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story category The Safety of Web Surfing from your Carputer
And what's holding car companies back
(old news - 01:36PM Sunday Nov 04 2007)
tags: alternatives · Oddities
Carputers are the current hot item amongst people who build their own computers. They allow the owner of a vehicle to incorporate all of the fun and useful technology they desire into their car without having to make use of a number of different gadgets to do it. The GPS system, sound system, phone calls and yes, wireless Internet, are all incorporated into one computer screen inserted into the dashboard of the car. Sounds ideal - so why aren’t car companies making this a standard option? They’re trying to; however, there is a concern for safety regulations. “It's a balancing act between what is possible, what will customers pay for, and what is safe to do in a motor vehicle” says Mike Ippoliti, an automotive technology specialist. Japan, which has fewer regulations, allows for web surfing but the United States is more stringent. The laws are fuzzy enough to allow individuals to make their own carputers but companies are toeing the line.

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Forums » The Safety of Web Surfing from your Carputer
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hopeflicker
Capitalism breeds greed
Premium
join:2003-04-03
Long Beach, CA

Im all for it

Im all for web surfing in the car but only if you are parked.
--
People pray to God because they're told to.
Austinloop

join:2001-08-19
Austin, TX

Re: Im all for it

One of the comments in a thread below this one said that the Japanese population was supposed go down. I wonder if this is what they were talking about??

Please deliver us from on line activities while driving. We can't even get talking on a cell phone down correctly.

An innovation is search of a reason!!

KA3SGM
- -... ...- -
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join:2006-01-17
West Chester, PA
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·Verizon FIOS

...But Thats Japan For You

They drive around in those mini cars telling everyone that "Wii Would like To Play".

Hopefully they already have cars that can drive themselves, because they're already playing Video Games while behind the wheel.
--
"Lithium is no longer available on credit"

robs440
Premium
join:2003-06-26
Casselberry, FL
·Bright House

Re: ...But Thats Japan For You

said by KA3SGM See Profile :

They drive around in those mini cars telling everyone that "Wii Would like To Play".

Hopefully they already have cars that can drive themselves, because they're already playing Video Games while behind the wheel.
yeah and that car is built by Mercedes....lol
battleop

join:2005-09-28
00000
I use my PPC 6800 to stream web radio. It would be nice to have a head unit that had web access for web radio.

BTW I do start the stream before I start moving.

Nerdtalker
Working Hard, Or Hardly Working?
Premium,MVM
join:2003-02-18
Tucson, AZ
clubs:
·Comcast

Re: Im all for it

said by battleop See Profile :

I use my PPC 6800 to stream web radio. It would be nice to have a head unit that had web access for web radio.
Dude, much love, I do the same thing with mine, as well (although I call mine HTC Mogul, but it's the PPC 6800 ).

I don't think there's anything wrong with internet use while driving, I mean, it's the only way to guarantee you have the latest map data (via either Live search or Google mobile) + GPS, and it's a great way to find stuff (while safely pulled over) on restaurants, locations, activities, e.t.c. I use my Smartphone every day to go online, that includes occasionally reading what just found its way into my inbox while at a stop sign. What I do hate are texters; now, THAT is a dangerous activity.

Biggest thing here is to simply know your limits. If you know you can't multitask drive for crap, don't endanger everyone around you, and put down the phone. I've seen some particularly bad multitaskers.
--
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I'm testing Gmail's spam filters: Broadbandreports1@gmail.com
Spam: 12900+ messages currently using 406 MB.
AquaBlaze
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Encino, CA

said by hopeflicker See Profile :

Im all for web surfing in the car but only if you are parked.
Most factory built-in GPS/interactive systems are like this. While in motion, the most my Toyota will let anyone do is change audio settings/media or use pre-programed "quickset" functions.

And I'm all for this. Sure, it's annoying that my passenger can't look up information while the car's in motion, but I see that as a simpler solution to keeping John Q. Public from fiddling too much with the onboard computer while driving. I'd put road safety ahead of my convenience needs anyday.
Ahrenl

join:2004-10-26
North Andover, MA
·Verizon FIOS

Re: Im all for it

Most new vehicles have sensors in the passenger seats to auto-engage the passenger side airbag anyway. (and disengage if a child is sitting there) So allowing functionality if you have a passenger wouldn't be too difficult, and I think drivers would rather have a passenger do the surfing.
AquaBlaze
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Encino, CA

Re: Im all for it

said by Ahrenl See Profile :

Most new vehicles have sensors in the passenger seats to auto-engage the passenger side airbag anyway. (and disengage if a child is sitting there) So allowing functionality if you have a passenger wouldn't be too difficult, and I think drivers would rather have a passenger do the surfing.
True...but then, how would you guarantee that the passenger was doing all the input and not a dee-dee-dee driver?

Keep in mind, in today's America, if a product allows you to be stupid, and you exercise that choice to do so...it's the manufacturer's fault.
Ahrenl

join:2004-10-26
North Andover, MA

Re: Im all for it

Not if there's a warning and reasonableness.

A P CC
Premium
join:2003-07-26
..
·AT&T Southwest


edit:
November 4th, @02:11PM

WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

as we have all heard & see almost on a daily basis,when driving,for pleasure or business, its a full time job, The drivers mind MUST stay on driving,
=====================================
HOW many young drivers have been involved in accident,they or their friends injured or killed,because the driver was trying to text a message while driving.

Remember when car companies thought it would be a good idea to place a tv in the front panel of a car.

look at how many accidents their are because someone was talking on cell phone,while driving.

No think the gov't (city,state,fed'l) will put the brakes on this idea real fast,if a car maker tries to add (this optional) equipment to a car.

The GPS system, sound system, phone calls and yes, wireless Internet, are all incorporated into one computer screen inserted into the dashboard of the car. Sounds ideal - so why aren’t car companies making this a standard option? They’re trying to; however, there is a concern for safety regulations

--
Some absorb information & learn, For some.information only goes in one ear & out the other.

removed
I performed my own circumcision
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join:2002-02-08
Houston, TX
clubs:

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

I text message while driving all the time -- no accidents yet. This sounds to me like a lot of the usual "government nanny" nonsense. As a matter of fact, I'm making this post via my Smartphone while driving down I-45. See you guys at the beach!
--
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A P CC
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·AT&T Southwest


edit:
November 5th, @05:59AM

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

a perfect example (of pure ?) at its finest just what I and other safe drivers were commenting on

»www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9G94hp-H_0

removed
I performed my own circumcision
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join:2002-02-08
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Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

said by A P CC See Profile :

a perfect example of ? just what I and other safe drivers were commenting on
I thought you didn't drive?

Anyway, I believe my texting and driving is very safe. I haven't had accidents or close calls yet, so I don't see what the big deal is, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

Matt
Running Free
Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
·North State Commun..
·Corporate Colocation

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

said by removed See Profile :

said by A P CC See Profile :

a perfect example of ? just what I and other safe drivers were commenting on
I thought you didn't drive?

Anyway, I believe my texting and driving is very safe. I haven't had accidents or close calls yet, so I don't see what the big deal is, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.
I drink and drive all the time. Hey, I haven't had an accident or killed anyone yet ... must be safe. Idiot.
--
Pretty Fly for a White Guy™

yeahian777

@charter.com

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

I'd speculate drinking and driving is a safer activity than texting and driving.
Ahrenl

join:2004-10-26
North Andover, MA

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

Actually, I think they proved it was about the same on a Mythbusters episode. Regardless they were both really dangerous, and the better test drivers were marginally better drunk than texting.
AquaBlaze
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Encino, CA

said by removed See Profile :

Anyway, I believe my texting and driving is very safe. I haven't had accidents or close calls yet, so I don't see what the big deal is, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.
I haven't lost at Russian Roulette yet. Guess that means it's totally safe.

...and yeah, you'll stop. Either by common sense, or by inevitably hitting other people/property while engaged in the practice. Plus, I'm sure texting while driving qualifies as "at fault" in an accident, regardless of your surroundings. Its equally as reckless as DUI or driving double the speed limit.

removed
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Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

said by AquaBlaze See Profile :

Its equally as reckless as DUI or driving double the speed limit.
Come to think of it, I regularly drive double the speed limit while sending text messages. Double the fun!
Goldman

join:2002-06-21
Maumelle, AR

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

I drove for a living earlier in my life and I've seen a lot off terrible accidents that could have been avoided if the driver had not been distracted. Hopefully you'll grow up and change your attitude before it happens to you.

A P CC
Premium
join:2003-07-26
..
·AT&T Southwest

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

said by Goldman See Profile :

I drove for a living earlier in my life and I've seen a lot off terrible accidents that could have been avoided if the driver had not been distracted. Hopefully you'll grow up and change your attitude before it happens to you.
not so much "happen to him" as to happen to the other innocent drivers,(ie mothers with children in a car) on the road.
--
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AquaBlaze
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Encino, CA

said by removed See Profile :

said by AquaBlaze See Profile :

Its equally as reckless as DUI or driving double the speed limit.
Come to think of it, I regularly drive double the speed limit while sending text messages. Double the fun!
And double the insurance payments when you wreck. Again, doesn't really matter if you have right-of-way, if you're driving recklessly, you then become eligible for at-fault blame for an accident.

MarkyD
Premium
join:2002-08-20
Oklahoma City, OK
clubs:
why stop at texting? I'm driving down I-40 right now....fap fap fap
--
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sporkme
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join:2000-07-01
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said by removed See Profile :

I text message while driving all the time -- no accidents yet.
Thanks for endangering your fellow citizens on the road. You rule. Your txts are very important, and if someone has to die so you can LOL WTFBBQ to your buddies, tough shit for them, eh?

People with your "I'll do what I want!" (use the cartman voice when you say that), ARE the reason for the "nanny government" as you call it. Adults shouldn't need nannies, but it's always the few not-so-bright or just plain selfish that bring on the nannying.

Christ, I don't even talk on the cell when I'm driving, what could really be so important that you can't wait until you're at your destination?

A P CC
Premium
join:2003-07-26
..
·AT&T Southwest


edit:
November 4th, @03:52PM

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

said by sporkme See Profile :

said by removed See Profile :

I text message while driving all the time -- no accidents yet.
Thanks for endangering your fellow citizens on the road. You rule. Your txts are very important, and if someone has to die so you can LOL WTFBBQ to your buddies, tough shit for them, eh?
Sporkme well said,and you hear the conversation when this particular driver is asked how did the accident happen,

""oh i was texting or talking on the phone,and this dam semi, car or van pulled out in front of me,""

I was almost hit,pedestrian because some dam fool was talking on his cell phone,& ran a red light wanting to make a left turn,.
so everyone make sure your carrying a pen with you, because if the fool was talking or texting on a phone at the time of the accident,
it's doubtful they are going to wait around for a police officer to show up,(ie least you can get his tag #)
--
Some absorb information & learn, For some.information only goes in one ear & out the other.

Mike
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join:2000-09-17
Pittsburgh, PA
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I wish I could link the boondocks cartoon about how stupid text messaging in general is.
maxpower

join:2006-10-09
Providence, RI

It's already illegal to drive and talk on a cell phone (without a headset) in some states such as CT.

Why do they still let certain elderly or otherwise impaired people drive. It's the same thing. Just because you got your license 80 years ago doesn't mean it is still safe to have you on the road.
AquaBlaze
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Encino, CA

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

said by maxpower See Profile :

Why do they still let certain elderly or otherwise impaired people drive. It's the same thing. Just because you got your license 80 years ago doesn't mean it is still safe to have you on the road.
Most (if not all) states have stipulations that kick in during the "golden year" range. Usually, elderly drivers need to additionally check in every X numbers of years for a drivers test, just to see if they're good to go.

Just because you're old or disabled doesn't necessarily make you a dangerous driver. The sheer act of texting takes your focus of attention off the road, and anyone driving blind is a hazard to everyone on the road.

Mike
Premium,Mod
join:2000-09-17
Pittsburgh, PA
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Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

Should have to retake the written test every 10 years.

That'll cut down on gas usage.

insomniac
Oh Yeah
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Naperville, IL
clubs:
·AT&T Midwest


edit:
November 5th, @01:13PM

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

In Illinois, a written exam is required for all drivers every eight years, unless you haven't had a traffic conviction. Of course, you can miss eight questions (out of 20) and still pass, so you really can't fail unless you're illiterate or don't know what a stop sign looks like.
--
If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.
maxpower

join:2006-10-09
Providence, RI

quote:
Most (if not all) states have stipulations that kick in during the "golden year" range. Usually, elderly drivers need to additionally check in every X numbers of years for a drivers test, just to see if they're good to go.
Not trying to argue but I have never seen or heard of any state doing that. Any examples? I have never heard of this.

quote:
Just because you're old or disabled doesn't necessarily make you a dangerous driver. The sheer act of texting takes your focus of attention off the road, and anyone driving blind is a hazard to everyone on the road.
I agree with you 100% but doesn't changing the radio station present the same hazard?
AquaBlaze
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Encino, CA

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

said by maxpower See Profile :

Not trying to argue but I have never seen or heard of any state doing that. Any examples? I have never heard of this.
Just quickly browsing over the senior page at California's DMV: "All customers age 70 or older must renew their driver license in person at a DMV office." After which, it's the DMV's assessment to not renew their liscence, put them on a restricted liscence, etc.

said by maxpower See Profile :

I agree with you 100% but doesn't changing the radio station present the same hazard?
Most cars have the radio buttons either on the wheel, or accessible easily without loss-of-focus. At worst, people may take a quick glance to see the location of their radio dash. As much as a hazard it is to glance away from the road, texting requires full cognitive abilities focused on the keyboard. There is just no way one can equate a quick radio knob turn with the standard alphanumeric (or even mini-keyboard typing) text input required to send a text.

insomniac
Oh Yeah
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Naperville, IL
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said by maxpower See Profile :

Not trying to argue but I have never seen or heard of any state doing that. Any examples? I have never heard of this.
Illinois: »www.cyberdriveillinois.com/depar···ply.html

Drivers age 81 through 86 are issued licenses good for two years.
Drivers age 87 and older must renew their licenses each year.
...
All persons age 75 and over must take a driving test.

--
If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.

disconnected

@snet.net

said by maxpower See Profile :

It's already illegal to drive and talk on a cell phone (without a headset) in some states such as CT.

Why do they still let certain elderly or otherwise impaired people drive. It's the same thing. Just because you got your license 80 years ago doesn't mean it is still safe to have you on the road.
It could be because some of us "elderly" still have to pay taxes on our homes so you can have schools to indoctrinate your children with more great socialist thinking.

woody7
Premium
join:2000-10-13
Torrance, CA
·DSL EXTREME

The first thing I would ask my lawyer would be to subpoena the phone records of the person that hit me, to see if they were on the phone,if so, that would make a great lawsuit. That is how you stop knuckleheads from doing this while driving. I don't care what anyone says, there is no need to use the phone while driving, especially in the city and during peak drive times. Just fuc%ing pull over!!Peace
--
BlooMe
AquaBlaze
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Encino, CA

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

Or simply call the guy. There are many hands-free solutions for phone calls these days. We have these in our cars, and it's no more distracting to the driver as having someone sitting in the passenger seat.

robs440
Premium
join:2003-06-26
Casselberry, FL
·Bright House

said by removed See Profile :

I text message while driving all the time -- no accidents yet. This sounds to me like a lot of the usual "government nanny" nonsense. As a matter of fact, I'm making this post via my Smartphone while driving down I-45. See you guys at the beach!
thanks....i wont drive near there.
96510730

join:2006-08-30
Kingwood, TX

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

Somehow I feel that Removed was displaying a bit of sarcasm.

jubangy
Premium
join:2005-03-26
Erie, PA
·DSL EXTREME

said by removed See Profile :

I text message while driving all the time -- no accidents yet. This sounds to me like a lot of the usual "government nanny" nonsense. As a matter of fact, I'm making this post via my Smartphone while driving down I-45. See you guys at the beach!
Your also taking into account that everybody is the same. I know a few people that should of never been allowed to drive as everything thing they do that takes their eyes off the road causes them an accident. Some people just are not as coordinated as others. The fact still remains though that it takes a split second to wind up in an accident, and if that particular second your eyes are on your text message your screwed. I for one would personally get out of the car and beat you if you hit me due to using that phone of yours, if I could still walk.

As far as the elderly people driving some are ok and some are not. I think they should have to go through some sort of reflex test as alot of elderly people tend to get slow in their old age and can not react as quick as someone younger. The thing I hate the most are the elderly who think they are driving fast enough at idle, really gets annoying and I have never seen anyone get pulled over for that which is just as hazardous as someone driving too fast.

Carputers are going too open a whole new can of worms when they become mainstream. I am sure they are cool for having kids in the car to keep them occupied, but when people start doing the obvious and watching tv shows or movies, and playing games or surfing the net while driving, the shits gonna hit the fan a whole lot worse. Not to mention, I can see the thieves coming out too play alot more like when big car stereos got real popular. I for one couldn't imagine spending enough time in my car on a daily basis to justify getting one. I think that the only way that the carputer should be usable for anythig more then music shoulf be if it is at a complete stop like was said earlier.

RARPSL

join:1999-12-08
Suffern, NY

Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

said by jubangy See Profile :

The thing I hate the most are the elderly who think they are driving fast enough at idle, really gets annoying and I have never seen anyone get pulled over for that which is just as hazardous as someone driving too fast.
I have not either but I have driven on highways that have not only Maximum but Minimum Speed Limits posted. That would give the Police justification for ticketing those turtles. I'd assume that the Minimum Limit is only enforced (when it is) during normal traffic not when the highway is in Parking-Lot/Bumper-to-Bumper status.

Pale_Rider

join:2004-10-18
Richmond Hill, NY

said by removed See Profile :

I text message while driving all the time -- no accidents yet.
Read this-

»www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=···2&page=1

A P CC
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..
·AT&T Southwest

said by removed See Profile :

I text message while driving all the time -- no accidents yet. This sounds to me like a lot of the usual "government nanny" nonsense. As a matter of fact, I'm making this post via my Smartphone while driving down I-45. See you guys at the beach!
Insecurity is caused by the absence of knowledge.
--
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removed
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Re: WHY NOT,simply Because of safety

said by A P CC See Profile :

said by removed See Profile :

I text message while driving all the time -- no accidents yet. This sounds to me like a lot of the usual "government nanny" nonsense. As a matter of fact, I'm making this post via my Smartphone while driving down I-45. See you guys at the beach!
Insecurity is caused by the absence of knowledge.
Thanks for the tip, my friend.

A P CC
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edit:
November 5th, @10:17PM

I THOUGHT the subject or post was about TRYING to text message while driving & how "some" showing their lack of concern for the safety of others,

Maybe when they hit that child crossing the road or kill an innocent family,or their friend, they'll learn their lesson after they move into their new home/prison
--
Some absorb information & learn, For SOME,information only goes in one ear & out the other.

PolarBear
The bear formerly known as aaron8301

join:2005-01-03
Riverside, WA

What OS?

What operating system would a carputer like this run on, and what would the GUI look like? It would have to be very customized for the driver.

KA3SGM
- -... ...- -
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West Chester, PA
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Re: What OS?

said by PolarBear See Profile :

What operating system would a carputer like this run on, and what would the GUI look like? It would have to be very customized for the driver.
...and if the OS crashed, would you see a Blue Screen in the rear view mirror, or would it set the air bags off?
--
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NJxxxJon
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00000

Myself

I will stay on free laptops + parking lots UNTILL "carpooters" because cheap. Like everything else in the next few years.
--
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MooJohn

join:2005-12-18
Milledgeville, GA
·Windstream

Not everyone's that stupid

As someone who's assembled a carputer but hasn't finished installing it yet, I can assure you that very few people expect to browse the web while driving. Most cars are equipped with a remote trunk release too, yet you don't see it being used too often while the car is moving.

Articles like this also forget about the passenger sitting next to the driver. He's more than capable of bringing up hotel listings or weather a hundred miles up the road from your current location. When you stop for a restroom break you can check your email, proof a Word document for the boss, or just queue up your next playlist before hitting the road again.

The main draw of a DIY carputer is that it's exactly what you want, hardware and software. You're not saddled with nag screens and restrictions that won't let your rear seat passengers start up a video because the car is already moving. It's great that they're all different - it's what drives the hobby to new levels.

If you want to see how to build your own moneypit, er, carputer, check out »www.mp3car.com
--
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tater_gunz
Shoot to kill
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Toledo, OH
·buckeye cable

Re: Not everyone's that stupid

said by MooJohn See Profile :

If you want to see how to build your own moneypit, er, carputer, check out »www.mp3car.com
Amen. I've been wanting to build one for my FJ Cruiser for a while but the parts would be around $1300 (to have everything I want). Sadly, as a fairly new homeowner, my Cruiser will be without a CarPC for a while...

Good luck with your rig!

- Tate

--
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HFB1217
The Wizard
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Camelot
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edit:
November 4th, @03:42PM

Technology can kill when used at the wrong time and place

We had a group of high school girls killed while driving and they were texting the car behind them when it happened and it was the driver cell phone doing the texting. Now while it is not sure if it was the driver actually doing the texting she was involved in the conversation according to the other group.

4 young lives snuffed out and no good reason why, except careless attention due to technology being used in the wrong place at the wrong time.
--
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