Would You Geek Out A Prius?

[jyl]

So, we have a 2007 Priius now, and I have been spending time on priuschat.com learning about all the interesting things one can do with that car.

One thing I am sort of interested in is the Mac Mini-based built-in computer.

There is a hidden compartment in the dash where a Mac Mini fits perfectly. An LCD screen can easily be mounted to flip down from the ceiling. There's an aux-in jack for the Prius' audio. Add the FrontRow software and remote, and you have a perfect DVD and MP3-playing system for long roadtrips with kids. Then add an EVDO USB modem plus antenna, and you have a mobile Internet connection. A wireless keyboard and mouse is easy. Now on roadtrips the passenger can email, browse, Google for the next tourist attraction, post silly things to PP, etc.

However, the pragmatist in me thinks, this is keen and all, but how is it better than simply bringing a notebook computer along, with an EVDO card?

What do you guys think? Does the geeked-out car have any appeal, or would you not bother?

[Spede]

Nerd alert!! Just kiddin'

I guess it all depends on what you're use will be for the vehicle. If it's just a solo commuter then I would not bother.

It's a personal choice really... I mean really, who would ever testosterone up an old 911?

[sammyg2]

You can buy a DVD player with 7" screen for $60
Get one, give it to the kids in the back seat, and leave the car alone.
That's what I did with the SUV mommy wagon.

[Steve PH]

Forget fitting the LCD screen, what the Prius really needs is an LS7.

[widebody911]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TiCty3DMFC4

[jyl]

I forgot to mention the CAN-view mod, which taps into the CAN data bus and displays on an LCD screen practically every bit of data that is available abot the car's systems.

[lendaddy]

I'm pretty sure a Prius would have all the geek one would ever need sans modifications.

[fastpat]

The Prius comes geeked out.

[schamp]

You do know that batteries for that thing cost around 6 thousand dollars when they need to be replaced.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by schamp
You do know that batteries for that thing cost around 6 thousand dollars when they need to be replaced.

Does that include the disposal fee?

[jyl]

My father has 100K miles on his 1st gen Prius, zero unscheduled maintenance, still going strong, mpg has declined to 45 mpg from prev 50+ but still good. Don't know when he'll have to replace the batteries, but by that time they won't cost much more than whatever work a conventional car will need by then - top-end job, etc.

[pmajka]

To geek out this car, get it to get over 100MPG.

[Z-man]

A MAC? Eww.... Yuck.

That is all I have to say.

-Z

[m21sniper]

Originally posted by lendaddy
I'm pretty sure a Prius would have all the geek one would ever need sans modifications.

Hear, Hear.

[alf]

Put a 3.6 in there

[Hurra912]

I've always thought it could be pretty Geek Sheek to put the Prius power into a kit spyder.

[jyl]

What I'd really like to do it make the Prius a plug-in hybrid. It is quite feasible, but rather costly and I like having a warranty. Oh well, rumour is that in 2 years Toyota will offer a plug-in hybrid Prius.

[CJFusco]

... or I can buy a Porsche and make it go faster. Hmm decisions decisions.

[pwd72s]

Anybody else here notice how a Prius and a Pontiac Aztec look alike?

[Z-man]

On a side note: I have read this in several automotive magazines: the owner of a Prius will need to keep his car for 15 years before he sees any fuel consumption cost savings that offset the premium he paid for the Prius, compared to the price of a comprable non-hybrid car. And that doesn't include out-of- warranty battery replacement down the road.

-Z-man.