The notion of an in-car computer isn't particularly new, car modders and die-hard "pimp-my-ride" fans have been doing it for a while now, installing laptops under seats connected to LCD touch-sensitive displays in the dash, or a Mac Mini where the stereo used to be, for example. Their work is incredible, but the legality of such devices is still somewhat questionable in some areas in the United States, but it doesn't stop more and more vehicles from turning up with more complicated in-dash control systems every year.

Korean company SNT, however, has introduced a completely modular in-dash computer system that's based on Windows, that can be installed in many different types of vehicles, and plans to show the new device at the CeBIT conference this week. The IOPS In-Car Computer has a touch-sensitive display, runs on Windows XP, and is essentially a super-small PC that comes with an integrated GPS navigation system, and supports other features like a rear-view camera, FM radio, mp3 playback from media either on CD or DVD or on the internal hard drive, and even DVD video playback. Additionally, the IOPS In-Car Computer keeps you connected to the internet via HSDPA (a type of 3G cellular connectivity) so it can tune into over-the-air television, internet radio, and even store live TV on the internal hard drive or stream music into your car over the net.

If all of this sounds a bit unbelievable, you wouldn't be alone - the technology is there, but cramming it into a small enough package to fit in the dashboard of your car is another story. Combined with the fact that IOPS has not released any information on the pricing or the power of the hardware under the hood of the IOPS In-Car Computer, this package might be too good to believe. More information should be available at CeBIT. Even so, I wonder how well drivers would be able to handle such a robust system for entertainment and navigation while simultaneously keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. I'm all for more technology in the car, and would love something like this in mine, but I'm a little worried about being too distracted while driving. [via Ubergizmo]