Detroit Free Press writer Mike Wendland offers up a vision of Web and Skype on the go.

He describes Chrysler's plans to offer an option for uConnect service starting Aug. 25 to transform 2009 model Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge cars into mobile WiFi hotspots. The option costs $500 plus $29 a month for service.

He expects other car makers to copy this idea, a service available in major cities from Avis Rent A Car.

So to avoid the drone from the kids of "Are we there yet?" the idea is to offer them Internet in the backseat, with IM and online video gaming. Car pools are another potential market.

Skype on the go is an option. In fact, Wendland said he's tried something like this already:

"There will even be video conferencing via the car, something I've already done (as a passenger) with a Verizon Broadband Anywhere USB modem and the free Skype instant message program and built-in camera on my Mac AirBook laptop."

Wendland said to watch out for regulations controlling laptop use in cars, just as there are for wireless phones for calling and texting to try to prevent accidents.