[ILUG] [Super-dooper OT] Build your own MP3 player?

[Baldwin_James at emc.com]

I dunno...I am thinking like, erm why bother building this, buying that
specialised small PC boards, etc...why not just...

Use an old second hand Mp3-Capable Laptop with sufficent HD space and
powered Speakers? Some Altec Lancsing's or equiv.
IF really desired, build some sort of showcase for it to blend into the
room.
You then got a versatile MP3 player, a nice relatively large LCD Screen and
run the possiblity of using it as a DVD player/web station also.

In this scenario, if you make the Laptop dockable (or even use a docking
station, for power, speaker conectivity, etc) into yer little showcase,
then you can freely transport this "Mp3 player" and use it in yer car.

Build a proper mount for the Laptop over the Car's centre console, veering
left over the passenger glove box.
(Passenger/s can watch .mpgs/DVD's, become a Mp3-jockey ;) and even some
games, while on the way to Dublin for that LAN-Match/Paintball :P ).

Rig a 3.5mm Jack to Stereo-Phono into yer HeadUnit and away you go...
You can utilise your car speakers via AUX HeadUnit Input.

Believe me from experience...DVD's, Quake or any game gets a whole lot
better in a multi amp'ed/subb'ed car :)

Cost? 
PII Laptop for 500/600 quid with decent HD...
AS495 Pro-logic 4x25RMS Satellites + 1x50RMS Sub for 50 quid from Muckleys
in Midelton
5 quid for Jack to Stereo Phono lead
$WHATEVER for Car mount + possible docking station
5 quid for MacRonalds for stomach fuel

Better than 1200 quid...
...cant be bad!


-----Original Message-----
From: Derek Hardiman [mailto:derek at adjutor.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2001 12:00 PM
To: ilug at linux.ie
Subject: Re: [ILUG] Build your own MP3 player?


Okay, lets get away from talking about the case for a sec. Let's assume
you've got a low spec PC (say, Pentium 100 with 32MB RAM, 8GB HD and a sound
card of some sort) what would you need to get a prototype going?