If an LCD display weren't desired as well, I guess it could be pretty cheap. For those who just want the bottom line and are on a budget. If you could hook it to a USB port to configure it via your computer you could eliminate the need for UI components. Even allow for some data capture, I suppose.

As some background, what got me thinking about this was an interface I read about that a car company was going to roll out. It's been a while, but it involved plants that grew better if you were driving in an efficient manner, but wilted or something otherwise. Struck me as kind of weird.

Just did a quick search but didn't find the story. Wish I could recall which company it was.

Ford Fusion hybrid:

https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/...92756e01d0.jpg

I never saw a picture, but that's got to be the one. Could've sworn it was a foreign car maker. Brain must be gettin' old.

Still striking me as weird. Presumably they have focus groups who like it.