The idea of an in-dash car computer isn't new. Clarion's attempt to market the AutoPC in the '90s eventually failed even with backing from Microsoft. An outfit called Q-PC came out with one a few years later -- and it disappeared as well. More recently, MP3Car.com has offered versions geared toward the DIY set, while Azentek Atlas CPC-1000 is the latest in this long and ill-fated line of carputers.
Undeterred by the driving public's lack of interest, Dashboard Devices will introduce three new EVN (Entertainment and Navigation for Vehicles) car computers at next week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The three in-dash units will include the double-DIN ENV-100, single-DIN ENV-50 with a motorized screen and single-DIN ENV-50c that comes with a detached screen for custom applications. The ENV-XC external CPU is the "brains" behind each head unit and includes an Intel Core Duo processor, 1 GB of RAM and a 160 GB hard drive.
Each system is designed to handle digital audio/video media, GPS navigation, Bluetooth hands-free and wireless networking and includes a 7-inch touch-screen monitor, CD/DVD drive, one front-mounted and two rear-mounted USB 2.0 ports and programmable controls. Dashboard Devices also claims that the computers will all have built-in Wi-Fi and voice recognition, and the company's website says that details on software are coming soon.
Dashoard Devices is also offering a Dual Zone kit that comes with either two 7-inch headrest monitors or a single roof-mounted screen and includes wireless headphones so that video and/or audio can be used to pacify backseat passengers. Add-ons such as an OBD-II engine diagnostic system, backup camera and rear parking sensor will also be available.
Prices are not available, but they better be less than a laptop.
redliner says:
01:13 PM, 12/29/08
" 1 GB of RAM and a 160 GB hard drive."
Laughable, even by yesterdays standards.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
02:55 PM, 12/29/08
Fact: it is __very hard__ to punch small virtual buttons on a display when you are driving. While doing this you end up in same state as dialing celphone users go through, often described as a partial state of drunkenness.
When the makers of these systems get really serious about minimizing this state, that should make these tools more useful instead of distractions.
altimadude00 says:
03:07 PM, 12/29/08
Who actually needs such a thing in their cars? Isn't driving hazardous enough trying to find a good radio station?
sabastian says:
05:08 AM, 12/30/08
If this thing is new, then why are the words all dot-matrixy?