The guys at cnet have some news about a web edition package for chrysler/dodge/jeep vehicles
Our eyes eventually glaze over at all of the car industry's "limited editions," "value editions," and "sport editions." But Chrysler has just announced a "Web edition." OK, now we're awake.
It's not so much a car but an option package comprising a bunch of tech toys all tied to the Net by an Autonet Mobile router branded as Chrysler uConnect Web. The gear includes a Dell Mini 9 Netbook, an 8GB iPod Touch, a Sony PSP, and a digital camera with an Eye-Fi Wi-Fi SD card. All in, $1,999 including a year of service.
It gets unveiled tomorrow at the S.F. Auto Show in a specially badged Town & Country and will be available as a dealer-installed rig from Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge dealers (as long as they're around!).
Autonet CEO Sterling Pratz says, "We're emphasizing this as the next entertainment platform in cars" more than a communication and productivity platform, though you can do whatever you want with the system. Bits is bits. Trip-centric Web services like Fandango and OpenTable are naturals for a Web rig in the car.
This seems to play more toward the "wanna-dopters"--people who aren't totally on top of tech, but really want to be. (You've rubbed elbows with them at Best Buy.) The tech savvy don't need to be spoon fed a complete array of gear; for them there's a leaner version called Web Edition Limited that is simply the wireless router, a year of connectivity, and the Dell Mini 9 for $1,100.
found it here:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10103836-48.html
