CarBot Product Information
While looking for a quick method to boot linux, somehow I ran across the CarBox M2. CarBot is a PC running XP which can be installed in your car. It comes in a small "custom" enclosure for easy mounting, and includes WiFi and GPS (wardriving, anyone?). It includes an RF remote, and it sounds like it can play music over the radio??
It seems a little weak for the possibilities, but for anyone interested in installing a PC in your car, I think this is the right direction. I wouldn't purchase this product, but I would consider using this style enclosure for mounting the hardware. The aluminum enclosure allows heat to dissipate faster, resulting in a cooler running PC. The enclosure can be purchased separately here.
My ideal car PC would include some of the following:
I would prefer a Linux OS instead of XP, but I have seen a few impressive XP installations (highly customized, stripped down versions of XP). The RF remote is ok, but should be considered a backup input device. The primary input device would be a touchscreen LCD. The PC itself should include WiFi, GPS, PCMCIA, & USB.
The software on the PC should include obvious features (GPS mapping, peer-to-peer WiFi for vehicle-to-vehicle networking, gaming w/ controllers, onboard engine diagnostics & logging). Other accessories for such a device would include auto-tracking satellite TV w/ Tivo, broadband internet via cellular providers (check out verizon's cellular broadband for an example), and the ability to add new hardware/software for upgradability.
Some of the harder solutions to implement would be integrated auto security, customized car settings (automatically adjust seats, temperatures, etc. based on drivers), and many of the features provided by Onstar (handsfree dialing, lockout assistance, etc).
The device should have the ability to be installed by any basic car audio installation shop with NO computer experience required. And it should be as inexpensive as a typical PC is today ($300 - $500).
I know this is asking a lot, but this is what my ideal car based PC would include. The CarBot is a long way from all of this, but at least they got the enclosure correct. :)
It seems a little weak for the possibilities, but for anyone interested in installing a PC in your car, I think this is the right direction. I wouldn't purchase this product, but I would consider using this style enclosure for mounting the hardware. The aluminum enclosure allows heat to dissipate faster, resulting in a cooler running PC. The enclosure can be purchased separately here.
My ideal car PC would include some of the following:
I would prefer a Linux OS instead of XP, but I have seen a few impressive XP installations (highly customized, stripped down versions of XP). The RF remote is ok, but should be considered a backup input device. The primary input device would be a touchscreen LCD. The PC itself should include WiFi, GPS, PCMCIA, & USB.
The software on the PC should include obvious features (GPS mapping, peer-to-peer WiFi for vehicle-to-vehicle networking, gaming w/ controllers, onboard engine diagnostics & logging). Other accessories for such a device would include auto-tracking satellite TV w/ Tivo, broadband internet via cellular providers (check out verizon's cellular broadband for an example), and the ability to add new hardware/software for upgradability.
Some of the harder solutions to implement would be integrated auto security, customized car settings (automatically adjust seats, temperatures, etc. based on drivers), and many of the features provided by Onstar (handsfree dialing, lockout assistance, etc).
The device should have the ability to be installed by any basic car audio installation shop with NO computer experience required. And it should be as inexpensive as a typical PC is today ($300 - $500).
I know this is asking a lot, but this is what my ideal car based PC would include. The CarBot is a long way from all of this, but at least they got the enclosure correct. :)
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