is specifically designed for the Mac mini. The DS-MAC-MINSP includes an enclosure that covers the top of the Mac mini CPU and a locking mounting bracket, which can be adhered to various surfaces with 700 pounds of dynamic sheer strength and/or screws. The Mac mini’s CPU can be easily snapped into the bracket and locked. The system is designed to complements the Mac mini’s white color and allows full access to the front CD drive as well as the rear ports.

This looks like a great in-car solution for securing a Mac mini. Just mount the bracket in your trunk or under a seat and the CPU should be quite secure.

Discuss this story

CarNetix CNX-P1900 Now Shipping!

admin — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 01:48:57 +0000

For everyone that has been patiently waiting for the ideal solution to power their Mac mini install – it’s here! The CarNetix CNX-P1900 is now shipping and in stock at the mp3car store.

CarNetix has also updated their site to include a P1900 installation manual, compatibility matrix, Mac mini application diagram, and instructions for splicing the P1900 to a Mac mini power connection.

We plan to write an extensive article on the installation of our P1900 – stayed tuned!

Update: The mp3car store also has the CarNetix P1900 Mac Mini Power Button Cable Kit. This kit will allow you to keep your existing power button intact, when hooked up to the P1900 power supply.

TunerTricks CarNetix CNX-P1900 Installation

admin — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 23:34:28 +0000

Matt from TunerTricks is at it again… This time he has gotten his hands on a pre-production version of the CarNetix CNX-P1900 and has installed it in his VW GTi. He has written another excellent and detailed entry on his site. It sounds like CarNetix has really done great job with this power supply, and it’s great that they are thoroughly testing it with the Mac mini. Kudos to Matt and CarNetix!

It’s good to finally hear about a P1900 installed in a Mac’d ride. Now when can we get ours?

Discuss this story

Glove Box Mod and Dash Fabrication

admin — Wed, 23 Mar 2005 01:48:35 +0000

Matt from TunerTricks has posted a couple extensive articles that document his glove box modifications and dash fabrication for his Mac’d out VW GTI.

Matt initially planned to install his Mac mini above the LCD in the center console, but due to the added depth of all the connectors on the back of the computer, he decided to install the Mac mini in the glove box. To maintain a factory-installed look, the storage dividers inside the glove box were modified to create a compartment to house the Mac mini. The compartment was finished with black suede flocking for a matching finish with the original glove box interior. Check out the full article on TunerTricks for more details and to see photos of the install.

The second article coves the fabrication of the aluminum bezel that surrounds the Xenarc 700tsv monitor and OEM climate controls. In order to fit the 7″ monitor into the double DIN-sized opening, the front of the external housing was removed and some internal components removed (or relocated). To mount the LCD, a custom brace was created and screwed to the OEM subdash radio mount. The LCD was then epoxied to the brace and surrounding subdash area. A rough acrylic jig was created from the existing factory climate control trim and monitor casing. The rough jig was then copied to a 5/16″ piece of aluminum plate and cut with a jigsaw. Next, a 45-degree chamfer was cut around the display area and hand sanded and polished to a mirror finish. To complete the piece, the front surface of the aluminum was brushed to mimic the original dash trim.

This is quite an impressive procedure that Matt has developed, and the results look great!

You can read Matt’s detailed article and view photos here.