Quote: Originally Posted by turbocad6
in a few years I think most carpc's will go the way of the tablet.... there are already 7 & 8" versions, but the screens on those smaller ones aren't quite there yet.....
picture the whole carpc the size of an average xenarc/lilli... docked in the dash.... with an integrated look but easily removable..... this is the future I think...
if you have the space for a 12.1" tablet, that is a great way to go....
Is it just me or haven't some of us been there for quite some time. Today is a perfect example of why I run a tablet for my carPC:
Got to work today knowing I needed to place several time critical internet purchases. But when I got into the office the network was down. I just went back to the car, removed the tablet, bluetoothed to my PPC and kept right on working. Sure I could have done it from the car but all my documents, files, work phone line, etc were in the office.
Sure I've had to mod my screen several times to increase the daylight viewability (and it still sucks when I drop the top on my convertable), but I'm comfortable with it. One carputer-three cars: works the exact same in all. Taking the kids to the park: I can surf the net while they play on the swings right next to me. Roadtripping to Louisiana I took the tablet into the house and setup a videoconference for several relatives that couldn't attend a family function. and the list goes on and on.
I look at the tablet the same way I feel about my PocketPC phone - why have four or five separate devices (PC, cell phone, camera, daytimer, MP3 player, video camera, voice recorder, pager, etc) when one device will do it all ANYWHERE.
Unfortunately, the tablet PC makers would rather listen to Bill Gates than the customers. I've been involved in a movement for the last four years to get the tablet PC makers to at least develop a decent multimedia (REAL) touchscreen tablet with multiple input options, 5.1 sound, and a decent mobile dock. One or two have tried and failed miserably, but the pressure is building - look at the resurgence of true touchscreen tablets or the new active/passive touch panels coming out this year. I think the growing acceptance of mouse gestures will also help the cause, we just want to get back to the 9 year old I/O standard using the latest processors and LCDs.