As chronicled on this blog, WiFi is increasingly coming to the dashboard, making the front or back seat an in-car computing platform. While I suspect companies are envisioning these products and services keeping kids quiet on long trips with streaming video or web-connected video games, having a computer in the car also seems potentially distracting, and thus dangerous.

Walter Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal, suggests the same thing in this review of Autonet Mobile’s in-car WiFi system, which can be dealer-installed on Chrysler models, or after-market installed in other cars.

While acknowledging the potential benefits of the device/service, Mossberg also flags up the two major potential downsides: distraction and speed.

Drivers don’t need any more distractions, of course, and adding a web connection to the car could create one. Also, your car may be able to go faster than the Internet connection offered by Autonet – Mossberg got speeds of around 400-450 kbps on average.

It certainly behooves drivers to be safe in their use of products like this and manufacturers to support safe behaviors. Still, I can see a definite future for WiFi in the car – especially as LCDs are increasingly built in the backs of headrests.
With more speed from these devices, and better ways to be safe while using them, the car should become just another node on the network.