Hello, to the Great TH Forum!
I'll try to be quick First, if this thread needs to be moved then please do so, mods. Second, I tried doing a forum search for my topic with no results... PLEASE post thread links if you feel they'll help answer my question. Third, be gentle with me; I'm decently knowledgeable in electronics but this area is hazy for me.
Sooooooo... I've got a project in mind. I want to put a fully functional computer inside a 2009 SUV. There are already plenty of options for the PC, enclosure, smart-power solutions, mounts, OEM-integrations, audio-system-tie-ins, GUI software, etc so this part of the project is simple. I'm open to suggestions with the above stuff, as well.
The plan:
-i5/i7 CPU, 8GB RAM, good-sized SSD, a GPU that can do 1080p
-Wireless N, bluetooth, [possibly mobile internet chip]
-BluRay drive, iPod/USB/headphone/peripheral ports
-**touchscreen display to eliminate keys, maximize screen size**
The problem:
-you can't get an HD touchscreen. You can buy EITHER an HD screen OR a touchscreen
-NOTE: if someone finds me an HD screen, the screen quality (gamut, backlight, contrast etc...) will probably be terrible
The solution:
-there are a truckload of beautiful, shiny, sensitive HD screens found on tablets
-there are plenty of replacement LCDs and digitizers you can purchase for tablets (Xoom, iPad, ...)
The question(s):
-What are the obstacles to making a tablet screen be recognizable as a touchscreen display for the computer?
-What parts combine to make an LCD a "display peripheral", and what is different in a tablet LCD?
Bonus question:
-Who WOULDN'T want a big, clear, HD, glass touchscreen in their car?
Right away I will state a few things. Firstly, I know it is easier to possibly mount an entire tablet as my PC, but a tablet is simply not powerful/upgradeable enough for me, thank you. Second, I KNOW that tablets are highly proprietary because they're so small and advanced, but my project should still be doable for the simple fact that these devices still use standard protocols. So even if there are proprietary parts, there should still be a way to connect the tablet screen to a proper controller, inverter, blah blah blah even if I have to fabricate something on bread board.
I think i've said enough to release this thread to the community. If someone has the urge to comment "it can't be done", don't bother posting. If someone says "it's too hard", then you're probably a quitter and shouldn't post either. I understand this might be tough. Sometimes projects fail. But other times they work and then I look awesome
Other hurdles to consider... iPad 3 screen is nice but most Apple stuff is SUPER proprietary, also their LCD has a massive display with a video controller built by... aliens? Also the compact nature of tablets might mean that components are soldered/inbuilt on the mobo, so i may or may not be able to salvage parts. Another important note is driver issues and display recognition.
I want POSSIBLE, people! I'll answer as many questions as needed. Thanks so much for the wealth of info and generosity on THF, and I look forward to your help. PLEASE feel free to post threads or links that will educate me/others on the complexity of displays!!!
David H
I'll try to be quick First, if this thread needs to be moved then please do so, mods. Second, I tried doing a forum search for my topic with no results... PLEASE post thread links if you feel they'll help answer my question. Third, be gentle with me; I'm decently knowledgeable in electronics but this area is hazy for me.
Sooooooo... I've got a project in mind. I want to put a fully functional computer inside a 2009 SUV. There are already plenty of options for the PC, enclosure, smart-power solutions, mounts, OEM-integrations, audio-system-tie-ins, GUI software, etc so this part of the project is simple. I'm open to suggestions with the above stuff, as well.
The plan:
-i5/i7 CPU, 8GB RAM, good-sized SSD, a GPU that can do 1080p
-Wireless N, bluetooth, [possibly mobile internet chip]
-BluRay drive, iPod/USB/headphone/peripheral ports
-**touchscreen display to eliminate keys, maximize screen size**
The problem:
-you can't get an HD touchscreen. You can buy EITHER an HD screen OR a touchscreen
-NOTE: if someone finds me an HD screen, the screen quality (gamut, backlight, contrast etc...) will probably be terrible
The solution:
-there are a truckload of beautiful, shiny, sensitive HD screens found on tablets
-there are plenty of replacement LCDs and digitizers you can purchase for tablets (Xoom, iPad, ...)
The question(s):
-What are the obstacles to making a tablet screen be recognizable as a touchscreen display for the computer?
-What parts combine to make an LCD a "display peripheral", and what is different in a tablet LCD?
Bonus question:
-Who WOULDN'T want a big, clear, HD, glass touchscreen in their car?
Right away I will state a few things. Firstly, I know it is easier to possibly mount an entire tablet as my PC, but a tablet is simply not powerful/upgradeable enough for me, thank you. Second, I KNOW that tablets are highly proprietary because they're so small and advanced, but my project should still be doable for the simple fact that these devices still use standard protocols. So even if there are proprietary parts, there should still be a way to connect the tablet screen to a proper controller, inverter, blah blah blah even if I have to fabricate something on bread board.
I think i've said enough to release this thread to the community. If someone has the urge to comment "it can't be done", don't bother posting. If someone says "it's too hard", then you're probably a quitter and shouldn't post either. I understand this might be tough. Sometimes projects fail. But other times they work and then I look awesome
Other hurdles to consider... iPad 3 screen is nice but most Apple stuff is SUPER proprietary, also their LCD has a massive display with a video controller built by... aliens? Also the compact nature of tablets might mean that components are soldered/inbuilt on the mobo, so i may or may not be able to salvage parts. Another important note is driver issues and display recognition.
I want POSSIBLE, people! I'll answer as many questions as needed. Thanks so much for the wealth of info and generosity on THF, and I look forward to your help. PLEASE feel free to post threads or links that will educate me/others on the complexity of displays!!!
David H