Reality: not yet, but maybe soon
There is currently no way to do this with the AutoPC. A company by the name of Vetronix is nearing their ship date for such a product that will plug into the AutoPC and the vehicle's engine computer via the diagnostic connector. They also expect to introduce an array of software to work with their interface box.

Vision: digital dashboard
Through the vehicle diagnostic link and the GPS, using a larger screen or heads up display like those used on fighter planes, the AutoPC could enhance or replace much of the instrumentation in my vehicle. The information could be displayed in the format I want and even have intelligence applied. Urgent information--like fuel level, engine temperature, or even alerting the responsible driver that he or she may be exceeding the speed limit--could all be displayed clearly.

Reality: doable!
Once Vetronix ships their product, this will be doable. However, the limited screen size of the AutoPC should cause developers of such software to look at using auditory-based indicators instead of conventional visual indicators.

Vision: alarm system
With GPS, a computer, interface to vehicle's on-board computer and a wireless phone interface, the AutoPC would have the makings for an excellent vehicle alarm system. Not only could it sound a blaring alarm through the speakers in the car or an auxiliary external horn, it could also call for help, disable the engine, and even report its exact location. Like some other modern car stereos, the AutoPC itself could disable itself if it were removed so that no amount of tampering could restore the device without a password.

Reality: alarming
Nobody has done anything with this yet. Clarion had originally announced that they would have an Ungo alarm that interfaced to the AutoPC but that has yet to become available. A hardware vendor needs to provide an interface box between the AutoPC and the vehicle wiring harness. Alternatively, the Vetronix interface might be able to be used.

Vision: Internet radio
With a full time wireless Internet connection, the AutoPC could become the ultimate Internet radio. With RealAudio and Windows Media being effective standards for streaming audio on the Internet, having a specialized radio tuner application that handles RealAudio or Windows Media sources would open the AutoPC to the entire world with regard to the ability to receive broadcasts.

Reality: radio blues
Nothing is being done here. There is a huge opportunity here for someone to start a successful business. [Of course, there are also some wireless constraints still in the way. There are not yet universal "all you can eat" wireless ISP services, so if you're listening to our friends at TTALK.COM for an hour on the way to work, your per-minute wireless charges could be huge. -- DG]

Vision: text reader
Using Text to Speech, the AutoPC should be able to read back to you any source material that you have access to in text format. Imagine downloading text from the daily newspaper of your choice and having it read to you as you drive to work. Sources such as email, web pages, online or CD-ROM based libraries are all excellent candidates for such a text reading tool.