Ford vehicles to get dashboard PC with mobile broadband

**Bluehoon** · 07-04-2009, 06:49 AM

I want this!!!!! Seriously, when will the FG get it?

Ford products are definitely showing some innovation.

Quote:

Ford is to introduce what it claims to be "the world’s first broadband-capable in-dash computer system," to selected US models.
As part of the Ford Work Solutions package, drivers of Ford F-150, Super Duty, E-Series and Transit Connect trucks will have internet access through US operator Sprint Nextel's mobile broadband service, with computer hardware from Italian-based automotive systems vendor Magneti Marelli, running under the Microsoft Auto operating system.

The Opera Mini browser is being pre-loaded onto the system, with LogMeIn Pro also being offered with the system giving drivers the ability to access Windows desktops and servers remotely.

Opera's Americas senior vice president Rod Hamlin said: "This solution will allow Ford truck and van owners to maintain a virtual work environment with access to all of the important files, information and applications they need."

Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer sits in space normally occupied by the standard radio. It has a 6.5-inch touch screen, 4GB of memory, a secure digital (SD) slot, a USB port and a wireless keyboard and mouse. An onboard Ford-certified, Bluetooth battery-powered HP Officejet H470wbt mobile inkjet printer is also available.

Other options are a DeWalt RFID kit for tagging tools and valuables, Garmin satellite navigation, and the Microlise vehicle fleet management application installed as part of Ford's in-vehicle telematics package.

Pricing for the system is currently US$1,195.

http://www.itnews.com.au/News/100426...broadband.aspx

irlewy86 · 07-04-2009, 07:08 AM

On road reps would love that stuff, I know I would.

**ebxr8240** · 07-04-2009, 07:09 AM

Ohh great now we can post on F/F while "out in the field" .. Lol...

Allen · 07-04-2009, 09:06 AM

Microsoft Auto Operating System hey??

I can just see it now... Hop in your car, put in your username and password, turn the key, only to get the "General Car Fault - Please contact your administrator and/or mechanic"

Or driving down the road, and all of a sudden you get the blue windscreen of death :P

Seriously though, it sounds good... Although Carputer enthuisiusts have had this kind of stuff for years, and in most cases wouldn't have to spend US $1,200 to get what the basic system comes with.

4Vman · 07-04-2009, 09:13 AM

Great.. more distractions for drivers....

Daymoe · 07-04-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen

Microsoft Auto Operating System hey??

I can just see it now... Hop in your car, put in your username and password, turn the key, only to get the "General Car Fault - Please contact your administrator and/or mechanic"

Or driving down the road, and all of a sudden you get the blue windscreen of death :P

Seriously though, it sounds good... Although Carputer enthuisiusts have had this kind of stuff for years, and in most cases wouldn't have to spend US $1,200 to get what the basic system comes with.

It blue screen of death's on you and you lose power steering, brakes and the accelerator sets itself to 100% lol.

This won't take off in Australia, especially with the price and coverage of mobile broadband here. I can't see them releasing this here any time soon. But the VPN client is pretty cool, its probably Hamachi pro, we use that to set up LAN games of pirated games over the internet

Tuddy200 · 07-04-2009, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen

Seriously though, it sounds good... Although Carputer enthuisiusts have had this kind of stuff for years, and in most cases wouldn't have to spend US $1,200 to get what the basic system comes with.

You are right, and for that money we get alot more.

Centrafuse with GPS Software AUS Maps is about $500AUD.

- Music
- Radio
- Wi-Fi
- DVDs/Movies
- GPS
- OBDII
- Next G Wireless Internet give you Internet/Emails/ which you can then VPN to your corporate network and it's an office away from the office.

The one thing I think Ford could do it better then those that do it aftermarket is the seemless intergration. It's a pain in the butt to get it working on an ICC with the resolution. Not impossible but if it came from Factory, be a real winner among fleets.

**Bluehoon** · 07-04-2009, 10:24 AM

Granted there needs to be some governance over the features whilst the vehicel is in motion. I would much prefer Linux as an O/S.

That aside I can't belive why people are sitting here bagging initiative, either shut up or put up!
Better yet, get off your ***** and take some iniative and work with ford on something better.

This about product innovation and emerging technologies net seen in the market. Not a bashing thread because a few key board jockey tight *$*&^% think a home brew is the dux guts.

there are many who can benefit from this technology and its features myself included. There are also many who are prepared to pay the 1.2k for the feature and warranties / support. Althought if beating your chest over a .5% saving on 40k is your thing, then that's your thing.

If you intend to bag something, then get the &&&& out of my thread!

Road_Warrior · 07-04-2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluehoon

Not a bashing thread because a few key board jockey tight *$*&^% think a home brew is the dux guts.

aah Christ now I've gone and ruptured something important

csv8 · 07-04-2009, 05:19 PM

Great to see FORD taking initiative in these economic times.

Grechie · 07-04-2009, 05:39 PM

Sounds like a good invention thats for sure.

CADSKY · 07-04-2009, 07:11 PM

it sounds good, but really, just imagine the kind of trouble people will have from viruses. you just know some idiot is going to target it. ford will need computer techs working for them next.

csv8 · 07-04-2009, 07:29 PM

THATS a scary thought !!!

Windsor220 · 07-04-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

As part of the Ford Work Solutions package, drivers of Ford F-150, Super Duty, E-Series and Transit Connect trucks will have internet access

So once your head gasket goes, the rest of the world can feel your pain.

asusdragon · 07-04-2009, 09:38 PM

sounds like a good idea till you get BSOD, and have to close all windows and door, shut down car then restart agian taking upto 5minutes coz of all the porn you have stored, and your sitting at the lights lol

Falc'man · 07-04-2009, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluehoon

Granted there needs to be some governance over the features whilst the vehicel is in motion. I would much prefer Linux as an O/S.

That aside I can't belive why people are sitting here bagging initiative, either shut up or put up!
Better yet, get off your ***** and take some iniative and work with ford on something better.

This about product innovation and emerging technologies net seen in the market. Not a bashing thread because a few key board jockey tight *$*&^% think a home brew is the dux guts.

there are many who can benefit from this technology and its features myself included. There are also many who are prepared to pay the 1.2k for the feature and warranties / support. Althought if beating your chest over a .5% saving on 40k is your thing, then that's your thing.

If you intend to bag something, then get the &&&& out of my thread!

Cracker.

I agree it's definitely worth it for those who need it, and there are plenty who do. I'm guessing it'll take off.

vanman_75 · 07-04-2009, 10:21 PM

cool save packing the laptop in the car when im going up the beach or camping ,bring it on .

Nikked · 07-04-2009, 10:30 PM

imagine when aftermarket tuners get hold of it....

jaimex2 · 07-04-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

imagine when aftermarket tuners get hold of it....

That would rock, have heads up display and advanced guages. I very much doubt the PC will integrate to the cars systems but if it does theres alot of potential, a USB plug for the cars interface might be developed though.

On that note it would be easy to setup google maps as a GPS navigator, complete with traffic reports and a POI sharing comunitys ( like mobile speed cams )

and yes, alot of distration for drivers. You think talking on the phone is bad, now people are going to be instant messenging while driving, though i hope they use their senses and use VOIP.

Oh and as for you Linux junkies, remember it gets released on everything. My Gamecube,DS and Wii even has a copy of Linux on them.

magoo66 · 08-04-2009, 12:56 PM

Great, now we can surf the web looking for porn and drive at the same time!!! But hey, if you have one hand on the dash and no hands on the steering wheel, where is the other hand?

Tuddy200 · 08-04-2009, 04:12 PM

On your gear stick?

b2tf · 08-04-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluehoon

Not a bashing thread because a few key board jockey tight *$*&^% think a home brew is the dux guts.

If you intend to bag something, then get the &&&& out of my thread!

Next burst like this gets you a warning.

ChemicalHorizon · 08-04-2009, 10:00 PM

from everything iv heard / read the msoft auto platform is decent...

TURBOTAXI · 08-04-2009, 10:08 PM

I already have that with iphone 3g.....

asusdragon · 09-04-2009, 10:59 PM

This would be pretty good for me i on the road quite a bit and i keep in contact with the office via my mobile, and my laptop direct to the database. This would be good as instead of having my laptop on me all the time i can use this. and know it not going to run flat as with my laptop if i use it too much lol and not recharge it when i can. only problem is when i need to use my laptop when im with clients, wonder if you could get a removal dash set up lol