14 DAY TRIAL // Car computers (or “carputers”, for short) are becoming more and more widespread these days and run a a variety of operating systems, the latest we've come across, the Navisurfer II, relying on Ubuntu Linux in order to deliver good-quality in-car infotainment.
So, what we're talking about here is an aftermarket 2-DIN solution (namely, one that will take quite a bit of space within one's dashboard) running on a custom version of the open-source Ubuntu Linux 10.10 operating system, granting fast and easy access to a wide variety of functions via the 7-inch digital Touch Screen display.
Naturally, since this device is designed to run quite a large number of applications (not just multimedia playback, but also web browsing, Web TV and Internet radio access provision, GPS navigation, etc.), it's built around a fairly good hardware configuration, sporting an Intel Celeron M CPU running at 1,300 Mhz, coupled with 2GB of DDR 2 memory plus a 250GB HDD for storage purposes.
Beside being connected to the vehicle's audio systems, the Navisurfer II also keeps the driver online at all times, as it comes packed with a 3G HSDPA modem, granting fast and easy access to the Internet, as long as the car's within the network range, of course.
Given its specific purpose, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the manufacturers also threw a powerful GPS receiver in the mix, that, coupled with the navigation software running on the Ubuntu OS, manage to help users reach their desired destinations safely.
The car computer also offers plenty of connectivity options (USB 2.0 and audio input/outputs jacks also included), while its battery deep discharge prevention system will switch it off automatically whenever the vehicle's battery power is below 9V.
Pricing for the Navisurfer II UBU-3G car computer has been set at 300 Euro, which is actually quite a decent sum, given the numerous advanced features this thing has in store.