<![CDATA[Jalopnik: Computer]]> http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: Computer]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/computer http://jalopnik.com/tag/computer <![CDATA[1988: The Future Has Arrived!]]> Computers were pretty well accepted in the American mainstream by the late 1980s, but the designers that GM had making their ECU cases appear to have gone with the 1956-vintage E-13B font in order to enhance futuristic appeal. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5590175&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Swiitek CarPC Head Units Heading To CES]]> Swiitek's bringing two universal-fit double-DIN PCs and four dashboard-specific head units designed to fit late-model Toyota Camrys, Corollas, Honda Civics and CR-Vs to this week's CES geekfest in Vegas. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5124443&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Complexity Creep: BMW's Electronic "Dipstick" Causes Oil Grief]]> What happens when technology answers a question nobody asked? Sometimes billions are made. Other times, needless technical complexity makes for a more complex experience. Such is the case one Car and Driver reader made in the mag's July '07 issue. In a letter to C&D, he directs our attention to the BMW 328i, whose oil dipstick has been replaced with a sensor and on-screen alert icon. But according to the writer, the system has resulted in owners overfilling their crankcases. And according to two dealerships, the only way to check the oil accurately is thus:
I was told the proper way to check the oil is to return the car to your BMW dealership and it will put the vehicle on a rack, drain the oil, measure it, and then reinstall the oil in the car.
It's not a new problem, and BMW isn't the only one; Porsche uses a similar system, which includes an oil-level readout on the dash. Still, if car companies want to be software developers, maybe they should start offering pre-production cars to Beta testers. – Mike Spinelli More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=265670&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Office on Wheels: FordLink]]> Next time you're waiting hours for a contractor to arrive, his lateness may not be due to his getting "hung up on a job." Right, he's surfing porn, I mean, working from his mobile office. Ford's just launched its FordLink system for F-Series pickups (and the 2008 Super Duty). The system includes a rugged, lightweight tablet PC running Windows XP and connected to the Internet via PVC tubing wireless broadband. The dealer-installed accessory package includes GPS navigation with audio prompts, a printer and small-business management software that facilitates job bidding, parts purchases and payment processing. All that and access to Chickswithammers.com More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=198126&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Windows for Your Scraper: Media Center in Buick Century]]> Bumbeck's threatening to get on his bad motor scooter and descend down the 110 from the heights of Montrose to check out Gawker Media's new San Pedro facilities. And when we think of Bumbeck, we think of two things (among other things): Sammy Hagar's pre-solo oeuvre and this classic dictum: "I have a theory that every new automotive trend in Oakland starts with somebody inheriting their grandmother's car." Hence the '94 Park Avenues with dubs run sans lowering job, colloquially known in certain 'hoods as "scrapers." Now imagine somebody's grandma in across the Bay in Palo Alto passed away, leaving behind a perfectly serviceable '99 Century in her wake. Read on for the result. More »
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