June 14, 2005                                                                                                                                                

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE - IT’S FINALLY COMPLETE

It has taken us almost 2 years and a lot of sweat, frustration, problem solving, and fun.   In the beginning we were quietly skeptical but optimistic about this idea.  When we announced it, the response was mixed.  Some people just didn’t get it.  Others grasped it right away and some just said “I want one!”  To that last group of people we say “Here it is.  Come and get it!”

Yes, I’m talking about the Carputer.  For those of you who just don’t get it yet let me explain and show you.  The system mounted in your trunk, under your seat etc. looks like this:

 It only stands about 2.5 inches high.

Simply put, this is a fully functional PC.  The interface is through a touch-screen monitor (your choice of 7 to 15 inches and fixed or hidden in-dash motorized) you can run virtually any application you run on your desktop.  The touch-screen interface makes on the road computing as easy as pushing a radio button.  Here is a screenshot and a couple of custom installs.  One is a fixed screen the other is a motorized unit.

 The buttons you see for the interface are completely programmable.  We can customize it to include buttons for any application.  The audio player, video player, GPS*, and internet* are so simple to use anyone with a finger can figure it out just by touching. 

We have included a feature that you won’t find elsewhere.  A 4 channel DVR.  With mini lipstick cameras looking forward, backward, sideways, or inside the vehicle, you can record every move you and others on the road make.  You can also review the driving habits of your teenagers.  Black box technology is taking huge leaps forward.  The possibility of recording on the road “incidents” may eventually lower your insurance premium.  We’ll let that one work itself out. 

We even have the ability to interface with the onboard computer of most cars.  No more trips to the dealership to reset that annoying maintenance light.  You can now diagnose and tune your vehicle right on the dashboard.

Keep in mind that this device is powered by your car battery.  It is a 12V system.  That makes it extremely efficient.  There is no need for troublesome inverters that will drain your battery if you don’t turn them off.  This system is smart.  When you get out of your car, the system turns itself off.  Or you can program it to keep running for up to an hour after you turn off the engine.  It will automatically start up again when you start the car.  It will NOT reboot if it is already running and you start the car.

It is the last car stereo you will ever need.   With available capacity up to 600GB of hard drive space, you could store every CD and DVD you own right on the hard drive. 

Now I know what you’re wondering – What’s the bottom line.  We are offering these in three different levels. Basic, Deluxe, DVR, and Deluxe-DVR.  The Deluxe and DVR options can be added to the basic system later without modification.  We will also build them to order.  Just call us for details. Here is the breakdown:

Basic – Perfect for stereo replacement** and multimedia entertainment.       $CALL FOR REAL TIME PRICING

                  1 - Via EPIA-M Main board with embedded 1Ghz CPU

                  1 - 512MB DDR RAM

                  1 - 40GB Hard Drive/1 - 200GB Hard Drive

                  4 - USB 2.0 Ports

                  1 - Slim DVD-ROM External USB Drive

                  1 - 10/100 Ethernet port

                  1 - TV and FM Tuner

                  1 - 7” LCD touch-screen (Fixed mounting. Call for 1 DIN motorized option)

                  1 – Windows XP Pro and Touch-screen overlay software

Deluxe – Includes everything from the Basic system and the following:         $CALL FOR REAL TIME PRICING

                  1 - Vehicle Diagnostic interface and software (1996 OBDII compatible only)

                  1 - 802.11G Access Point

                  1 – 802.11G Mini USB Wireless NIC

                  1 - USB 2.0 4 port Hub

                  1 - GPS Receiver and MS Streets and Trips

Deluxe DVR – Includes everything from Deluxe system and the following:    $CALL FOR REAL TIME PRICING

                  1 - 4 Port Video Capture Device       

                  2 – Sony Lipstick Cameras

                  2 – Panasonic Infra Red  Cameras w/ night vision

Power requirements are simply battery power, switched (key on) power and ground.  Installation is not included.  We recommend professional installation by qualified technician.

 Shift Wholesale

*some features require additional hardware or monthly subscription services.

**does not include amplifiers or speakers