I've had a custom-built carputer in my vehicle for 5 years now. It first ran Windows Embedded, and now Windows 7. The front-end UI is a commercial application c

I've had a custom-built carputer in my vehicle for 5 years now. It first ran Windows Embedded, and now Windows 7. The front-end UI is a commercial application called Centrafuse(http://www.centrafuse.com/ http://www.centrafuse.com/) at the moment, but there are open-source options available, namely Ride-Runner (http://guino.home.insightbb.com/roadrunner.html http://guino.home.insightbb.com/roadrunner.html). From a hardware perspective such a system is simple - I have a nano-ITX board, a 12V DC-DC power supply, and an SSD. You can package this into a double-DIN opening without issue. OBD-II connection is via Bluetooth to an adapter plugged into the diagnostic port under my dash. GPS comes from a USB receiver. Currently I use wifi to connect to my home/work network and load content, but a 3G/4G dongle is an easy mobile solution. However, by far the best solution suitable for commercial, rather than hobbyist, use is from QNX. Check it out: http://www.qnx.com/products/qnxcar/ http://www.qnx.com/products/qnxcar/ It's what powers most OEM systems, such as BMW's awesome iDrive system.