With the continuous development of automobile intelligence, in-vehicle computers have become an indispensable part of modern cars. Whether it is used for in-vehicle entertainment, navigation systems, or in-vehicle monitoring and intelligent driving assistance, choosing the right in-vehicle computer is crucial to improving the intelligent experience of the car.
In this guide, we will provide you with comprehensive advice on purchasing in-vehicle computers to help you make a wise choice.
1. What Is a Vehicle-Mounted Computer?
The on-board computer (also called the on-board intelligent computer) is a computing device designed for the automotive environment. It can interact with the on-board system, sensors, electronic equipment, etc. to realize intelligent control, data processing, entertainment and other functions. The on-board computer is usually connected to the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) and can provide the driver with navigation, entertainment, driving assistance and other functions in the car.
Applications of on-board computers:
- Navigation and on-board entertainment: Provide real-time traffic information, GPS navigation, music playback, video playback and other functions.
- Driving assistance: Provide parking assistance, lane departure warning, collision warning and other functions by connecting with sensors and cameras.
- On-board intelligent control: Control the air conditioning, seat heating, windows and other equipment in the car to enhance the driving experience of the owner.
2. Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Vehicle-Mounted Computer
1. Performance and processing power
In-vehicle computers need to have powerful processing power to ensure that they can run smoothly in various in-vehicle applications. When purchasing, you need to consider the following aspects:
- Processor (CPU): A powerful processor can accelerate computing tasks and improve system responsiveness.
- Memory and storage: Sufficient memory and storage space are key to ensuring that the in-vehicle computer can run multiple tasks.
- GPU performance: If graphics processing is required, such as in-vehicle entertainment, navigation display, etc., the performance of the GPU cannot be ignored.
2. Compatibility and interface
Ensure the system compatibility of the in-vehicle computer and the car. Different in-vehicle computers provide different interfaces and connection options, including:
- USB, HDMI interface: For connecting external devices and displays.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connection: Facilitate wireless network connection and data transfer between devices.
- CAN bus support: Suitable for connection to automotive electronic control systems, ensuring that the computer can be seamlessly integrated with other parts of the vehicle.
3. Operating system and software support
The operating system of the in-vehicle computer determines the friendliness of its user interface and the scope of software support. Common operating systems are:
- Android system: It has rich application support and is suitable for in-vehicle entertainment and navigation.
- Linux system: Suitable for customized needs and enterprise-level applications.
- Dedicated vehicle systems: Such as Windows Embedded Automotive, suitable for industrial and high-performance needs.
4. Environmental adaptability
Vehicle computers need to operate stably in various in-vehicle environments, including high temperature, low temperature, humidity and other conditions. Pay attention to the following parameters when purchasing:
- Operating temperature range: Ensure that the computer can operate stably in the extreme temperatures inside the vehicle.
- Shockproof and dustproof: High-quality vehicle computers usually have shockproof and dustproof designs, which can provide long-term stability under harsh conditions.
3. Types of Onboard Computers
1. In-vehicle entertainment computer
This type of in-vehicle computer is mainly used to provide entertainment and navigation functions. It is usually equipped with a touch screen, supports voice control, and can connect to the Internet or synchronize with a mobile phone. It is suitable for car owners who focus on entertainment and driving experience.
2. In-vehicle intelligent control computer
This type of computer is used to integrate and control various systems inside the car, including air conditioning, seats, windows, etc. It can usually be controlled through a touch screen or a voice assistant.
3. In-vehicle driving assistance computer
This computer is designed to improve driving safety and can be connected to sensors and cameras to provide advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as automatic parking, lane departure warning, and collision warning.
4. How to Choose the Vehicle Computer That Suits You?
Choosing the right car computer depends on your needs and budget. Here are some purchase suggestions:
Budget: Determine your budget range and choose a car computer with high cost performance.
Requirements: If you need a high-performance entertainment system, choose a car entertainment computer with strong processing power; if you value driving safety, consider buying a car computer with driving assistance functions.
Brand and after-sales: Choose a car computer with a well-known brand and good after-sales service to ensure product quality and long-term use.
5. Installation and Maintenance of Vehicle-Mounted Computers
After purchasing a vehicle computer, installation and maintenance are equally important. Make sure the vehicle computer is installed by professionals to avoid malfunctions caused by improper installation. In addition, regularly updating the software and cleaning the equipment can also extend the service life of the vehicle computer.
6. Summary: Choosing the Right Vehicle Computer Improves Driving Experience
Choosing a suitable car computer can not only improve your driving experience, but also make your car more intelligent. Through the buying guide in this article, I hope you can find the car computer that best suits you and enjoy a safer, more comfortable and smarter driving life.
Recommended CF Vehicle Computer
CF Device Technology Co., Ltd. is a vehicle-mounted computer manufacturer founded in 2018 and headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. The company has 410 employees, 150 of whom are from the technical team. With a monthly production capacity of 500,000 units, it focuses on the research and development, design and production of vehicle-mounted computers, forming an integrated advantage. CF Device is committed to providing customers with high-performance and high-stability vehicle-mounted computing solutions.