BMW introduces Net-equipped limousine

From...

by Rick Perera

(IDG) -- Luxury car maker BMW Group AG is rolling out a limousine equipped with a mobile multimedia office. The prototype, based on BMW's L7 model, was introduced this week at the Automobilsalon 2001 show in Geneva, said BMW spokesman Friedbart Holz.

The built-in computer, built around Intel Corp.'s Celeron processor, features an infrared keyboard and a retractable 15-inch flat screen, accessed from the back-seat passenger compartment by pressing a button on the wall behind the driver's seat. DVD (digital versatile disc) movies, TV programs, and video teleconferences can be watched on the same screen.

IDG.net INFOCENTER IDG.net's main page Free daily newsletters Instant help from the Dummies Network Computerworld Communities

Mobile Internet access is via the GSM (Global Standard for Mobile Communications) system that is standard for mobile phone calls in Europe, said Holz, adding that the quality of access depends on the reception in a given area.

While it's possible to work while the car is moving, "We recommend stopping somewhere with good reception," he said.

The car is not slated for regular production, but "if a customer came to us today and wanted to order one, we'd build it."

These wheels are not cheap, however. Holz said that, largely because of the custom-built interior wall, the prototype is worth some 500,000 marks (US$236,000).

Corporate users helping shape future PCs
January 19, 2001
Research In Motion readies Lotus-enabled wireless pagers
January 17, 2001
IM goes mobile with new wireless services
January 10, 2001
Sprint and Palm partner for wireless access
January 5, 2001
Microsoft, Starbucks look for wireless jolt
January 3, 2001
Privacy questions loom as wireless grows
December 19, 2000

Building the car of the future
(PCWorld.com)
Have your car browse the Web for you
(Computerworld)
Drive your car onto the Internet
(PCWorld.com)
GM studies driver distraction
(Computerworld)
Convergence 2000: McNealy champions 'Java browser with tires'
(Computerworld)
GM's OnStar adds real-time stock trading to in-vehicle service
(Computerworld)
LG launches Internet microwave
(IDG.net)
Palm partners to get in-vehicle wireless, voice access to its apps
(InfoWorld.com)

BMW AG

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.