One nice thing about the fact that I can't yet put together most of the more ridiculous parts of my dream car setup is that the technology surrounding them is growing.
Originally, I wanted a carputer in my car. I justified the expense, time and work involved by knowing that it would be able to give me a much more flexible GPS, it could track a wide variety of mechanical components of my car (i.e., fluid levels and temperatures, MPG), and of course, give me an awesome stereo system.
When I first started drawing up the plans for this beast, I was looking at a touch-screen monitor attached to a computer in the trunk. It looks like within the next year, I won't need anything but the monitor because 'slate' or 'ultracompact' style computers are becoming reasonably-priced (under $1,000).
This type of computer is like a very small laptop - so small, they don't have keyboards. Most are roughly the size of a normal piece of paper, but there are more compact ones that can fit on my small dash (my max size is about 8"x8"). Plus, several are designed for stockers and delivery drivers (such as a Budweiser delivery guy) and so can withstand 120-degree temperatures, 5-foot drops, and direct exposure to rain.
All I have to do is plug it into my USB sound system, the USB controls for the various lighting controls and sensors around the car, and maybe an external hard drive, and it's set. Best yet, I can use it as my own PDA. Perhaps soon, they will function as phones as well.
I'll be using Rugged PC Review as my usual shopping/news spot.
A couple commercial examples would be the OQO, VAIO UX Premium, and DuoCor. I'm more interested in the more durable models like the DRS Hammerhead and MobileDemand T8600. Here's a Wiki writeup on ultra-compacts.Labels: Beetle, carputer, cars, DuoCor, MobileDemand, OQO, pc, ultracompact laptop, VAIO, Volkswagen |
