These days you can find tablets seemingly everywhere. They have changed the way that many of us use computers both in our personal and professional lives. Their advanced computing technology, affordable pricing and portability have also resulted in creative uses that go well beyond surfing the web, reading emails and watching movies. Tablets have also emerged as powerful gaming devices, musical instruments, photo/video editing suites and even cash registers.

With the recent popularization of smaller tablets (such as the iPad Mini and Nexus 7), many tablet users have started to use their devices in their cars. Electronic displays in cars have been around for a number of years now, but tablets are starting to replace these more expensive displays that for the most part have fewer features and customization.

If you’re looking to deck your ride out with the latest tech, here’s what you’ll need to know to get started:

Choosing a Tablet

Obviously, the first step to putting a tablet in your car requires a tablet. A tablet with a smaller screen would be ideal, since it takes up less space but is easy to maneuver. Also be sure to have a data plan in order to be able to access online and location-based content. Alternatively, you could connect to a wifi hotspot from your smartphone, though this might limit which location-based apps you can use.

Installation

There are a number of ways to mount a tablet in your car. There are many inexpensive car mounts available that allow you to easily mount your tablet (as well as dismount in order to take out of the car). Some options include the ExoMount, the Arkon Windshield Mount and the RAM Tablet Mount. Just be sure that you’ve installed the mount properly so your tablet stays in place on a bumpy ride!

If you’re looking to go all out, you can always get a custom dashboard built to accommodate your tablet. Check out the video below to see what this can look like.

Functionality

There are many great navigation apps that can augment your driving experience in very useful ways. Apps like Google Maps can provide you with free turn-by-turn driving directions that is in many ways better than a standalone GPS device. Running low on gas? Use Gas Buddy to find the cheapest place to fill up. And ensure a disruption-free ride by using Trapster to avoid hazards and police speed traps – though be sure to still drive the speed limit!

Of course, having a tablet in the car will also open up your music library to whatever is on your tablet as well. If you want even more music, though, you can use music streaming apps like Songza to generate playlists for you so your eyes are kept on the road. If you prefer to listen to the sound of your car, you can use XLR8 to make your ride sound like an exotic supercar!

And, of course, if you’ve spent too much time staring at your tablet instead of the road, make sure to download Car Butler HD to get all the information you need in the event of an accident.

Do you use a tablet in your car? Let us know in the comments below!