New Kid on the CarPC Block: Arrow Systems
When I stopped by the Diamond Audio booth at CES in January, I noticed the Arrow Systems booth across the walkway. Actually, it wasn't actually their booth, it was another company's, but Arrow had arranged to set up a small display showcasing an Arrow Systems carPC. The Arrow Systems rep wasn't in the booth when I stopped by, so I wasn't able to get any info other than a brochure and a business card. Oh yeah, the Arrow Systems website is pretty bare right now too. But after a quick email to the guys at Arrow Systems guys, I got a good amount of pics, some more product info, and a much better understanding of their direction and ideas.
Arrow's current systems are component-based (like a home PC), meaning the "box" is separate from the monitor. However, to reduce cable and device clutter, Arrow has incorporated the GPS, Bluetooth, and satellite radio into the PC. Arrow offers an 8" touch screen to control everything as well as custom multimedia software designed to make navigating the options simple. But Arrow's claim to fame is their patented dash mounting device for the screen that they claim will not damage the dash - great for lease vehicles. The monitor will mount on provided-brackets and will allow the monitor to fold 90° to gain access to the radio. Arrow will also offer a double-DIN option with a 7" monitor already mounted and ready to install.
Arrow can custom build the systems to order and they'll offer a few different pre-configured systems as well.
We've got a bunch of pics after the jump that you won't find anywhere else, so check it out!
in the forums!
Gallery
(Click the pics to enlarge)
*Update*
Arrow also sent us this promotional/press article explaining their systems and why carPCs are so darn cool:
Amidst techno gadget wars a small company in Canada has been quietly and persistently working on getting the full power of a desktop PC into a vehicle. A simple task at first glance but as Arrow Systems of Ingersoll, Ontario quickly realized PC’s easily crash when the vehicle is cranked, mounting a large monitor safely in the front of the car is a challenge and extreme cold, heat and a rough and bumpy ride are conditions much too violent for stable and reliable operation of a computer.
But, after two years of sweat, tears, crashed hard drives and burned out power supplies Arrow Systems has what looks like a very promising full-blown in-car PC. Enclosed in a small case the size of a portable DVD player and using an 8 inch dash-mounted monitor with touch-screen input Arrow Systems gives the world full office power for the car. And to avoid cosmetic damage to the dash of the vehicle Arrow invented and patented a slick mounting method which they custom fit into virtually any vehicle. Very impressive.
As impressive as it may seem, however, there is the question of “why?”. Why even bother with a PC in the car? There are already plenty of electronic gadgets out there capable of small office tasks on the road. From smart phones to laptops, the world is not short of solutions, so why create another?
The truth is that, while devices do exist, each usually offers limited functionality. This means that you often need several devices to be productive and many of us know the clutter even a few of them can make. Stick a phone to your dash along with a portable satellite radio and a portable nav, run cables to them all and you’ve got a huge mess with just three devices! Arrow Systems claims their PC will minimize this mess by building features such as GPS navigation, Bluetooth hands-free and satellite radio right into the computer, all easily controlled via the 8 inch touch screen.
Then there is the aspect familiarity. In a business world so largely populated by Windows users having a car PC that uses the Windows XP platform means instant productivity. No learning curve and no converting files into mobile device formats! Files are easily carried on a thumb-drive or synced wirelessly at work or home via Wi-Fi. Suddenly, a full blown PC in the car starts making sense.
Laptops, of course, are a common solution today, but ever try to balance a laptop on your knee or center console while in the car? It tends to be difficult, unpractical, even unsafe. As such, laptops require heavy duty floor brackets to hold the weight and meet safety requirements – it’s costly, eats up space and looks rather unsightly in the stylish interior of today’s cars or SUVs.
Perhaps walking the thin line between genius and insanity Arrow Systems hopes to make some waves at this year’s CES. And with great appeal for the trucking industry, emergency and public service vehicles, real estate, etc., these might be waves we may all want to catch.
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