NEWS    RECALLS    COMPLAINT FORM    SCAM ALERTS   RESOURCES  
Small Claims Guide   Class Actions   Lemon Laws   FAQ   Newsletters  
Share


Complain about a product or service

Automotive    Education    Employment    Electronics    Family    Finance    Health    Homeowners    Insurance    Pets    Shopping    Travel     Print This     Email This    



NEWS   Latest |  Archives |  Auto |  Cells, etc. |  Computers |  Financial |  Health |  Homeowners |  Parents |  Privacy |  Scams |  Seniors |  Travel

Coming Soon: A PC for Your Car or Truck




Advertisement

By Joe Benton
ConsumerAffairs.com

November 2, 2006


Saab Story: Swedish Carmaker Walks Away from GM Deal
GM, Chrysler Hope Incentives Will Boost Sagging Sales
Auto Bailout Chief: GM's CEO Had To Go
Taxpayers Unlikely To Recover Full Auto Industry Investment
---
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.



Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share

Follow us on Twitter.

FREE CONSUMER NEWSLETTERS

The Daily Consumer
Afternoons M-F

Sign up now!


Consumer News & Alerts
Every Sunday

Sign up now!





CONSUMER NEWS

SAFETY RECALLS



Back to the top |

Advertisement


Custom Search
AUTOMOTIVE
• Dealers
• Manufacturers
• Service
• Extended Warranties
• Lemon Laws
• Recalls
• Tires
• Transporters

FAMILY
• Aging
• Children, Parenting
• Recalls
• Dating
• Education
• Entertainment
• Pets
• Weddings
FINANCE
• Annuities
• Banks
• Credit Cards
• Debt Collection
• Debt Counseling
• Insurance
• Investing
• Loans
• Mortgages
• Payday Loans
• Student Loans
• Tax Prep

HEALTH
• Doctors
• Drugs, Pharmacies
• Health Clubs
• Hearing Care
• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Nutrition, Diets
• Vision Care
• Weight Loss
HOUSE & HOME
• Appliances
• Cookware
• Furniture
• Home Improvements
• Lawn & Garden
• Movers
• Pools & Spas
• Realtors, Rental Agents
• Recalls
• Utilities

ELECTRONICS
• Cable TV/DBS
• Cameras
• Cell Phones
• Computers
• Home Electronics
• Internet Access
• Local Phone Service
• Long Distance
• VoIP
SHOPPING
• In-Home
• Online
• Retail Stores
• Sporting Goods
• Supermarkets
• Telemarketers

TRAVEL
• Airlines
• Bus Lines
• Car Rental
• Cruises
• Hotels
• Travel Agents
• Trains

RESOURCES
• Class Actions
• Complaint Form
• Small Claims Guide
• Lemon Laws
CONSUMER NEWS
• Latest News
• Automotive
• Telecom
• Financial
• Health
• Homeowners
• Scams
• Seniors
• Travel
• More ...

RECALLS
• Automotive
• Children's Products
• Drugs
• Food
• Household Products
• Sporting Goods

ABOUT US
• FAQ
• Privacy Policy
• Advertise With Us
• Newsroom
• Syndication
• Terms of Use

Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice.  ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof. 

Copyright © 2003-2009 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.  All Rights Reserved.    The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission.