I too have a lombard (A slower pismo with no firewire, but with SCSI), but alas, the keyboard is dead. Here is what I've done to it:
1 - Classic paint mod - Everyone's done this before, all that it is is spraying the hard plastic bits blue and putting some blue plastic under the apple

2 - Car Linux Audio player! I installed Debian and got a CrystalFontz LCD, and set up an audio jukebox, which I plan to install in my car in the upcomming weeks. I'll post a full how-to mod here when I install it, but for now I have A work-in-progress photo gallery

You could also make it into a set top box, using the LCD, or make it into a single use machine, like how I turned and almost-dead-ibook into a DDR box (no screen or keyboard).

I'd be interested in seeing a Lombard/Pismo mounted in a car with the screen on a seatback though, since the large screen would be perfect for in car movies

Tutan, I am planning on doing this in my car when I get back. But I have found these 7" LCDs that you can buy for like 200 dollars. I was thinking about taking this route. But, nonetheless, I would love to see how this comes out in your car. Please take lots of pics and get us that mod guide when you can. You will definitely get mod of the week for that!

Cheers.

Tutan, check out some of this stuff for your mod. It would be sick if you could do this mod, then I wouldn't have any problems to work out when I try, lol. Anyway, just sugestions.

This is a 7" diagonal LCD that has a vga connector for a computer. I don't remember, does the powerbook have a VGA connector?

Lilliput 7" XGA Touchscreen 619GL-70NP

OPUS makes some power supplies. Depending upon how much voltage you need. There is a 90 and a 150. The good thing about these is they allow you to regulate the voltage input, anywhere from like 18 volts down to like 4, so the computer wouldn't restart on a car crank. However, if you are using a laptop this wouldn't be a problem anyway.

I was planning on adding a wifi connection on mine so that I could transfer my music to my car without having to touch the computer or mess with discs. This would also allow for internet access when in the drive.

If you get a bluetooth connection for you powerbook you can use the T610 and your wirless internet via your cellphone on the road!

If you want a larger hard drive for the computer I know there are IDE converters available as well.

Let me know how you come out and what you are choosing to use.

Cheers.

Here is some software for that display that you have. I think that this should work for you. Check out...

http://schapenstal.homeip.net/alcas/

Thank you jaco, but I've allready got everything I'm looking for. I don't want to get an expensive LCD because:
1 - A desktop environment takes longer to boot
2 - It looks a bit TOO hot - there are too many stories of people having theirs stollen

I've seen the liliputs, and if I were to get a graphic LCD, that's what I'd definitely get. The ACLAS software is interesting, but a bit of a pain in the but. I run CAJUN

I've also seen the OPUS power supplies, but again, I'm going with a powerbook! I have a kensington auto adapter. I don't need to worry about cranking becasue my battery lasts about 2 hours, so unless I'm starting the car for two hours straight, there shouldn't be an issue

I actually have a Samsung SCH-A310 (a no-frills phone), and a data cable. I *might* set up the data-link cable I have so that when I plug in my phone to charge, the powerbook dials and sets up a wifi hot spot. We'll see though. Data charges on my plan are pretty high

Oh, and just "Tut" is fine

Sounds good Tut, thats what I meant by using a laptop, as long as there is a bettery there isn't anything to worry about on the crank. I am interested to see how this comes out, so keep us posted.

lawson wrote:


Ooooh.. is it really true? can you stick a G4 Processor in a G3 laptop???

Sureley it can't be as simple as just that? What other mods need to done?

There is nothing to it. Those PowerBooks have a replacable cpu.
-maestro

For real? Is it just a case of detatching the processor, or is it hard wired?

What sort of speeds can you send them up to?

Its removable. I think you can get a 550 G4 and there used to be a 1ghz G3
-maestro