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In fact, the next generation of automotive technology may employ automatic steering and braking systems that relieve drivers of much of the responsibility for, well, driving. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/09/ces.cars.computers/index.html)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/car_computer.jpgCNN – Jan. 9, 2009

But please don't while driving surf Beating the EPA - The Why’s and How to Hypermile (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1510) ;) -- Ed.

Cell phones and TVs converging with the Internet? That's so 2008. The next big tech trend may be the marriage of computer technology to your car or truck.

This month, Hyundai is launching a system that warns motorists when they drift out of the lane they're traveling in. Another manufacturer has developed pedestrian-detection software that works with heat-seeking cameras to alert drivers when someone is in their path.

In March, Ford will release a fully functional, dashboard computer -- complete with keyboard -- geared to contractors and other business folks who want to access the Web, review documents and log inventory while on the go. In the spring, AT&T will launch an in-car entertainment service with 22 satellite TV channels.... http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/09/ces.cars.computers/index.html

As if current drivers aren't distracted enough.

In March, Ford will release a fully functional, dashboard computer -- complete with keyboard -- geared to contractors and other business folks who want to access the Web, review documents and log inventory while on the go. In the spring, AT&T will launch an in-car entertainment service with 22 satellite TV channels.... http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/09/ces.cars.computers/index.html

As long as it's only accessible when the vehicle is in PARK.

This month, Hyundai is launching a system that warns motorists when they drift out of the lane they're traveling in. Another manufacturer has developed pedestrian-detection software that works with heat-seeking cameras to alert drivers when someone is in their path.

I already have this. Its called the Mk. I eyeball and was a freebie from my OEM. :p

I already have this. Its called the Mk. I eyeball and was a freebie from my OEM. :p

Sounds like the cruise control I have always had. I've used it in every vehicle I have ever driven and it has always worked (except for one trip where it cramped up after 23 hours of straight driving).

Everyone who wants to save gas, raise your right foot!

Everyone who wants to save gas, raise your right foot!

hahah!

however, Matt and Nevyn are both right, I'm sure someone will be able to hack into making it work while the car is driving. Some passenger is going to complain and yadda yadda. What happened to the laptop?

I manage the PC/Laptop hardware repair for a large corporation. It is astounding what people do with the laptops on the road.
Most common is Velcro it to the dash. Talk about distraction, how about a laptop blocking much of the windshield.
Next common thing is to try securing it to the center consol or passenger seat. That is even worse as now the driver is spending much of his time looking down at the seat and not out any window.

If you check the police cars they are mounding the laptops on a stand so it sits no higher than the dash. That position or in the dash is going to be the best.

I think if it is treated just like in car Video players it’s a good idea to have computers in the car. People want computers in the car, if manufactures don’t put something in with safety in mind (like video players) people will just install computers by them self in totally unsafe fashions.

Example of using a computer in the car:
On my resent vacation I hooked the laptop to my cell phone so the kids in the back seat could check reviews and pricing of possible hotels ahead of us on the road. It worked great, we always had a good room and at a good value.
I found it better to have the kids in the back do the computing, it was too distracting if my wife was trying to it in the front.

I found it better to have the kids in the back do the computing, it was too distracting if my wife was trying to it in the front.


Because your kids are more tech-savvy than your wife?:p:D

Driver: " Oooh market street, this is my exit"
GPS in car:" Continue straight"
Driver: " No this is my exit!"
Computer voice:" What do you think you are doing dave, the GPS says to go straight"
Driver:" But i want market street!"
Computer:" No, you want what we tell you to want"
Driver:" NOOO !!!!!"
Computer :" Resistance is futile"

Ok ok ok i covered 1 to many SciFi referance there - My bad.
Anyone for a game of Tic-Tac-Toe??

Steve

^ You forgot the best one... (Points to anyone who actually SAW this movie.)

(Yes, I've seen it.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7Rq-PEW5qM

SWEEEET.
i better add that to Net Flix...

steve