On Thu, 29 Jul 1999, Gano, Ken wrote:
> In about 1985 or '86 I had a small pickup truck with an after market "voice
> computer." As I recall it was made by Sun Instruments. (The same folks who
> use to make tachometers.) It had about a dozen sensors and would announce
> such things as the time of the day, speed, oil pressure low, water temp high
> and the like. I seem to recall it also had air temperature alarms. It was
> a pretty (read sexy) female voice.
With a bit of wizardry and some sensors, (and some money), you could rig
up a little MP3 player in the car. Then you could have it play back
whatever you liked. Have it shout "Chocks away!!" when you shift into
first. Play the 1812 Overture when you hit redline. Say "whew!" when you
come to a full stop. Belch when you fill up with gas. The possibilities
are endless!
And for the hopelessly decadent, a little machine running Linux concealed
somewhere in your car. Record engine statistics! Have voice
prompting! Play CDs! Run a web server! Install a radio modem, check
your email from *anywhere*! Get a static IP and have an email address *in
your car*!!
|