What Linux Distro for Mobile Car PC Application?

[TikaC]

I want to do a mobile/Car PC application using my ThinkPad 600. This is a special project of mine. While I admit I'm still working on the logistics of the power system (I do have a few ideas there), I am looking right now for an OS.

The computer will be installed with the docking port, an then will be using a dash-mount monitor if needed.

However, the computer will mostly be voice-activated interface, with artificial intelligence (ie. not "real" ai but a Natural Language Processer with intelligent parser - a piece of software I have ideas of how to build myself in linux). It will need to have the ability to be programmed to do video capture, speech and sound recognition, object recognition, monitor car functions (ie. via engine computer signals for an OBD I based system), operate alarm system, refuse entry, etc. etc. (Alarm also will be able to operate separately from computer, of course). Plus play MP3s of course. And burn DVDs (I need to either get an external USB DVD burner or upgrade the CD-ROM drive in the computer, but don't know where to find parts).

It's a big project. But my friends and I figure with this little laptop, and the right linux distro and software, some if not all is possible. I want to give this a go. I also want to create other circuit boards (ie. to plug into a multi-port USB for example) and add expanded features.

But what distro is good for this type of thing? Keep in mind the only time I'd need to actually tap into the computer might be to change some programming or something. Might only need the shell and not a GUI at all. The monitor would be for video playback of security tapes, or to display maintenance data, instructions, information, etc. But most of the time, it'll be all voice activated.

Of course software suggestions are also welcome, but right now, I really would like to get started with installing the right distro of linux.

Suggestions anyone?

[bonestonne]

thats pretty intense for a laptop...or even for in a car.

if you're into it, look into a Fluxbox based UI, its very light, however distros like Sabayon cram everything you could imagine in there. the menus can get confusing, but its the basis for great distros like Knoppix.

if anything, emulate Knoppix for a while, it may be everything you could ever need [although installing it is kinda hard].

[dmitrio]

* good walkthrough
Gentoo based

* LinuxICE
LinuxICE is a distribution of Linux developed specifically for car computer use. It is based on the popular distobution Ubuntu, but it has been slimmed down and optimized for performance in the mobile environment, and includes many features that other Linux flavors lack when it comes to in-car integration.

* www.mp3car.com
check their wiki pages

[TikaC]

Thank you both for the suggestions. I'll be checking things out.

As for a UI, I don't need one as the plain shell will be fine in the computer in the car.