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Car and Truck PC hardware, software, and accessories Installation and support services for your vehicle PC Touchscreen TFT LCD monitors, satellite radio tuners, gps receivers, NavTV interfaces and more! Need a local dealer? Interested in becoming an authorized iMobile dealer? iMobile installation gallery. Get some ideas for your vehicle. Frequently Asked Questions about installation, integration and abilities of the iMobile systems. Car PC Forums
 
FAQ
In this section of our site, we will attempt to answer the questions that you ask us on a regular basis. Should you not find the answer to a question here, please try one of our support channels. We will try our best to update this list with your question and answer as soon as possible.
  1. I have an existing video system in my car; can iMobile be used with it or will I need to change all of my screens?
    2.
  2. My car has a factory-installed navigation system; is there a way to view iMobile on that screen?
    3.
  3. Can I hook up other monitors, such as headrests for the rear passengers?
    4.
  4. Will I be able to add a backup camera to my system?
    5.
  5. Will the system survive voltage drops (for instance, when starting the car)?
    6.
  6. I have a huge, high-powered audio system with big Amps and Subs, what will happen to the PC when the levels peak?
    7.
  7. How well does the PC tolerate the vibration inside of an automobile?
    8.
  8. How can I hook up the PC to my audio system?
    9.
  9. Will my steering wheel controls still work?
    10.
  10. Can the PC be mounted in my trunk?
    11.
  11. Where is the best place to mount the system?
    12.
  12. Where is the best place to mount the screen?
    13.
  13. Where is the best place to mount the GPS/XM receiver/antenna?
    14.
  14. If I'm listening to XM Radio or an MP3 file, will I still be able to hear my navigation?
    15.
  15. How many songs/movies can the PC hold?
    16.
  16. Are custom skins available?
    17.
  17. Can I still use Windows and software written for Windows?
    18.
  18. Can iMobile run on a Mac?
    19.
  19. Will iMobile run in Linux?
    20.
  20. What if I have my own Windows license?
    21.
  21. How do I connect to the internet wirelessly?
    22.
  22. Why do I need the wireless keyboard if there’s an on-screen keyboard?
    23.
  23. Is AM/FM radio available?
    24.
  24. What about HD Radio or Sirius Satellite Radio?
    25.
  25. Do you support voice control?
    26.
  26. Does iMobile support handheld remote controls?
    27.
  27. What warrantee accompanies these systems?
    28.
  28. Who installs the updates when they become available?
    29.
  29. How much would the software updates cost?
    30.
  30. How often are map updates available?
    31.
  31. How much will the map updates cost?
    32.
  32. What is iMobile?
    33.
  33. Who should use iMobile?
    34.
  34. What is unique about the iMobile system?
    35.
  35. What is the difference between iMobile Lite and iMobile Pro?
    36.
  36. What is the difference between the MC-18 and the MC-36?
    37.
  37. Can I accessorize my iMobile system?
    38.
1.I have an existing video system in my car; can iMobile be used with it or will I need to change all of my screens?
By using our optional VGAàVideo converter, you can display iMobile on any screen that has a standard RCA or S-Video input.  Be aware that most video screens lack the resolution of a VGA screen and though iMobile’s graphics should look fine, small text may be difficult to read.  Also note that touch-screen capability is only supported on our VGA screens.
2.My car has a factory-installed navigation system; is there a way to view iMobile on that screen?
There are many adaptors available for OEM navigation systems that allow for video to be displayed on those screens.  Please check with us for your specific vehicle and, if available, it will function as a regular video screen.
3.Can I hook up other monitors, such as headrests for the rear passengers?
There are 2 ways to add more screens to the system.  The first is to purchase extra VGA screens (touch or non-touch) and a VGA splitter for the best possible resolution.  The second way is to purchase standard video screens, the VGAàVideo converter and a video splitter/booster (if connecting to multiple external screens).
4.Will I be able to add a backup camera to my system?
The PC itself has no video input, though one can be added via a USB device.  However, the easiest way to accomplish this is to add a backup camera directly to the monitor.  Our touch screen monitors have a standard video input as well as a VGA input for the PC.  The monitor can be configured to automatically switch to the backup camera image when it detects a signal coming from the camera, for automatic rear-view.
5.Will the system survive voltage drops (for instance, when starting the car)?
The power supply that is standard with all iMobile systems can tolerate voltage drops and spikes to provide a well-regulated voltage source for the PC.
6.I have a huge, high-powered audio system with big Amps and Subs, what will happen to the PC when the levels peak?
The power supply can tolerate significant voltage drops, down to 7v.  If the audio system uses more power than that, we recommend installing a secondary power supply.
7.How well does the PC tolerate the vibration inside of an automobile?
The mounting bracket that is standard with all iMobile systems will keep the PC mounted securely in the vehicle.  The 2.5” hard drives used in the PC will tolerate normal vibrations and shocks.  Extreme shock and vibration, such as true off-road use may require custom mounting.
8.How can I hook up the PC to my audio system?
The best method is to utilize an Aux-In on an existing audio system.  There are many companies such as Peripheral, USA Spec, Soundgate, Blitzsafe, PAC and others that offer Aux-In adapters for various radios.  The easiest method is to use an FM modulator, but most FM modulators are susceptible to interference and have a generally low sound quality.  The system can also be hooked up directly to an aftermarket amplifier or audio processor.
9.Will my steering wheel controls still work?
When the iMobile audio is connected via an Aux-In to a factory radio, the existing steering wheel volume controls will still work.  As there are many variations of factory systems and steering wheel controls, results on individual vehicles may vary.
10.Can the PC be mounted in my trunk?
Since the optical drive is external to the PC, the computer itself can be mounted virtually anywhere, as long as it’s a well ventilated environment and is not subject to shocks (such as getting jostled by packages in the trunk) and not subject to temperature extremes.  In geographical locations that have temperature extremes, we recommend mounting the PC in the cabin (such as under a seat), as the temperature in the cabin should be more temperate than an enclosed space.
11.Where is the best place to mount the system?
The PC itself can be mounted anywhere, but we recommend mounting it inside the passenger compartment in order to take advantage of the interior climate control system.  The drive should be mounted in a place where it will be easily accessible, such as the dash, console or glove box.  Components should be located in a way as to minimize the length of cable runs, and to lower the potential for electrically induced noise.  A competent car audio installer should know how best to run the wires themselves.
12.Where is the best place to mount the screen?
Mounting the screen can be a tricky matter, as it depends on (a) whether or not the system is meant to replace the vehicle’s existing audio system and (b) the amount of available space in the dash.  Our 7” touch screen is not exactly double-DIN, but close enough to be able to fit without too much effort.  Larger dashboards will be able to accommodate larger screens, but as each vehicle is different, we recommend consulting with an installer who has experience in these matters.  Single-DIN, in-dash touch screens are also available as a special order, but we try to discourage users as they tend to be of a lower quality and generally lack the required rigidity to respond to touch well, especially when motion or vibration is added to the mix.
13.Where is the best place to mount the GPS/XM receiver/antenna?
The antennas are waterproof and can be mounted anywhere on the outside of the vehicle.  The antennas can also be mounted internally to avoid theft or vandalism, in which case they need to have an unobstructed view of the sky.  They can be covered by carpet, plastic or fiberglass, but not metal.
14.If I'm listening to XM Radio or an MP3 file, will I still be able to hear my navigation?
iMobile’s integrated audio manager will automatically mute the current audio source in order to provide voice guidance from the navigation, the un-mute the audio when it’s done.
15.How many songs/movies can the PC hold?
The number of songs and/or movies is limited only by the size of the hard drive.  The size of the songs and movies on the hard drive depend on the recording quality.  Assuming that no other software is loaded on the PC and only songs are stored, then there will be room for about 9,000 standard size, standard quality songs.  There is too much variance in the size of stored movies to have an accurate figure, but given an acceptable level of compression there should be room for approximately 30 movies.  Keep in mind that iMobile can also play a CD of MP3/WMA files, without storing them internally, where each CD can hold about 170 songs.  External drive(s) can also be added to increase the size of the media library and create a “digital jukebox”.
16. Are custom skins available?
Currently, custom skins are not available for the software.  A future release will allow for user-customizable skins.  For substantial orders, the graphics can be customized.
17.Can I still use Windows and software written for Windows?
iMobile can be minimized to access the Windows desktop, and iMobile has an integrated application launcher to access commonly used software with just one touch.
18.Can iMobile run on a Mac?
If the Mac is Intel-powered and is running Windows XP, then iMobile will be compatible with the Mac.
19.Will iMobile run in Linux?
iMobile requires a Windows XP platform and will not run in Linux.
20.What if I have my own Windows license?
iMobile packages are sold with the software installed and pre-configured on the PC, therefore all PCs come with their own Windows license.
21.How do I connect to the internet wirelessly?
There are several methods available to connect to the internet.  For stationary vehicles, a USB or PCMCIA WiFi connection can be used.  Most cell phones can be used as a modem, either via a cable or through BlueTooth (available separately).  For best results we recommend a PCMCIA wireless AirCard, which is available from most cellular providers.
22.Why do I need the wireless keyboard if there's an on-screen keyboard?
The on-screen intelligent keyboard is useful for quick data entry or entering the name of a website or performing a Google search.  The wireless keyboard is necessary for using other windows applications (such as word processing) and for entering information within a website.  The wireless keyboard can also be used for quickly searching through the media player database.
23.Is AM/FM radio available?
At this time, there is no high-quality computer controlled AM/FM tuner available.  Once a unit becomes available in the future, support for AM/FM tuning will be added to iMobile.  Note that all RideGear packages come bundled with an XM receiver.
24.What about HD Radio or Sirius Satellite Radio?
HD Radio capability is currently in development and will be available as a future upgrade.  There are currently no plans to support Sirius Satellite Radio.
25.Do you support voice control?
iMobile currently has no built-in voice control, however, using third party voice control technology and the iMobile keyboard map (available in the support section of our website) voice control is possible.  In the near future, voice control will be available directly from iMobile.
26.Does iMobile support handheld remote controls?
iMobile supports the popular SnapStream Firefly remote control through the profiles available in the support section of our website.  Other remotes can be customized for iMobile via the keyboard map, also available in the support section.
27.What warrantee accompanies these systems?
The hardware is warranted for 1 year, and requires returning it to our office for repair or replacement.  Hardware that has been disassembled or modified in any way will no longer be covered.  Software version updates are available at no charge to registered users for a period of 1 year.
28.Who installs the updates when they become available?
Software updates are user installable, but we recommend having them performed by an iMobile dealer.
29.How much would the software updates cost?
Minor version updates are free of charge, while major version updates may incur a nominal charge.
30.How often are map updates available?
Beginning with July 2007, map updates will be available biannually.
31.How much will the map updates cost?
As navigation mapping is a dynamic industry, our company is in constant negotiations to secure the best pricing for our existing customers.  Therefore, map update prices will be determined as each map update becomes available.
32. What is iMobile ?
 The iMobile system is a convergence of vehicle guidance and control with the personal computing and multimedia experience. A single environment providing you with vehicle diagnostic and maintenance tools, voice assisted turn-by-turn navigation, integrated organizer and scheduler with mobile device sync ability, a mobile media center incorporating features normally expected from a home system, web connectivity, emergency services, and safety features such as rear view/child monitoring camera.
33. Who should use iMobile?
 The target market varies widely from executives to soccer moms. Our system offers many features out of which any driver would find some appealing from soccer moms to executives on the go. The system can be installed in any type vehicle from mini-coopers to semi-trailers.
34. What is unique about the iMobile system?
 To date no commercially available system leverages factory installed monitors with a mobile computing and entertainment system. The iMobile system is the world's first application optimized for small, low- resolution monitors often found in vehicles, either as a factory-installed option or as an aftermarket entertainment system. Additional features consist of professional-grade navigation, vehicle information systems, digital media and video players, personal digital assistant, web connectivity and emergency roadside assistance.
35. What is the difference between iMobile Lite, Executive, ET Pro?
 Although you should browser our detailed product feature breakdown pages, basically our four editions were divided based on customer feedback. Our Lite edition offers basic entertainment and computing functionality and is the base for all our other versions. Executive was designed for the corporate user, limo-driver, and anyone else who wants access to data 24/7. ET was designed to provide all the entertainment features without the clutter of the office data. The iMobile Pro gives you the advantage of live vehicle data and navigation combined with all available features of ET and Executive.
36. What is the difference between the MC-18 and the MC-36?
 Both the iMobile MC-18 and MC-36 are revolutionary, ultra compact systems optimized to enhance your mobile computing experience. These systems both deliver breakthrough performance using an enhanced chipset which contains an embedded Soft MPEG-2 Accelerator for silky smooth DVD playback, and integrated 2D/3D graphics. The MC-36 improves upon the MC-18 with an optional PCMCIA slot for the ultimate in portable upgradeability. Full time wireless internet connection along with a tv/radio interface are just some available options for the PCMCIA slot.
37. Can I accessorize my iMobile system?
 There are many accessories you may add to your system to customize it. Simply click here to see whats available.