Our vehicle computers are available with built-in high performance 3G modems, allowing users to:

  • Browse the web - access any website from within the vehicle 
  • Send and receive emails - using any email client (e.g. Microsoft Outlook) or a webmail service.  
  • Instant messaging - use one of the many instant messaging services.
  • Skype - with high-speed internet access the Skype internet phone service can be used in the vehicle, as well as other VoIP services. More information is available on our Skype page.
  • Remote Desktop*- users can access their office computer just as if they were sitting at their desk. Remote Desktop allows users to login to a remote computer (e.g. at the office) using the car PC, and work from within the vehicle.  Users can operate all the programs that are installed on the remote computer, access all their files (such as those stored in the My Documents folder), and even use network resources such as an office printer or shared storage.  Remote desktop enables users to work without storing any confidential files locally on the car computer itself**, and the connection between the car computer and the remote computer is automatically encrypted.  (In addition to Microsoft's Remote Desktop tools, alternative third party applications are also available.) 

If additional displays are installed then other occupants of the vehicle can access the internet too.

The 3G modules inside our computers support the very latest HSUPA networks, providing download speeds of up to 14.4 Mbps***. 3G coverage is widespread across the UK and is improving all the time.  Advanced receiver technology gives excellent reception, even on the edges of network coverage. If the car moves out of a 3G area the modem will seamlessly connect to the GPRS network which, although slower, is available wherever there is a mobile phone network.

Our 3G-equipped PCs can be used with any network worldwide that uses HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GSM technologies.  We can supply a range of antenna options, including dual diversity external antennas mounted on the vehicle's roof or side windows to provide the best possible performance.  

 

Other ways to access the internet

In addition to using an internal modem (as described above) for 3G internet access, the following methods are also available:

  • 3G internet connection provided by an in-vehicle 3G router - this is one of the most reliable ways of connecting to the internet, and is especially suitable for situations in which the vehicle PC will be unattended and requires an always-on internet connection without user intervention.  A 3G router can also provide internet access to more than one device at the same time via a single 3G connection.
  • 3G internet connection provided by a USB modem
  • 3G internet connection provided by 3G mobile phone, connected via Bluetooth or cable

The car computer can also be used to share its internet connection via Wi-Fi with other nearby devices such as laptops and PDAs. 

 


*Remote Desktop can only be used if your home or office computer and network meet the requirements for Remote Desktop. If using an office computer your company's IT security policy must also allow remote desktop connections.

**If it will be necessary to store confidential information on the vehicle computer then both Windows XP and Windows 7 support advanced encryption options. 

***Although our 3G hardware is capable of downloading at 14.4 Mbps, the download speed experienced will depend on the local signal strength and network performance.