The KrazyKarl.com Car MP3 Player

This page is a quick preview of my new car-based mp3 player. Here's the basic deal:

The actual MP3 player is an Intel Celeron based computer.
The computer runs Linux for its OS.
I wrote a program to play the actual MP3's.
The computer is directed by a numeric keypad between the front seats that can also be hidden away for a stealth installation...no thieves wanted.
The audio output from the computer is fed to my in-dash CD player by a CD-changer interrupt cord from Alpine. It is a cord that takes the output from the computer and substitutes it for the audio signals from my CD changer. I could have just used an RF modulator, but I wanted to prove that MP3 files do have a high quality.
The computer gets its power from a cheap inverter mounted under the driver's seat. I know, not the most efficient, but I wanted to get a prototype going before I sunk much effort into a DC-DC power supply.
To get files off and on the computer, I have a network connection that I can hook to my desktop in the house and upload/download files.
To turn the computer off and on a switch was mounted in the ashtray as well as a power light to tell when the computer is turned on.
So you are probably wondering why I did this, why not just get a Rio and a tape deck adapter, right? First of all, I wanted to show that mp3 has high quality. I'm sick of people telling me it looses bass or detail. Sorry, it doesn't. I have 600 watts of bass to prove it too. I also wanted to make the installation completely hidden so it didn't look stupid and didn't get stolen. (yes, my car does have an alarm) I've seen a lot of car mp3 players made, but none that interface into a high quality stereo. My stereo is all Alpine and Rockford, good stuff. If you put the keypad under the driver's seat and close the ashtray, you can't tell there is a computer in my car, not even in the trunk.
Well, I promise I'll add more details later about how it all works and how it is installed, but here's some pics to keep you interested.

This is a shot of my CD player with the ashtray closed. Looks like a normal kid's stereo so far.

This is my trunk. Like I said, you don't see a computer do you?

Ok, this is the keypad. It looks kind of cruddy, so I'm going to make a wireless remote, so until then this will do. Also notice the light in the ashtray that indicates if the computer is on. I need to get a better shot of this.

Here it is, the actual computer, and the wires that go with it, along with the box for my sub. I know this is kind of messy, but I think I'm going to redo the trunk (again) and put a second sub in.
I hope you all enjoyed the show. If you have any questions or gripes, let me knowjoe@1043.net