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Coming Soon: A PC for Your Car or Truck

By Joe Benton
ConsumerAffairs.com

November 2, 2006

• GMAC Changing Name to Ally Bank • New Car Sales Show Improvement From May • April Dismal For U.S. And Foreign Carmakers • Chrysler Files for Bankruptcy, GMAC Takes Over Financing • Auto Sales Stagnant, But Hope Appears • What Would a Chrysler Bankruptcy Mean For You? • U.S. Carmakers Getting More Federal Aid • GM Cuts More Jobs, Eyes China • New Car Sales Plunge in February • Car Buyers Seeking Higher Fuel Economy • Video: Do Women Really Hate Car Shopping? • GM Plans New Minicar, Electric Cadillac • GMAC Becomes a Bank • White House to Loan Carmakers $17.4 Billion • Chrysler Closing Car Plants for 30 Days • What Would a Washington-Designed Car Industry Look Like? • States Want Stronger Used Car Rule • Industry Troubles Cloud LA Car Show • Carmakers Get Neither Love Nor Money From Congress • Taxpayers Headed For Automotive Bailout • Time May Be Running Short for U.S. Carmakers • Feds Move Closer to Carmaker Bailout • New-Vehicle Buyers Turn to the Web in Record Numbers --- • More about Auto Sales ...

The personal computer is joining the ranks of coffee, make up, newspapers, muffins and cell phones as daily distractions for drivers and people trying to stay out of their way.

The personal computer is about to show up on the dashboard of new cars and trucks allowing people to check email, avoid traffic jams or make restaurant reservations via the Web while headed to work or anyplace else.

Automakers expect computer hook-ups will prove especially popular among younger drivers. Automotive PCs will connect through regular cell phone signals but could move on to high-powered wireless systems over the next few years.

Ford Motor Corp. offers a computer in F-Series pickups and has branded the systems as FordLink. The computer system is a $2,999 option and is aimed at contractors who want to order building materials or send e-mail from the cab.

The computer fits into a cradle in front of the dash and runs Microsoft's XP software. FordLink can play Internet radio and MP3 music files as well.

Microsoft plans to offer consumers a choice of two PCs next year to install in their vehicle. One is a small portable computer which can be carried around outside of the vehicle and temporarily placed into the dash where the stereo is located.

The second system is larger and installed on a more permanent basis in the dash. The cost for either system will probably be between $2,000 and $3,000.

The computer systems will not allow drivers to view e-mail unless the vehicle is stopped but that is likely to change as voice-command systems becomes more widespread.

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