Computers for Your Car
How Much PC is PC?
Shuttle's CarPC is designed to shut down as soon as the car shuts down, so will not lose its memory. It has such features as 1.83 GHz Intel 2400 Core Duo Processor, 7.1 sound and graphics. Beyond that, that's about as much as I know about it, but you can tell that it comes with plenty of access ports. I honestly don't know how big the screen is or where the screen will go in your vehicle. I also don't know about interfacing. Is their a keyboard that you slide out? How about a mouse, anyone?
I also don't know if this is the first PC that has ever been targeted for the car. You would think that a product called CarPC would be attempting to conquer a soon-to-be existing market. Obviously, we are now living in an age where we need computers in the car. There are many who live by GPS devices so they will not get lost. Most of our car stereos are mini-computers in and of themselves, accessing data from Satellite Radio. And even though this is no longer attached to the car, there are those who refuse to drive unless they have a phone to their ear. Thank God for Bluetooth headsets.
I think the question the CarPC raises is how much of the computer should be in the car? The other day I was on the road and I passed a pickup truck with a device that was too big to be a GPS. It looked like he was watching a movie on his dashboard. I don't know if he was doing that for the kids in the backseat, but personally, I think there are laws against the driver doing that! Ironically, I think he was watching the movie Cars, but unless his vehicle was a car from that film, he needs to turn off the movie and drive!
I know I can't be the only one who can see the inherent dangers of giving the driver a PC behind the wheel. We already have more than enough distractions inside the automobile. I suppose we will soon live in an age where computers somehow will project information on our windshield so we can check e-mail, surf the web, all while driving. That way we can look at the information but still see the road through it. Maybe the interface will be on our steering wheels, or completely vocal.
If we are going to do that, then we really need to invent a computer that works like KITT from Knight Rider and drive the car itself. As it is, computers in the car need to be for the passenger, not the driver. If the driver needs something from a computer it had better not take too much concentration!
Published by Mark Rollins
I have always wanted to be a writer. In the last few years, I quit my day job and became a full-time freelance writer. I like writing about the latest in Science and Technology, and I also like writing sci... View profile
- No Cost or Low Cost Activities for Seniors in the Tri-ValleyThere are lots of things for seniors to do in the Tri-Valley. Here are some ideas to get you moving.
- Top Five Worst Things in the WorldPlease, everybody, can't we do better?
- How to Figure Out What to Claim for Your Home Business Tax DeductionOwning a home business can be expensive. Deductions for the things you use can really help relieve hte financial burden.
Making the Most Money Selling a Used CarIf you want to keep your vehicle in good working order and get a good resale price for it, here are some great tips to help you out.
Dating in the 21st CenturyDating in the 21st century is faster, better and easier. Equipped with convenient technology (such as the internet and cell phones) dating is no longer as intimidating as face-t...
- 5 Tips on Keeping Your Kids Occupied in the Car
- Activities for Children in the Car
- Kyle's Corner (FYI) when the Service Engineer for Your Car is 89 and Named Sid
- Tips for Getting a Drivers License in the State of Maryland
- Quartzsite, AZ: An Insider's Look at a Quirky Little Town in the Middle of the Ari...
- Emergency Preparedness Plan for Your Home
- A Dance Dance Revolution: Michael Jackson in the United Kingdom
8 Comments
Post a CommentI believe that as the technology further develops and becomes better regulated, we will find that vocal control will make this a good tool. For instance, if you work in a field and are some what of a "Road Warrior", this could be useful and may save you minutes on your cell phone. There are several companies that provide "free wireless internet" to their customers and it would be nice to pull up to Sonic and have internet access on a computer in the car without getting the laptop out before/while/after eating your meal. Instead of CD's, you have memory sticks.. A lot of good things could come from this technology. I find it exciting to see how it develops.
Ok yes there are many states that have laws stating that it is only legal to have a display device (screen) within the drivers view if it is navagation baised device (AKA...GPS (tom-tom)) other then that the screen has to be in a position that it can not be viewed by the driver. As you have seen any stock (dealer installed or carmaker) installed screens are usualy behind the drivers head between the front seats. SUV's and Vans have them in the overhead (drop down flat screen) or installed in the back of the front seat headrestss. I agree that having something like that is a distraction to the driver and shouldn't be allowed. But on the other hand look at the cell phones, it's only been in the last few years that the states are begining to see a up rise in the accidents involving drivers using cell phones. To be honest I think a small device should be installed in a car that would make the use of a cell phone in a car useless. Jammer? I know extream but if you have kids and thier drivin
Great Read But I agree drivers dont need another distraction
I agree with Carol. It seems like it would make more sense if the computer shut down when the car started for safety reasons. My husband is a truck driver and thought he saw someone using a computer while driving. How scary. Great article!
How many gadgets are they going to add. That is all we need in the world, more people doing stuff in their cars and not paying attention to the road. When is it going to stop?
I would prefer a computer that shut down as soon as a car started! But the article is well written and informative, even if the subject matter does make me grit my teeth.
Great article Mark. Very thorough and in-depth and very good point about the distraction it would likely cause!
Not what drivers need, but interesting info!