Taiwanese components maker VIA Technologies has teamed up with California-based in-car specialist Mini-box to come up with a $300 automotive PC.
Called the VoomPC, the unit fits in a variety of vehicles – not just Va-Va-Voom-equipped Renault hatchbacks.
Despite the terrible name, the VoomPC looks like a nice piece of kit.
It is based on VIA’s C3 processor and uses a Mini-box 12-volt power supply unit that is able to protect the PC from power surges and also monitors power usage to prevent flat batteries when the car is parked. Apparently the PC draws only 30 watts while running –not including the necessary monitor.
The Voom also helpfully switches off the car’s audio amplifier while it boots up, preventing deafening bass thumps as the two systems interconnect.
The x86-compatible C3 means the Voom can run Windows or Linux, while connectivity options include USB 2.0, FireWire, Ethernet, S-Video, VGA and six-channel audio. CardBus slots provide for expansion and the addition of wireless LAN or GPRS telephony adapters.
Sadly the $300 (£170) price tag will be history by the time you’ve imported one into the country. Mini-box will ask UK buyers to pay for UPS Worlwide Express shipping and of course HM Customs & Excise will also want a word.
30 September 2005
Neat PC has va-va-Voom
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A car amplifier will give you a loud and clear sound on a consistent basis. It will boost the power flowing from the
receiver to the speakers. In doing so, it will reduce the stress put on all the other components of your car stereo
system, including the receiver.
Choosing the right car amplifier is important. Your decision should be based on five important features. Make sure you
address them all !
The first item on the agenda is the number of channels. This will depend on the number of speakers in your system.
Two-channel amplifiers will feed well two speakers or a single subwoofer. You will want to consider a four-channel
amplifier if you have any of the following combinations :
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