Mce Saint
join:2007-10-03
Saint Louis, MO
| Chrysler
Not sure what to think of the Chrysler story (the dig at Chrysler products in the linked article seems unwarranted - Chrysler, afterall, also makes all Jeep products and - judging from observation - few seem "embarassed" to be driving them).
How long before some state legislator introduces a bill banning "internet surfing" while driving?
More seriously, wouldn't the real goal to have a mobile internet connection that goes anywhere you do - not one that's limited to the vehicle? Aircards and EVDO phones already do that . . . and Chrysler's plan doesn't seem to move that ball further down the field. I think the "better" direction would be to make aircards and EVDO phones more useable IN the vehicle - not to "replace" them with internet service tied/anchored to my car.
For example, I have Sprint Mobile Broadband (U727), the "problem/obstacle" to using the U727 in the car is (1) I have to have my laptop going; and (2) - depending upon the laptop's battery status - plugged into a power source.
For me a "better solution" would be the ability to plug the U727 into a USB port in the car's dash. A USB port would also work for those who "tether" their internet with a EVDO compatible phone.
IMO, it makes more sense for the automobile to provide JUST the "laptop" portion (integrated into the dash) of the wireless internet equation than it does for the car to provide BOTH the wireless modem portion AND the laptop portion. $30, $40, or $60 a month for internet service that ONLY works when I'm in the car seems unreasonable. I want to take that connection into the house, into the office, or into the woods (coverage willing).
My initial, off-the-cuff reaction is that it's sort of similar to how I use XM's service. Because of the price of service, I prefer that my XM radio give me as much functionality as possible. That means the ability to use it places OTHER than the car. That's why I prefer the *portable* XM solutions to one's that are wholly in vehicle. Indeed, if, at the time of purchase, I did not already have several portable XM radios (Skyfi2 and an Inno), the inclusion of XM capability on the wife's car would not have made a difference to us. Because I *had* several portable XM devices (and, therefore, an XM subscription), it was a nice feature.
Furthermore, the current pricing structure of wireless internet service is that each "device" (modem) gets charged full price. So, if I owned two U727's devices, my cost would be approximately $120 a month - that's pretty pricey. If that's where Chrysler is heading, then I'm skeptical that many consumers are going to pay 2x "full price" for internet service (one for their car; one for their home). |
