Intel Corp seems to have taken the meaning of mobile computing literally and coinciding with the announcement of Microsoft Corp’s AutoPC (CI No 3,323), has taken the wraps off of a personal computer for the car. The Connected Car PC, as it has been imaginatively called, will enable drivers to access email, entertainment functions and other information sources. The PC will reside where the radio unit is currently in cars, and will incorporate a smallish monitor. Passengers traveling in the car will also be able to link up to the computer via a monitor in the back of the car, described as being similar to the television screens installed for the inflight entertainment systems on Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd airplanes. The PC will see the dashboard of the car talking to the driver, giving navigational advice, headlines, stock quotes, traffic reports and email access. The computer will be voice activated, capable of reading email messages to the driver. The device will be powered by Pentium and Pentium II chips with MMX technology, the multimedia Accelerated Graphics Port and a Universal Serial Bus connection. Multimedia information passing within the device will be enhanced by a 32K on-chip cache, reducing the number of times off-chip cache is accessed. Intel is currently talking to car manufacturers, which will install the computers in new cars prior to sale. The company anticipates the machines will be in cars some point next year, but is emphasizing the system will be targeted not only at high end cars, but mid-range as well, looking to sell the products to business persons and the average member of the public who spends time in the car. The PC is anticipated to retail between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on its capabilities and features.
