The personal computer has finally gone to driving school.
Three decades after they began appearing on desktops, PCs are about to start showing up in vehicles. They will let people check e-mail, avoid traffic jams or make restaurant reservations via the Web while on the job or at play.
The idea could prove especially popular among younger drivers. A September survey found that 14% of prospective buyers under 30 want in-car e-mail and Web access, more than double the number who said they wanted it in 2004, says CNW Marketing Research.
"We're going to see a lot of explosive changes," predicts Robert Wray, CEO of StreetDeck, a maker of mobile commuting software. Some of the technology will be showcased at a trade show opening today in Las Vegas.
Automotive PCs will connect through regular cellular phone signals. But makers expect the in-car systems to eventually move to Wi-Max — high-powered Wi-Fi that blankets broadband access across cities — over the next few years.
Putting PCs on wheels are:
• Ford Motor. F-Series pickups can now be equipped with FordLink, which went on sale last month, as a $2,999 option. The PC is aimed at contractors who want to order building materials or send e-mail from the cab.
A rugged PC fits into a cradle in front of the dash. The PC, which runs Microsoft's XP software, can play Internet radio and MP3 music files.
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