Jewish World Review Feb. 28, 2003 / 26 Adar I 5763
By Mark Kellner
http://www.NewsAndOpinion.com |
Can you -- should you -- trust a Microsoft operating system to run your car
stereo? What if it promised voice commands, navigation to your appointments
and perhaps even more?
That is the premise behind Microsoft's Windows CE for Automotive, the
operating system version that the software behemoth is advocating for in-car
systems that offer you the top 40, but more besides.
Since November, I've tested what appears to be the only commercial,
after-market iteration of what was once called the "AutoPC" (stet), the
Clarion Joyride, made by Clarion Corp. and sold through a small network of
dealers. Yes, Clarion car audio products can be found widely, but not every
Clarion dealer can handle this product.
As billed, the Joyride provides almost all things to all people: according
to the firm's Web site, you get an "AM/FM ... Tuner, a DVD Video player, a
CD Audio Player, an MP3 decoder for either CD-R recorded MP3 or MP3 files
loaded on a Compact Flash Card, built-in Dolby Digital and DTS audio
decoders for 5.1 channel audio, true dual zone capability, CD Changer
Control, an Address Book function, and an optional navigation package."
Thanks to extraordinary efforts by Microsoft - Clarion, initially, didn't
want to cooperate with the review, though the firm later proved crucial in
helping with a support issue - the Joyride was installed in a vehicle well
worthy of such hardware: Hyundai Motor Corp.'s Santa Fe SUV. This vehicle,
which I've used now for quite some time and have driven across country
recently, is a stunning example of how good technology can work: from the
electronics systems to heated seats (very useful in recent snowstorms!), the
Santa Fe's performance has been superb.
It's also just the kind of vehicle that could benefit from an after-market
product like the Joyride. Hyundai's supplied stereo system is excellent, but
"extras" such as a CD changer, a large LCD screen and navigational tools
were not options when the Santa Fe was delivered.
Installation was handled in the Los Angeles area by a firm noted for its
custom audio work, Audio Options of Torrance. These people are professionals
whose work is often seen at auto and electronics shows; having such
experience is crucial when hooking up a system that includes a Gyroscope,
GPS signal transmitter/receiver, the aforementioned LCD and other
components, including a 6-CD changer.
With installation and retail pricing, it's safe to figure a $4,000 price tab
for such a setup. Is the price worth it?
At present, I'd have to say no. Where the original "AutoPC," announced in
the late 1990s and demonstrated for me at the 2000 Winter CES show in Las
Vegas, was supposed to be an extension of a desktop computer or a Microsoft
Pocket PC, transferring schedule, e-mails and addresses from handheld to
dashboard, including a built-in cell phone for hands-free calling and
perhaps e-mail, the devolution to a multimedia product with navigation on
the side is disappointing.
A user's most important Joyride accessory, I found out, is a paper clip,
bent to use one edge on the Joyride's reset button. Every few days, I would
have to reset the system because "something" - I could never tell just what
- would knock it out of whack, producing only an ear-splitting screech best
suited for use against recalcitrant dictators. One reset and I was on my
way, that is, until one time when I managed to wipe out the entire operating
software for the device (hasn't Clarion heard of programmable, read-only
memory chips where an OS can be safely stored and eventually updated?).
To its credit, a Clarion staffer was kind enough to overnight a replacement
CD that got the system going again, after five days of silent commutes.
However, this "wipe out" was not my only issue with the Joyride. As will be
seen next week, it's a temperamental beast, this product, and it might give
even the most dedicated car audiophile pause.
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JWR contributor Mark Kellner has reported on technology for industry newspapers and magazines since 1983, and has been the computer columnist for The Washington Times since 1991.Comment by clicking here.
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