In response to the question about car installation......
Phase 1 is currently working in the car! Its not pretty, but it works.(i.e. wires hanging everywhere, etc.) This weekend, is Phase 2(see below)
The websurfer is running DOS and playing MP3's fine. It is booting DOS from the HD and it boots in 9 seconds. (NOTE : while playing mp3's in DOS, the CPU utilization hangs around 30-40% so alls good.) I was going to boot off of the DOC but I decided not to spend the effort since 9 seconds is fine with me 
I ran it for 24 hours straight with no lock ups or freezes of anykind(which is very encouraging considering I read about people having problems with lockups... That's windows for ya!) However, I am concerned if the machine can withstand continuous car abuse. (i.e. Temperature extremes, bumps, crappy power, etc.) Bottom line though is that I don't care too much since I've only put in about $100 into this project so it'll be fun regardless....(furthermore, if it can't handle the car, I'll convert it into a component MP3 player for my stereo system.) BTW, I will be making a web page with pics of car and mods if anyone is interested to see what it looks like when I'm done. I should have phase II done this Sunday.
Phase 1 car configuration (currently complete)
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- Websurfer w/ following mods :
- Vanilla SIIG ISA IDE controller its like model #11xx ($24.97 @ Best Buy) Boots HD fine with DOC in the
machine.
- 1 GB 3.5" HD - running DOS & MPXPLAY & lots of MP3's.
- Spliced Power Cable + extra fans.
- Generic Inverter
- Generic RF Modulator to run line outs to factor stereo.
- Standard IR Keyboard
!- Wires laying everywhere (WHAT a mess!)
Phase 2 car configuration (should be this weekend.)
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- Websurfer w/ following mods :
- Vanilla SIIG ISA IDE controller its like model #11xx ($24.97 @ Best Buy) Boots HD fine with DOC in the
machine.
- 2 GB 2.5" Laptop HD - running DOS & MPXPLAY & lots of MP3's.
- Spliced Power Cable + extra fans.
- Generic Inverter
- Generic RF Modulator to run line outs to factor stereo.
- Replace factory keyboard w/ handheld learning remote for custom control.
!-Taking apart car interior to run wires correctly. Mounting the unit in the trunk and wiring the status lights and IR interface somewhere near the dash area. (I'll probably put it in some type of small enclosure that looks nice)
Phase 3 (hopefully in 2 weeks, depending on my amount of free time.)
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Same as Phase 1 & 2 with addition of LCD display on the dash to display current song, etc.
