The iPad. Possible perfect in truck computer, or not?

[redbeard]

There was another tablet that made the rounds on the tech pages. It's called the JooJoo, formerly the crunchpad.

Both cost $500. Compare the specs yourself.

https://thejoojoo.com/sites/specification
http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

The more I think about it, the more potential the iPad (or any well done tablet) has.

 

[off-roader]

Pretty ignorant articles.

Here's another that I guess is also ignorant...
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipad-tech-specs-rumor-vs-reality-scorecard/

Here are just a few of the no-shows today, however -- no camera, no multitasking...

I hope their 2nd iteration is better.

 

[Navman]

From the marketing I'm hearing they think there's room for a device that fits somewhere between an Ipod Touch/Phone and a Netbook.
Not sure if this is the case but IMHO, in this situation their first try hasn't exactly hit the mark. I don't mind waiting on their 2nd iteration although I would have liked an iPad that does what I'm looking for.

The way I see it, the iPad and other slates will for the most part eventually replace netbooks. In a year or two, I really can't see anyone wanting a netbook over either a slate device or a real laptop.

 

[redbeard]

I'll agree, I don't think it's between the smartphone/pda and the netbook, I think it's aiming at netbooks, as if you want to get some real work done, most would opt for a laptop or desktop.

 

[efuentes]

I think its a bigger picture, first it will replace a PC for non-tech people, as we move away from operating system centric computing, and eventually will be a gateway to processing power on the cloud, at least that's how I intend to use it.

 

[off-roader]

Will you be able to copy and paste with the iPad? Thats one of the things I don't believe can be done with the Ipod Touch that would have been nice especially when using it as a browser for forums or social networking sites.

 

[PathfinderTR]

The iPad. Possible perfect in truck computer, or not?

No. Simple as that. The fact that it not designed as a stand-alone device answers that question.

 

[redbeard]

Well, I think it could work. After looking at the topo program, it stores maps locally, and positions you on the map.

Honestly, a desktop OS on a carputer is horrendous. But the iPhone OS makes sense, ad I never want to use a keyboard or mouse on a carputer. Once you set it up, you're good to go. Since its portable, you just sync the files you need when you get home (maps for the next trip, etc). You simply dont need to do everything a full computer does in the car.

 

[PathfinderTR]

Well, I think it could work. After looking at the topo program, it stores maps locally, and positions you on the map.

Honestly, a desktop OS on a carputer is horrendous. But the iPhone OS makes sense, ad I never want to use a keyboard or mouse on a carputer. Once you set it up, you're good to go. Since its portable, you just sync the files you need when you get home (maps for the next trip, etc). You simply dont need to do everything a full computer does in the car.

Yeah, I think it could be made to work. It definately wouldn't be "perfect" though. I personally believe there are better solutions out there, and even better solutions on the way. A true tablet with a decent front-end designed with vehicle use in mind, would be the way I would go.

I'll still be interested to read up on a build for the first one who gives it a try. Then we'll get a good idea on what pros and cons they run across

 

[Root Moose]

The issue with a desktop OS being used on a carputer device is not so much the OS itself as much as the level of integration of the front end software to abstract the operating system away from the user. If your carputer ever shows the native user desktop your setup is a failure.

 

[redbeard]

Point well made. I think that's part of the appeal of programs such as the Overland Navigator mentioned around these parts. It does away with the traditional UI. But it still needs to contend with the desktop OS.

I think another appeal of using the iPhone OS and the new google Chrome OS or Android is the fast boot times. I sure don't want to wait a few minutes for the OS to boot when I want to get rolling.

 

[daverami]

Point well made. I think that's part of the appeal of programs such as the Overland Navigator mentioned around these parts. It does away with the traditional UI. But it still needs to contend with the desktop OS.

I think another appeal of using the iPhone OS and the new google Chrome OS or Android is the fast boot times. I sure don't want to wait a few minutes for the OS to boot when I want to get rolling.

Overland Navigator works great.

Boot time is quite rapid on my Asus. It's only used for navigation. Not much else on it but the OS, Overland Navigator, OziExplorer and maps.

 

[Root Moose]

Point well made. I think that's part of the appeal of programs such as the Overland Navigator mentioned around these parts. It does away with the traditional UI. But it still needs to contend with the desktop OS.

I think another appeal of using the iPhone OS and the new google Chrome OS or Android is the fast boot times. I sure don't want to wait a few minutes for the OS to boot when I want to get rolling.

There are front end programs available to integrate disparate programs into a single interface. Road Runner comes to mind as probably the best of the genre and it runs under Microsoft Windows. I made a front end via FVWM under Linux/X-Window but was never completely happy with it. The problem wasn't with what I had written, more with the crap shoot of quality of the underlying OSS software.

Don't forget that you need to have a cohesive interface to switch between say Overland Navigator, your audio system and any other program interfaces you put in the system. Installing Overlan Navigator or a similar program (I like Garmin's Mobile PC product) is only about 10% of what makes a good carputer environment.

 

[redbeard]

True. I've seen that project from a while back. Looks like it hasn't been updated much.

I'm willing to pay for good software.

As far as having a cohesive environment - agree. That's why I'm watching the works of Android, iPad, etc. Seems that the tablet space didn't have enough focus for a while, and what I like about Apple, is they bring focus. Now more people have a smart phone then ever, and they seem to be easier to use. Same with the mp3 player market. No doubt microsoft learned some lessons with xp/vista/os x. Win 7 seems decent.

So I'm waiting for the tablet market to heat up, too see what the competition brings.

 

[Ryanmb21]

the app described here:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27630

would be outstanding paricularly if they improved to use the capabilites of the iPads bigger screen.