Carputer is the predominant term used to describe a category of mobile computer designed or modified to specifically be installed and run in automobiles. Originally these were based on industrial personal computer technology, but as smartphones and PDAs have become more powerful, and have included useful technologies like GPS and Bluetooth, they have become the predominant base platform for developing carputers.
Many do-it-your-selfers have built carputers from laptops and small form factor computers like netbooks.
The recent popularity of carputers has caused the creation of more advanced units that use touch screen interfaces, integrate with vehicles via OBD-II link, and offer a variety of other add-ons like rear-view cameras and GPS. It is now possible to find assembled carputers complete with wireless capabilities and built-in microphones for sale on the internet.
Police cars often have carputers, known as Mobile data terminals.
The AutoPC is a brand of carputer jointly developed by Clarion and Microsoft.