The double DIN system - this has a 7-inch LCD screen filling up the entire
head-unit space. Hidden behind the screen is the computer. Full-bodied
carputers run on Windows XP and can do just about anything your desktop PC can
do.
USB ports enable connectivity to peripherals while standard video-in ports let
you connect a rear-view camera and even a handheld video game console to the
screen.
The eyes and ears
Don't just listen to those sensors, take a good look to see what exactly is
behind your car by adding on a rear-view camera.
Engage your reverse gear, and you get to see on your screen what's going on
behind your car. Great for checking out the chick in the Porsche behind - and
without her knowing it, too.
The wings
The Wi-Fi router and GPS receiver - just like at home, you want to be able to
check your e-mail and download stuff from the Net. Place a 3G router with a 3G
SIM card at the back of the car, and connect an Ethernet cable from the router
to the computer at the front, through the side panels of the car.
Connect a GPS receiver to your computer and place it next to the router.
The arms and legs
Your carputer comes with one or two USB ports. That is inadequate if you want
to add lots of peripherals.
So, attach a USB hub and get the auto shop to pull out the USB cables for you.
Then, you can easily plug in a portable USB drive or hard disk to copy over
your songs and movies. Or throw in a wireless receiver to enable your wireless
keyboard.
