Dashboard Devices to debut ENV line of in-car computers at CES

While we can't quite decide whether the carputer is a dying breed or simply a niche that never really took off, Dashboard Devices is hoping to revive it either way come January. The outfit will reportedly debut its ENV (Entertainment and Navigation for Vehicles) line as a two-part system. First comes the ENV-XC, which houses the main processor, graphics unit and other basic functionality; said brain can be paired with a choice of head units, including the double-DIN ENV-100 or the single-DIN ENV-50. Word has it that the double-DIN package will ring up at a staggeringly high $2,700, but we're also hearing that it'll offer "true dual zone" control, meaning that your robustious youngsters can have their own set of preferences in the rear while the grown-ups keep things comfortable up front. It'll also pack a WiFi module, voice activated functions, navigation, DVD playback, a 160GB hard drive, iPod compatibility, satellite radio support, Windows XP, a 7-inch touchscreen and optional WWAN. We'll be keeping an eye out for this one at CES -- but for $2,700, we're totally not going to be satisfied without a bona fide autopilot system.

[Via Yahoo! Tech]

[htd @ Dec 25th 2008 8:49PM]

I remember those dash carputers are far not as expensive...

[STINK @ Dec 25th 2008 10:04PM]

They sell the damn thing for $2700 and wonder why the carputer market hasn't taken off...

[npChaos @ Dec 25th 2008 10:31PM]

It's got autopilot!

The price automatically steers me away from buying it.

[Mr_Armageddon @ Dec 26th 2008 1:42PM]

The Azentek Car PC won Best In Show at CES in 2008 for Car Tech, but you still can't buy one.
http://www.azentekonline.com/cms/content/view/69/2/

I wish these things would come to the market faster. I am looking into buying a new car, an want to buy a Car PC and have is professionally installed. The Azentek Atlas CPC-1000 looks amazing, and the models listed above from Dashboard Devices would be great if you could actually buy one.

[drewdoog @ Dec 27th 2008 2:24AM]

I dont get why anyone would pay this price for what you get.
go buy a desktop with bluray and stick it in the trunk
go buy two of the 7" touchscreen usb monitors, mount one in the back and one up front
bam.. welcome to your carputer for under $500

[deusdiabolus @ Dec 28th 2008 5:25PM]

Great, something else to keep the driver's attention away from the road ahead! Go, Team Motorcrash!