A 3G-capable, Linux powered computerin your cars dashboard?

When I got my latest car, the first thing that I did was start thinking about ways that I could geek it up a bit. While the main options that Ive seen surround using a small form-factor computer installed with a touch screen in place of your radio, this just didnt seem like the right answer for me.

I might have found the right answer in the Navisurfer II. It is a full-blown Linux-based computer, with touchscreen monitor and 3G HSDPA modem all built in. Oh, and as the name implies, it also has a built-in GPSreceiverwith the Navit navigation system.

If youre familiar at all with car audio, youll know that the form factor of this thing is a double DIN. That means that youll need a pretty sizable dash opening in order for it to work. If you dont have one, dont fear. The folks from VIC, Ltd (the manufacturer of the Navisurfer II) tell me that theyre working on a single-DIN solution as well.

The Navisurfer is running a modified version of Ubuntu Linux, and includes a host of input/output options:

3 x USB 2.0
2 x PS2
1 x Mic-in
1 x Line-in
1 x Line-out
1 x Serial Port
2 x DC 12V input
2 x AV-in (Monitor only)
1 x Rear View Camera auto switch

Were going to get our hands onto one and let you get an in-depth review. For now, its one of the most complete single-unit options that weve ever seen. Being that it is HSDPA-based, that means it will work with AT&T in the US. Were told that an upgrade to a 4G-capable modem is an easy change and we are looking forward to seeing one in action.

The res a certain level of geek that some people should just never reach. For the rest of us, theres an in-dash Linux computer. For less than 300, its a really impressive option.


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