For years we've heard stories about computer systems in cars.  And no, I'm not talking about the ones we've got now that map routes and show us how many miles we can squeeze out of our gas tanks.  I'm talking about computers that do the things we do on our traditional computers now:  email, web browsing, document writing.  I vaguely remember hearing a story years ago about something Microsoft was working on to actually embed radio-sized computers in car dashboards.  And since then I've seen several custom jobs, including more than a few built around Apple's Mac Mini.

This morning I stumbled across a short article over at ZDNet about a deal between Microsoft and Ford to begin shipping vehicles with a computer system Microsoft is calling Sync.  According to ZDNet, the Sync product includes hands-free Bluetooth capabilities and a special operating system that allows people to do anything from make mobile telephone calls to download music.  Ford will initially offer the system on the Focus and Five Hundred models but expects Sync to be an option on all Ford cars and trucks by 2008.

Great.  I'm not sure who's reliability is worse:  Microsoft's or Ford's.  Before you know it Ford will go back to using only Firestone tires.  I'm getting the mental image of a car that somewhat resembles Frankenstein.  Is that going to far?  The merging of unreliable products leads to… you guessed it… more unreliable products.  Get ready for Ford to take a big fall on this one.

I guess Microsoft definitely won't be bribing me now, huh?