The Eye in the Sky

GPS is mind-boggling to me. In case you have been living in a hole for the past 10 years, GPS stands for “Global Positional Satelllite.” It was once the stuff of science fiction. And even when it started to twinkle on the sidelines about 20 years ago, only the most sophisticated vehicles sported GPS. I remember a relative of mine who had purchased one of the first cars equipped with GPS. It was so primitive compared to today’s technology! But back then, it was crem de la crem of car technology.

Image from Wikipedia.

I rented a car a few months ago, and the thing came equipped with GPS sat nav. It’s becoming more standard. That’s what amazes me, the fact that it is becoming so standardized. I have mixed feelings. Sure, a car loaded with Garmin sat nav on the dash is very, very convenient (especially for those of us who have a propensity to get lost *cough cough*), but the abuses are present, too. I am uncomfortable with the great big eye in the sky watching everywhere I go. I’m not saying that I have anything to be concerned about (what a big thrill it must be to watch me go to Walmart and back every week, big whoop), but it’s the principle of the thing. Still, I have a little GPS sat nav software program in my iPod, and it definitely came in handy when I was in Manhattan.

What do you think? I love technology, I think it’s cool! But, as with everything, it’s prone to be abused. Do you think the benefits outweigh the cons?

Learn more about sat navs and GPS gadgets at http://www.satnav-expert.co.uk.

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Windows XP for the Car?

Computers are in everything now, aren’t they? I was amazed when they started putting microchips in appliances like coffee makers and digital frames, where all you have to do is connect your appliance to the Internet. I am not particularly fond of the idea of networking my coffee maker to the web, mind you. I prefer to keep things as simple and in my control as much as possible.

Well, anyway, they are now putting computer operating systems into vehicles. The latest news is a touchscreen computer monitor in the vehicle (construction vehicles)–something akin to the Starship Enterprise or the Millenium Falcon, eh?

Vehicle PCs Run Windows XP

LXE has announced two vehicle-mount computers that sport touchscreen displays and run Windows XP Embedded. The VX8 and VX9 offer tough magnesium housings, feature integrated UPSes, accept 10 to 150 VDC power input, and use hard disk or CompactFlash storage, the company says.

According to LXE, its new vehicle-mount PCs are aimed at fork-lift trucks, container handling machinery, forestry and construction equipment, and emergency service vehicles. The company adds that its recent customer surveys show a preference for Windows XP over Windows CE; accordingly, the new VX8 and VX9 are offered with Windows XP Embedded (XPe) and Windows XP Professional.

It’s really just a matter of time until they put these things into your minivan and sedan. I don’t know. I really like having my laptop with me, but I think we can perhaps take technology a little too far. My kids would love to have a DVD player in the van for when we travel, but I am resisting it. I really like the quiet meditation of the ride, and the interaction with the kids. Plus, its one of the rare moments I have the whole clan secured in a small area, captive audience to my long speeches about this or that historical place or event. Hee hee.

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