Intel executives at CeBIT have been showing off some snazzy kit for cars — onboard PCs. A suitably modded car is pictured below.
The as yet unnamed computer, pictured below, which is made by EEPD and uses an Intel Pentium M chip, can give drivers access to the Internet via 3G, Wi-Fi or 3GSM.
Drivers can check email using voice recognition, surf the Web, put on a DVD for the passengers in the back, or even watch a second DVD when stationary. The computer also works as a route finder.
The computer, which was deployed in a modified BMW Mini, is designed to fit the radio slot in dashboards and can also play MP3s to compensate for the lack of a dedicated sound system.
The chipmaker also showed off a touch-screen "stick-on-the-dashboard" portable PC, the Sony VAIO U-70, that is smaller than a typical laptop but bigger than a PDA, and is pictured below. Intel said that the U-70 was designed for the business driver to synchronise the machine with other PCs for calendar details, directions and other voice activated information.
Earlier this year, unconfirmed reports suggested that viruses had started to attack onboard computers, but Intel denied that viruses could affect driving system computers.
"The computer system is totally separate from the cars electrics, ABS airbag and motor," said Hans-Jurgen Werner, business press spokesman for Intel Germany.
For a look at the fun side of CeBIT, check out our CeBIT Digital Living special. Or visit ZDNet UK's CeBIT Toolkit for more enterprise technology stories and pictures from the show floor.
Talkback
This just screams eligability, an excellent choice of car and manufacturer. The Mini is renowned for its class less appeal, has sold very well and is cheap enough for most people to afford.
All this plus its made by BMW, the digital age really is comming and stuff like this needs to be available for the normal cars.
I can see me walking away from my car with my mobile and it locking, only opening when I pass my thumb over the keypad - and the car tooting if I left my mobile inside it.
This is really great stuff!!!