Clarion Corp’s AutoPC, which uses Microsoft Corp’s Windows CE operating system, is now available in California, Washington and Oregon – the first product to become available based on the Microsoft-specified AutoPC platform. The AutoPC integrates car audio, computing functions, navigation and wireless communications using hands-free voice activation. It will be available in the rest of the US from January of next year. Gardena, California-based Clarion’s AutoPC uses the Hitachi SH3 processor and has 16Mb DRAM and 8Mb ROM. It has an in-dash CD RM and CD-audio drive supporting a six disk changer through the USB bus, an eight color LCD screen and Infrared data port for exchanging information with palm-sized PCs. It supports CompactFlash cards for future memory upgrades. Suggested retail price is $1,300.
