Azentek Atlas CPC-1200

Claimed to be the world's first fully integrated in-car PC, Azentek’s CPC-1200 is a navigation and entertainment system designed to fit into a standard double DIN dash slot. Providing all the features of a regular car stereo, the CPC-1200 also offers a complete navigational experience, mobile phone integration via Bluetooth, multimedia playback and optional automotive diagnostic capabilities. While it may be an impressive list of features, you’ll pay a premium for them.

To cut a long story short, think of the CPC-1200 as a computer in your car's dashboard. The unit is the same size as regular double DIN car systems, including Pioneer’s AVIC-F900BT. It needs to be installed by a professional car-audio installer, though Azentek is yet to finalise these details; the company will only allow select installers . Depending on your vehicle, an install should take roughly two hours and cost between $100 and $200. An optional accessory is a reversing camera, which automatically displays a live image from the rear of your vehicle as soon as the car is put into reverse. The CPC-1200 allows you to add multiple cameras if you wish.

The CPC-1200 replaces your standard in-car audio system, and interaction revolves around a 6.5in LCD touch-screen display. Azentek has attempted to keep an OEM look and feel, so a number of dials and buttons match those seen on regular car audio systems. Because this is a full PC, there is also a finger mouse and two mouse buttons, alongside numbered preset/shortcut buttons. All the buttons are backlit, and the lighting colour can be changed to match the look of your vehicle's interior.

The CPC-1200 is basically a full-blown PC running Microsoft Windows Vista. The good news is that you can basically do anything you can on a regular PC through this system. The unit has an Intel Core Duo 1.66GHz processor, a 160GB Seagate hard drive and 1GB of RAM. Conveniently, the operating system can be updated in the future; at the Azentec launch a spokesperson said it will potentially run Microsoft’s yet-to-be-launched Windows 7.

Most of the features, including navigation, Bluetooth and audio, are controlled via Azentec’s software. It has a user-friendly interface with large icons that can be tapped to make a selection. During our test drive, the unit was generally quick and responsive, though we sometimes had to press rather firmly to make a selection. The Azentek map can be minimised and you can then access the regular Windows desktop. Here you can use the finger mouse and buttons to navigate just as you would with a regular PC.

For navigation, the address-entry screen is fairly straightforward and comparable to most portable GPS units on the market. The touch screen is responsive and easy to use, and you can switch between different keyboard layouts. Azentec uses NAVTEQ maps with a Navigon user interface. The maps are fairly detailed and include a database of red light cameras, fixed speed cameras and school zones and a wide range of POIs (points of interest).

The unit has Wi-Fi built-in. In addition, using a USB broadband modem allows the CPC-1200 to have full Internet access on the road. We successfully used a Vodafone mobile broadband device during testing. For safety reasons, the unit is able to read aloud your e-mail using text-to-speech technology, while you can also send template e-mail responses in just a few taps (for example, “I’m driving right now, I’ll call you later”). These templates can be customised.

The unit can be hooked up to your vehicle's ECU to provide automotive diagnostic capabilities. Available for a cost of approximately $150 (depending on the vehicle), the CPC-1200 can theoretically diagnose mechanical and electrical problems as they occur.

Regular CD and DVD functions are handled by the built-in DVD drive, while content such as music and videos can be ripped to the CPC-1200’s hard drive from a USB drive, SD card or a CD/DVD. The unit has both front and rear USB inputs, allowing you to connect a hub that can be wired to you glove box, for example. You can also hook up multiple monitors to the unit; theoretically, you could have a screen in the rear of your car playing a movie for the kids, and GPS navigation in the front running simultaneously.

Rounding out the features is Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to handle calls through the unit. Once paired, you can access and call contacts through the touch screen and call recently dialled numbers; you can also copy contacts and store them on the hard drive. The unit includes a small built-in microphone that can be wired to a suitable location in the car, usually along the B-pillar.