Ever since the introduction of the new iPad, my mind's been running overtime brainstorming how one can integrate it into the MINI. Anyone else?

As of now, it's like one big iPod Touch, but with the ability to also get 3G data (no voice at this time, but I'm sure it will come). It's dimensions are 9.56" x 7.47" x 0.5" (242.8mm x 189.7mm x 13.4mm). Current Apps will run on it, but the images are scaled up to fit the larger screen. Developers can also modify their apps to take advantage of the extra screen space.

Imagine Rev or even Google Maps on the bigger screen! And since it connects the same as an iPod, our current connections should work just fine (fingers-crossed!).

Although I love my iPhone in my car, it always seems to take a moment or two for my eyes to focus when I glance over at it (it's attached on the far side of the center console), which is a moment looking away from the road. Reading text or checking a map takes real concentration. (Maybe I just need new glasses!)

I've seen some of the carPC solutions here on NAM and elsewhere, where the touch screen pivots in front of the center console controls. I'm thinking that this might make a good solution, once some secure mounting brackets come out. Like the iPod Touch and iPhone, the screen will automatically adjust for landscape or portrait positioning, so the larger width shouldn't be a problem.

Anyone else thinking about this? What ideas do you have?

Cheers,
Tom

 

Well, the iPad has only been announced, not released. So, as they say in England, I think you are a bit previous on this.

I can see using an iPad for car readouts with something like REV, or navigation if the app had voice commands. However, I think a touch screen interface would take too much attention away from driving. You have to look at the screen, locate the thing to tap, and tap it. That could take a couple of seconds--enough for something to go horribly wrong on the road. Anything on the iPad that requires your input while driving seems too dangerous.

Unless you are just glancing down to read a street name, or something, reading text whle driving is a really stupid thing to do. Talking on a cel phone while driving is like being drunk. Reading text has to be at the same level or worse.

Besides being a bad idea, video displays for the driver are illegal in California, so I wont be anything I'm doing.

 

Well technically you're correct, but there is certainly enough detailed information available for programmers and accessory designers to have products ready when it is released. I don't think I'm too previous to be thinking about it!

Have you seen any of the recent (say, within the last 5-7 years) cars being produced? Many already have touchscreen navigation, touchscreen audio, and touchscreen air conditioning controls. So I don't think it is necessarily adding additional danger to what's already being produced. Obviously I don't think people should be typing up a resume or reading the morning paper while driving, but with a simple, logical UI, I guess I don't think it would be much different than what people are using today.

No argument here! Texting while driving was recently made illegal here in Colorado, but you still see it everywhere. It's the enforcement that's very difficult.

But, how many people already have factory NAVs or accessory NAV units stuck to their windshields? Many of those units have very small screens and must take some effort to read and operate (hopefully, but not unlikely, while driving).

Again, no argument with that either. I guess I just feel that most of us who are on this forum are auto enthusiasts with at least a modicum of common sense and know when and where it's appropriate. The general public may need laws to tell them what they should and shouldn't be doing, but for the rest of us it should be "common" sense.

Thanks for your comments! (I'm still thinking it could be an extremely cool tool, if used properly.)

Cheers,
Tom

 

I haven't seen the integrated touch screen interfaces. Last looked at new cars when I was shopping in early 2007. I tested a GTI, S2000, and Acura RSX.

I have watched a friend use a touch-screen Garmin NAVI, and it made me nervous.

Those interfaces are designed specifically for driving. The apps for the iPad typically are not. Unless you only use apps specifically designed for use while driving, you are likely to be using an interface that was designed with the expectation of having your full attention.

Darwinian forces will reduce their numbers in the long run. Unfortunately, they will take others with them in the process.

They can function if used while stopped, but unfortunately, people will mess with them while driving.



Everyone thinks they, or the group they belong to are wiser than the general public. I wonder who these other people are who bring the average so much lower?

 

Ah, but that sounds like a market niche that needs filling to me!

I see them everyday during my commute - applying make-up, reading books, filling out paperwork, all the while juggling a cell phone and a cigarette!!

 

I thought of it too.
Maybe if you could position it below the big speedo, in front of the CD/Volume, (let's say you wouldn't use the CD).
The best thing was if the speedo will flip and the ipad will go out.