Like the Dashboard Devices in-car computer, the Swiitek unit aims to offer a direct replacement for factory head units, they’ve even designed a range of fitments for popular cars that don’t use standard double-DIN heads.

Unlike the Dashboard Devices unit, Swiitek uses a Windows OS (CE or XP), meaning you can work on spreadsheets in addition to accessing the internet, using on-board navigation and watching movies or playing music, all using the touchscreen LED display. There’s also WiFi, Bluetooth, USB and SD ports and, most importantly, the ability to look like John Hodgeman even while driving an Audi A6. This is not a good idea wethinks.

[Swiitek via Edmunds]

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.

[via NASIOC]

Related:
Let's Interface: Mini to Get BMW's iDrive [internal]

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

Related:
Atchison, Topeka, Santa Fe and Detroit: The Ford Super Chief Introduced [internal]

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.

Some technologically inclined nutjob has decided to pimp out his late-model Buick (There are actually late-model Buicks? Who knew?) with the latest in Windows-based mobile entertainment. The Win-MCE-centered system features a 7" touch screen hooked up to a CPU featuring 512MB of RAM, an 80-gig drive, wireless 802.11g networking and a slot-loading, dual-layer DVD burner. Better not park that sucker in Oakland...

Windows Media Center PC in your dashboard [Foursprung]

Related:
More on Mac Mini Lexus [Internal]