Shinna's Car World

Some Car Accessories Make Trips Easier

2010-04-01T02:21:00.000-07:00

For most car owners are some gadgets really should not be missed. What is A long trip for vacation or short business trips, car accessories, such as a car GPS to play a car charger for your cell phone or a car DVD player has an important role in facilitating movement.

Today's market is different from GPS devices for GPS C for Travel and Outdoor Adventure, Sports & Fitness GPS for cycling and running, see the GPS on the water craft and trade, etc. The most general is the GPS, which has the fastest growing segment of GPS. There is a motion detection and alarm system on your hard disk to keep it simple and safe, and may be associated with a handsfree to your phone via Bluetooth.

Mobile phones often without battery, if we are on the road. Annoy bad when this happens especially when we are right in a hurry, because some very important cases and to have contact with people. Car chargers designed to solve such problems. Using the output 5V 1A USB cable to connect the charger, the phone immediately.

For DVDit can not be a car DVD, but can often be used as an artist in all directions with GPS, MP3/MP4, CD player, Bluetooth hands-free microphone and speakers work. For a long trip, which is often better your company. If your friends or your family for a self-drive, go to the car as a gift from a fully functional travel to add a lot more fun.

Car GPS starting to get smarter

2010-04-01T02:09:00.000-07:00

GPS is one of the most popular technology devices are the people in those days. Approximately one third of American motorists, and Car GPS use to find their way. Gone are the days where we print the instructions and follow them step by step. Now, we have essentially no instructions, we want anytime, anywhere with a GPS.This article focuses on how GPSS try smarter. Their example is Article Interstate 66, just in Washington. Only vehicles with two or more persons allowed in the car, driving on this road. Since GPS does not know how many people do not want the car and the car manufacturer for a driver only applicable fare GPS GPS excluded in this way. This could be expanded by driving vehicles with two or more persons. Usually carpool lanes is much faster than normal roads. Here is a picture that I draw an arbitrary number that describes the problem GPSS little easier. I say theres 500 cars traveling at this time. Distance AB is a carpool lane and the car GPS would be blocked in this way. In this example, all drivers use the same system GPS.
So to say that if a person took a particular route, GPS, then the ACD pilot goes well. That would mean 500 1 / 100 = 6 This will take 4 hours. But if you knew how much faster carpool, only the driver is only 1 hour.Since GPS is not even smart enough to warn drivers who choose not to carpool route if theres one person in the car, installed by car manufacturers in GPSS to avoid them altogether. Currently, the GPS companies are trying to find ways to avoid these problems.
GPSS Many now offer traffic information in real-time directions, so the GPS will show the path to take when Theresa important event will happen. For example, here is another example of a table 500.
Figure 1, which is what the move might seem like a normal day. Each route is usually directly from A to B. But I will say a day in the city is a major sporting event like the Superbowl. Traffic was crazy. What would a person who is usually an hour, and take nine hours instead. Thus, if the driver had a GPS, which kept traffic reports in real time, could take the driver or pass ACB or ADB, and indicate to B much faster than the direct path.
Available now for free GPSS a small monthly fee for traffic information in real time, so might scare some people who do not want to pay the monthly premium. So if you have a GPS without updates in real time, should not always expect that it gives you a faster route.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Night-vision system tested

2010-03-22T23:07:00.000-07:00

Our mums always told us to eat the only way to get a good vision for our cores. Unfortunately, we have not heard, and now we are a group of four Freaks decays rapidly with ocular nerve. But we do not worry because the technology exists - we have a few days of testing the night vision system for Mercedes-Benz E-Class and now, as the Terminator, everyzing Zee ve.As if a trip was pitch-black look along motorways, with no way forward is not cold enough, the Merc also comes with three (count 'em), TV, two Car DVD players and computer systems vessel speed brakes and stops the car in your name while you're stuck in traffic during peak hours. All you need to do is direct. And knowing what keys to press to enable these functions.

Is this a good thing, though? Is a car with a touch of driving pleasure? There is no way - this is how we roll forward Car Tech.
NHS managers get your climb on and ride shotgun with the big boys, we'll show you live in the other half.

Roewe 350 car is sort of powered by Android

2010-03-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

A car running Android? Before you have any ideas for something away from the link you have James Bond-style grip on the new Roewe 350 will not use Android for something as dramatic as the engine system. Instead, the Chinese automotive market should be reported by the operating system for the integrated Car DVD / Car GPS system.
This is even more remarkable than perhaps the first time we saw the use Android platform on a ice factory. Where 350S Roewe Android 2.1 is used for navigation, media playback, Internet access and even real-time conversations that seems like a recipe for disaster Crash.

The Roewe 350 is a fundamental concept for the past year has been revealed and is now in production for the Chinese market. It may be the price of 70,000 yuan RMB 130.000 ($ 10.000 and $ 20,000).

2010-03-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

The goal of GPS tracking for both companies and individuals is the ability to immediately find what you are worth more.
Whether you are tracking a loved one, a fleet or a supreme good, Birdseyeglobaltracking.com a range of technologies, Car GPS and GPRS tracking devices that all work. All Birds Eye is Real Time and Historical Tracker no additional charge for continuous operation 24 / 7 monitoring. This means that you can be sure your favorite is a balance or your vehicle responsibly run because your device Birds Eye is always the labor market. It is important to note that the company started its trading activities, due to patient's disease Alzheimer. This is to show the commitment of human enterprise.

The founder after months of discussions and consultations with others, came up with a device that is the guardian, when someone moves and can then communicate in real time to walk the line of the current position. This is based on tracker GPS.
After years developing the device, is finally here, with reliable monitoring of food and live fences Geo. This device is small as a pager with a carrying case can be related to clothing. The device reports the caregiver when someone leaves a specific location. It works anywhere there is cellular service and cost as a cup of coffee a day. The next time someone is moving, you know the exact position of the foot, in real time. It does not matter if the garden or 3000 miles away. This device will save lives and peace of mind, so many families around the world.

New Birds Eye Tracker GPRS Global Hawk, the first tracker in real-time updates every two minutes. Direct GPRS data connection gives you the most accurate and reliable tracking data ever! The entire unit is operated as small as a set of car keys. It's small, accurate, reliable and discreet. The next generation of GPS tracking is here. Birds Eye Tracker is a totally independent global GPS tracking system small enough to fit in the palm. When taken together with vehicles, packages or people, has the Birds Eye Global Tracker GPRS an entirely new level of security and peace of mind. By using the global GSM / GPRS Tri-band Birds Eye Global Tracker GPRS offer comprehensive ability to monitor in real time.

About Birdseyeglobaltracking.com: Birdeyeglobaltracking.com provide GPS tracking services that can be used for various purposes. It is used by people to keep their loved ones, businesses, vehicles, etc. The duration of the products and services at low cost and high reliability is excellent.

2010-03-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

Some of Car DVD players have iPod support, you can easily connect your it to your Car DVD unit by an iPod cable through the iPod input. . But Eonon would like to remind you, if your car doesn't have an iPod dock or iPod support audio system, rather than scrapping your mp3 player for burned cds, (or scrapping your car, for that matter) owners of dockless vehicles can patch together a method for streaming their MP3s through the built-in stereo. Effort and expense will vary, and some setups will sound much better than others. Here are five options to connect your iPod to your car.

Option 1: Wireless FM Transmitter
INSTALLATION: Easy
SOUND QUALITY: Poor
FM transmitters are the most popular and convenient way of playing an MP3 device through a car stereo. They typically plug into an iPod’s dock or headphone jack to create what is essentially a low-wattage pirate radio station—powerful enough to be picked up by your car radio inches away, but not strong enough to interfere with neighboring car radios. Unfortunately, these transmitters need to compete with real (and far more powerful) radio stations and are easily swamped by 6000 watts of classic rock. When this happens, the sound that comes out of the speakers can be a cacophonous mix of static, local radio stations and whatever your iPod is playing. This problem is exacerbated by FCC regulations, which prohibit FM transmitters from broadcasting at greater than 18.75 nanowatts, essentially ensuring that they won’t work well. And while this problem is particularly pronounced in cities with crowded airwaves, the issue exists nearly everywhere in the country. There’s another downside to FM transmitters: Even under ideal conditions, FM radio just can’t deliver excellent sound quality.

That being said, FM transmitters are extremely convenient and, with many models selling for as little as $15, affordable. If you decide to use one, choose a model that lets you pick any FM frequency (some restrict you to a few stations on the top or bottom of the spectrum). This will increase your odds of finding an open channel.

Option 2: Cassette Adapter
INSTALLATION: Easy
SOUND QUALITY: Good
Audio cassette adapters take advantage of an increasingly rare feature: a car’s tape player. These adapters are shaped exactly like a cassette tape. They are cheap (around $15), commonplace and deliver decent sound quality. To use one, simply plug one end into the MP3 player’s headphone jack and the other into the tape deck. If your automobile has a cassette player, there is no easier way to get interference-free listening.

Option 3: Wired FM Modulator
INSTALLATION: Moderate
SOUND QUALITY: Good
With wireless FM transmitters, the signal has to travel through high-traffic airwaves on its way to your car antenna. Wired FM modulators, which usually come as small boxes with a few cords running out from them, intercept the connection between the car’s antenna and radio, allowing you to inject your iPod’s signal directly into this wired pathway. The result is dramatically improved sound quality—although the final result is still hampered by the limitations of FM radio, which is far from audiophile-friendly.

These modulators are inexpensive (they can be found online for as little as $15) and relatively easy to put in, as long as you are comfortable fiddling with your car stereo’s wires. To install one, position yourself underneath the dash. Reach up and unplug the antenna from the back of the stereo and plug it into the modulator’s antenna input. Take the modulator’s output cord and connect it to the stereo’s antenna input. You can then set the modulator to run at any FM frequency. Pick one with weak competing signals (usually at the very top or bottom of the spectrum), and plug the modulator’s audio output cord into your iPod’s headphone jack.

Option 4: Stereo With Line-In Port
INSTALLATION: Moderate
SOUND QUALITY: Very Good
If you’re lucky, your car stereo has a headphone-size line-in port right on the front. If so, all you have to do is jack your MP3 player into this hole, tune your stereo source to “Auxiliary,” and crank some tunes. Unfortunately, most car stereos lack this port. Installing a new car stereo that has one is one method for getting excellent sound using your iPod. New stereos with the port can be purchased for under $100 and installed either by you or a professional. (Some shops offer free installation with purchase.)

Option 5: RCA Port
INSTALLATION: Moderate
SOUND QUALITY: Very Good
Some car stereos—primarily ones with CD players—include an RCA jack in the back. Hijacking this audio connection from the CD player will provide excellent sound quality for music coming off an iPod. First step: Remove the stereo. If there is an RCA port, you will see dual jacks—one with a red and one with a white input (similar to the RCA jacks on home stereos). RCA-to-headphone cords can be bought for a few dollars at just about any electronics store. Plug the red and white ends of this cord into the stereo’s RCA jack and the other end into your MP3 player’s headphone jack. Finally, tune your stereo to either “CD” or “Auxiliary” (the exact setting depends on your stereo).

Some South American Cities Moved in Chile's Earthquake

2010-03-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

With disasters affecting Haiti, Chile and more recently in Turkey, appears to be no end in sight for the earthquake-weary. Researchers from four universities and several institutions - including geophysicists on the ground in Chile - Measures were made at 25 stations Car GPS tracking in front of the massive earthquake and compared with measurements taken 10 days later to come to the preliminary data.

New evidence of the Ohio State University (OSU shows published) that the 8,8 mega-magnitude earthquake that struck the coast of Chile during the last month was so strong that several selected cities in South America and of course during the initial place.

The effects of shock Concepcion, Chile has taken, it was so far away as Brazil and the Falkland Islands, which is considered the fifth-largest earthquake ever recorded.

* Conception, Chile, moved 10 meters to the west.
* Santiago, the capital of Chile, has moved about 11 centimeters to the west-southwest.
* Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, moved about 1 cm to the west.

And Buenos Aires, located across the continent!

Cities Valparaiso and Mendoza, Argentina, north of Concepcion, also showed significant movement.
How far, such as moving an entire city?

The proposed measure is called CAP Project: Central and Southern Andes Project GPS.

Dr. Ben Brooks, a research fellow at the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii and co-researcher in the project worked with a team of researchers from OSU, University of Memphis and analyzes various other data.

In Argentina, the Military Geographical Institute, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Mendoza and the National University of Buenos Aires to the project. UNAVCO, a consortium of over 50 organizations and agencies dealing with research in the earth sciences is to provide equipment for the project, said the press release from OSU.

Roewe 350S is testing

2010-03-07T23:26:00.000-08:00

The the Roewe 350, to design a car Nice seriously, counting cars on display in Beijing to begin a month from now with a 1.5 engine. Persistent rumors of a 1,5 Turbo engine has been around for some time, although we have not even spy photos of these animals. It has Car DVD GPS navigation system and several other technology board.

The Roewe 350 is expected to play a bigger car SAIC Roewe Masters, because it is the first true self-developed car, which, like the Roewe 550 and produced a platform abbreviation Roewe 750, which is a reproduction of the developed Rover 75, however, the V8 Rover 75S barbecue style. The Roewe 350 is derided as a car in the future will be equipped with technology, but sell at a low price.

According to the car, the Roewe is the 350S is suitable, the smallest model in the series is the 350D has the Car GPS DVD navigation system and several other technology board. Although the model below the poverty spec model is a little different than anything in its class:

How to use and implement a GPS

2010-03-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

It seems almost every day theres mention again and tracking GPS. By identifying vehicles of the company to monitor the teenage driver, and all others, Car GPS tracking is used increasingly for safety and improving efficiency. There are some important guidelines to remember when installing the tracker GPS to maximize their effectiveness.
What is GPS tracking?
GPS or Global Positioning System, uses satellites to communicate with GPS location in real time. The receiver sends the stigma GPS, speed and time on the Internet, you can register online and anywhere you would check trackers. There are two types of GPS devices include wired and wireless / battery. The technology is essentially the same, but the reasons for the use of one or another of your security requirements. What are the different types of Car GPS trackers;
With a GPS tracker you have ever wired through the battery is almost exhausted because of concern that such devices are wired directly under the dash and works in front of the car power. This device is useful for monitoring long term, as shown initially necessary wiring in the car. Wired GPS followed mainly from the companies hope their institutions or a fleet, or for those who are used to protect the stolen cars in case of screening.

The great thing about the radio or battery of GPS tracking devices is that they are fully portable and wireless and that means you can use to track a variety of different things for your needs. If you want to track your vehicle daily to throw in your backpack Childs another, and then put it in a suitcase on vacation, you can. Basically you can put anywhere and can switch between trackers when needed change.

Comment puis-je GPS tracker
According to the model of the vehicle, wireless / battery GPS devices can be placed at various points. The most common sites are the driver or passenger seats, hidden in the region before or behind the dashboard and glove box. The GPS is only in these areas, the Auto as it conveys a message through the window. In other words, if you place the GPS tracker under the hood of your car or trunk can block the signal and therefore the device does not work, ie. The same applies if you put the tracker GPS in a box of metal or underground storage unit. Remember, you can send the GPS Open-Air brand.

Some people choose to save GPS tracker in weather resistant housing, add only tractor on the chassis of the car or inside a wheel. The slap-n-monitoring technique works because the GPS signal is reflected in the way or jump across the gap between the bottom of the car and the sidewalk.

Depending on your needs and who or what you have to book either hard wired or wireless / GPS battery can help you maintain the security, safety, and even improve the efficiency of your business.

Which Top 20 Cars That Have the Lowest Insurance Rates?

2010-03-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

When people think about buying a new vehicle to them for the price, interest rates, the physical properties of the vehicle and driving the vehicle. The only thing many people forget is that when purchasing a new car or used, what it costs to insure it is. The premiums are quite expensive and are more expensive for some cars. We all want cheap car insurance, but now knows the importance of choosing a car. Luxury cars, Car DVD players and upgraded from an expensive luxury car, include the replacement of standard equipment.

According to Insure.com, ensuring the top 20 cheapest cars, as follows:

Faster cars are more likely to have accidents than those who are more conservative with the speed. Insurance can see that when a car driven at high speed and power, a convertible or sports car, you must purchase this power and speed, and are at higher risk of accidents. It should also be noted that these types of vehicles that are attractive to the younger generation of drivers and younger drivers looking to step up earlier and have higher premiums than someone with more experience driving.

Another important reason that sports cars have higher premiums because they are more attractive to car thieves. It is more likely to be broken or stolen, because the value of the silver vehicle. Soft-top convertibles are higher premium, but also because so much easier to crack than in an ordinary car or sports car.

Such as hybrid cars or external costs more money for modernization or replacement. Therefore, a higher premium than a car that has never, as standard equipment. Luxury cars, Car DVD players and upgraded from an expensive luxury car, include the replacement of standard equipment. Hybrids are a car with higher insurance premiums because the species is rare and expensive to replace.

The age of the very car insurance rate you receive from your insurance agent. If a car is brand new, it is expensive to achieve, because the parts are new and expensive. If the car is an old car parts are hard to find and more expensive because of availability. In cooperation with the age of the car is the color of the car. Many people believe that if you are a bright orange car, such as yellow or red, to ensure that there is more flavor. It is a myth. A red car does not cost more than black or white car with the same functions to be provided. The pearlized or metallic colors on cars is a bit higher than the background color car to achieve because the ingredients are more expensive to get the colors.

A vehicle with 4 wheels to do more to ensure, as it is difficult to put together. There are many places to obtain and therefore appeal to a higher rate. It is somewhat a win-win, however, because a 4-wheel drive vehicle is stolen, like a large SUV or truck, not a car that is capable of doing, because hiding more difficult. Therefore, the premium should be compared to that of a luxury sedan. Another aspect of the complexity of vehicles powered by diesel. It's like a car with 4 wheels on the side is more complicated and expensive parts to repair it, so the premium is higher. Vehicles or high performance Turbo is the same way. If you have a muscle car, you want to be able to demonstrate the power and the turbo used car. The result is that many of the damaged engine. This is another point to consider when buying a car as

The vehicles listed above, can some of the characteristics listed in the preceding paragraphs, but standard cars that the driver some money to make sure you save. You have to finish before you go buy a new car. You can thousands of people in the life of the car.

What To Look For Car GPS

2010-03-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

GPS receptors for the outdoor adventure to explore and purchase the car are two different animals, although some may overlap. Foreign policy GPS receivers built to withstand the elements - it is more flexible investment and waterproof. The portable Car GPS also intended to maintain the light and easily with one hand. You must make smaller screens than auto receivers GPS, and the screen is not always in color. The handheld GPS receivers point also, the battery life. Watch our report on handheld GPS for more information.

Car GPS receivers are portable but want more of them are camping. It is watertight, and because of the large screens, they are usually heavier than a portable GPS (although the average weight) is still less than half a pound. The wide screen also undermines the battery life. Most GPS receivers can be in a car cigarette lighter socket. The Car GPS devices related to the provision of maps and audio instructions. Do not just portable GPS receivers are often only based on maps, and some with cards in general.
Car-mounted receivers GPS, also come with a windshield or dashboard, while the majority of portable GPS devices do not.

Other possibilities for car navigation, a smartphone with integrated receiver GPS (see our report on smartphones) or a Bluetooth-enabled laptop or PDA. Some PDA with embedded antenna GPS, while others accept mai receiver accessories. The laptops have screens much larger than the GPS receiver in the car and have plenty of room for cards, but not easily fitted in the car, and will work better if you or plus operator or software that uses voice instructions received. Otherwise, using only dangerous when driving.

Aftermarket Experts say GPS units are better and cheaper than pre-set factory installed in some cars. Factory-installed navigation systems, GPS can not be upgraded and used in a car. However, the unit has installed GPS devices have two advantages: they offer a clean installation, integrated, and is much more difficult than flying Auto Aftermarket devices GPS. This report refers only to a GPS receiver in the secondary market, the factory installed units are rarely checked.

* It's for occasional use, requires only one application smartphone with a GPS. Large companies such as GPS Garmin, TomTom and TeleNav GPS application for iPhone, Blackberry, etc. get in the range of 70 to $ 100 dollars, good reviews. Some applications of May costs only $ 5 or $ 10 and work very well on tests. But experts say dedicated car GPS devices are more accurate and much easier to use. Good budget GPS devices start around $ 100.
* The quantity and quality of maps is essential. It should also in progress (or improvement) if you are driving mature cities such as New York and San Francisco. Some units can download maps through a USB cable or memory card. Receiving devices connected to the power of the Internet by Garmin and TomTom in wireless, automatic updates.

* The automatic route calculation is a standard feature on all cars in good navigation GPS. With more sophisticated equipment, car GPS, you can enter multiple destinations, and the camera will give you the most effective way to achieve all these.

* Look for spoken street names. Instead of giving a single statement, left in 100 meters, models with text to speech to pronounce street names ( 100 meters on the main road, turn left ) in order to provide better information and reduce need to see the screen.

* Make sure your device is able to properly and securely mounted on your dashboard or windshield. Almost all models are equipped with the right material. The experts stress that you can mount the unit where it does not interfere with airbags should. All U.S. states now allow GPS devices to be placed on the windshield.

* Examine the multimedia functions. Many car GPS devices can play MP3 files and store photos. Most models play with built-in speakers, and some also offer an FM transmitter to play through your car stereo system. However, testing is the FM transmitter does not work very well, and some models do not allow music to play and navigate to the same period.

* Decide if you want to get traffic reports in real time and alerts. FM / TMC, MSN Direct, NAVTEQ, XM, Tele Atlas and Clear Channel to offer traffic information in real time. Compatible with GPS devices to download using an integrated or external tuner - or a Bluetooth mobile phone - the information in the routing. Garmin navi Some models come with a free subscription to the service life of other GPS devices usually require a separate annual subscription. Check the coverage, however. Each service is only a limited, but a growing number of major markets. MSN Direct service will begin January 1, 2012 There are no other because of the lack of subscriptions, Microsoft has announced.

* Ensure that the size of the screen your vision and vehicle parking is adequate. Most previous models of GPS and the budget has 3.5 inch screen. Some budget models and more expensive units is 4.3 inches. Garmin has some points to 5 inches.

* Consider a car with a GPS device wholesale points of interest database (5 million or more). Local attractions include sightseeing, hotels, restaurants, gas stations and ATMs. Some devices allow you to download points of interest. Web-linked units offer an unlimited number of users on the Internet, rather than relying on a database over.

* Just comfort features. A touch screen is the norm. Many units simplifies text input, allowing you to do is type letters or names into the database. Just start typing, these units also have options to choose from. Some units allow voice commands, but the experts say, the Garmin Nuvi 885T and nuvi 855 are the only ones that allow GPS devices really loud.

The navigation technology Global Positioning System (GPS), the exact time and location data using the 24 calendar satellite navigation and Ranging (Navstar) satellites are available. Each satellite completes an orbit of Earth every 12 hours. Placed at a level that allows for the same reason, once every 24 hours (less than four minutes) coverage.

Each satellite has a very accurate atomic clock and transmits both the position and time of the signal can be captured by a receiver GPS. A GPS device can receive data from several satellites, and since each satellite information is appropriate for its location and distance, see the GPS unit takes the necessary calculations and to get to a point with an accuracy of about 15 meters. Many factors can affect accuracy, including weather conditions, buildings, tunnels and dense foliage. However, that the most recent beneficiaries of the user to significantly reduce these problems.

Ford 2010 Transit Connect – Start of the Fashionable Cool

2010-02-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

Ford make a large profit on the new vehicle Transit Connect 2010 this funky-cool and infinitely customizable driving pleasure and buy cheaper - so much so that it breaks the line between commercial and personal vehicles. It has a built-in Car DVD GPS inside!

Commercial vehicles known for their models Bare Bones - not much fun to drive but reliable. If people want a vehicle for their contributions, they tend to choose something with a little style over comfort.
The Transit Connect is definitely a base vehicle, Ford, but the key just right, and the Transit Connect has become the new hot car for urban and suburban families and businesses need a cost-effective and service van.

Over the past 26 years, the ubiquitous minivan in a car bare bones of the family in a luxury SUV has disappeared, such as vehicles, often at higher prices out of reach for many families. If you have Car DVD screens in the back and TV reception on the road, you can get that far in a traditional minivan. But if you spend between $ 21,000 and $ 23,000 for a basket of public services, 22/25 MPG gets a new look at the Transit Connect.
The Transit Connect has 135 cubic meters and a deadweight of 1,600 pounds, and you can configure the vehicle to a room in back for three or shelves, slider, and a variety of commercial add-ons. The seats are comfortable but simple. The group includes navigation devices Car GPS, a computer built for commercial applications - you can even connect a keyboard and a printer and screen navigation screen!
Word processing, spreadsheet, calculator and calendar applications are included. Other applications include the receipt of customer or product information, remote access to an employment office computer, sending and receiving SMS, navigation, or delivery of the premises the job with Garmin navigation and connect with customers through hands-free functionality. With the embedded computer, the Windows CE 6,0 operating system. With optional wireless subscriptions can manage the system for users with access to the Internet, remote access to documents and Garmin Online services such as traffic, weather and fuel prices.

You will receive a sliding door on both sides of the vehicle because the rear doors, the barn will be open to 180 degrees (or more) to have access to high fantasy covered platform. You can take Transit Connect your mats instead of carpet (soft music for families and people with pets) and, of course, comes with all basic amenities, such as cruise control system and air conditioning. You even get a nice little shelf above the front seats.

The behavior of the Transit Connect is a laugh track. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 136 horsepower and returns scanning small van moves quickly and safely. The 4-speed automatic transmission is stable and that right for the car. Transit Connect drives like a sporty little hatchback, and get 22 mpg city and 25 on the highway.

Base price for the Ford Transit Connect 2010 is only $ 21,475, with most options (except the computer) will cost under $ 100. FRD2009020883063_PVrear rear and side windows are optional. If you buy all the options, you can enjoy a Transit Connect more than $ 25,000. Most are in the 21s and 22s.

Finally, the Ford Transit Connect 2010 is that I do not want to give back when I was a week. I loved to drive, has the look I got from other drivers and I thought my options for this vehicle can be useful. I'm sure someone will start to change these platforms for camping soon, if not already, and you will see, the Transit Connect in your neighborhood soon - why not your way?

Car thieves take advantage of GPS

2010-02-23T21:01:00.000-08:00

Criminal gangs have begun to introduce, with the help of Car GPS jammers from China for stealing luxury cars and lorries with valuable cargo C and there is a fear that terrorists are using more powerful models for Travel Air will hold a conference in London Hearing Tuesday to intervene.

The Jammers is on the same radio frequency for Global Positioning System (GPS), the hit signal timing devices that drive the chart position. This means that a tracker device in a truck with a valuable cargo, or a anti-theft car GPS device in case of theft, the report should distinguish the right to build a brand GPS.

It disappears from the radar screen, said Professor David Last of the University of Wales, Bangor, police seized an expert in certain cases during the past 18 months have GPS interference.

Some German drivers suspected of using jammers to escape from the GPS for road pricing, which has been introduced for trucks in 2005. There were also attacks in Russia, where such jammers used against both GPS and mobile phones in trucks to prevent the driver to communicate with the authorities.

In Germany as in Britain, it is illegal to sell or use such jammers C, although it appears to be legitimate the importation or possession.

Compatible devices proud to be able to see at least four of 30 satellites over 20,200 kilometers (12,550 miles) above the Earth, by correlating the timing and exact recognition of signals transmitted on the floor can be a location device within its own calculations of about 1 meter. But this is not the fault does not share the devices send a signal to the GPS signal interfere.

The problem is that the signal is very low, C is the equivalent of leaving a lumen 25 watt light bulb for the satellite, said Bob Cockshott, another speaker, place and time is the program towards Strategy of Technology, funded by the Ministry of Economy, innovation and skills.

This means that there should be a jammer with a capacity of about 2 Watt for each of the signals from GPS satellites in an area a few meters away from the swamp. This facility will be billions of times stronger than GPS signal area.

These systems were found arrested in the hands of criminals by the police during the past 18 months, said Cockshott. Blockers may be made by a competent electronics engineer, if bands like to make it appear by Chinese manufacturers to introduce Shenzhen.

We need the GPS users aware of the risk, said Cockshott. You need to use a complementary technology to ensure that their systems, even without the GPS. Systems, triangulation of cellular towers and d others who have used a terrestrial network, also called eLoran work if GPS signals are not, he said.

Last teacher said that the use of these systems by criminals and terrorists since 2002 when the U.S. government, the report states that interference with the GPS serious security and economic damage in the United States could expect.

Charles Curry, Managing Director of Time Technology, the leader of a consortium that manufactures GPS interference detection system through a grant 052.2m British government said it was the biggest fear that powerful Jammers GPS to power 20 W or more can the terrorists to the airport to use.

If GPS functionality on a plane or other things based on a certain date, such as emergency services and electricity is lost, if not reduce the ability to resist these attacks could build very serious consequences. The detection system currently at the prototype stage and will be in airports, ports and other places used to use for the production of nanosecond accuracy GPS.

World GPS Market Forecast to 2013

2010-02-22T02:28:00.000-08:00

New Delhi, India - RNCOS has recently added a new Market Research Report titled, “World GPS Market Forecast to 2013” to its report gallery. Global Positioning System (GPS) is a groundbreaking tool offering unequal accuracy as well as flexibility of positioning for surveying, navigation and Geographic Information System (GIS) data capture. Increasing use in automotive and consumer applications is stimulating the mobile location technologies market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 20% to cross US$ 70 Billion by 2013, says “World GPS Market Forecast to 2013”, a new market research report by RNCOS.

With increasing penetration in the areas that were earlier untapped, the technology is rapidly gaining global acceptance. Thus, the number of subscribers of GPS-enabled location-based services is anticipated to grow substantially in near future, with market revenue the mark of US$ 10 Billion by 2013. Speedy enhancements and developments in digital mapping software are presenting this positive prospect for the industry.

It should be noted that the most common applications are developed around mobile phones and Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs) despite the popularity of standalone devices. The GPS device market was dominated by PNDs as of the year 2007. However, this share is expected to get disturbed by the availability of GPS-enabled handsets that will account for around 66% of the market share by 2013. The report reveals that the GPS devices’ shipments will grow at around 22% CAGR during the forecast period (2010-2013), although cost is certainly expected to play a crucial role in this growth.

The report also says that 2009 was crucial for the overall development of the GPS industry in the regions such as North America and Europe, owing to the economic turmoil. Emerging countries like India and China will continue to witness rapid growth in the adoption of GPS technology with the launch of low cost GPS-enabled mobile handsets in these countries.

“World GPS Market Forecast to 2013” provides a complete overview of the GPS market worldwide. All the current trends and developments of the car GPS industry have been evaluated in the report. Key geographic markets, including the US, Canada, Japan and other Asian countries, have been specially focused in the research.

Our research report offers prudent analysis of end-user applications, such as Survey/Mapping, In-vehicle Navigation, Machine Control, etc. It also unveils that opportunities remain to be tapped for different vertical segments of the GPS market, including chipset availability, new advanced access devices, and the PND market.

All-in-all, the report guides clients in assessing current trends of the global and regional GPS markets, while simultaneously giving them a snapshot of the future potential of the industry worldwide.

Can Cartoons, Movies, TV Impact your Child?

2010-02-22T02:25:00.000-08:00

In general, I've never big a big fan of blaming violent movies, TV, or video games, for the acts committed by people who view them regularly. However, if you have a kid with autism, you might consider taking a look at what exactly your child is watching. While this is a great idea for all parents, sometimes autism parents might assume that a certain show is OK or think your child is not paying attention to what YOU are watching.

In our case, our daughter is super perceptive even when we think she is focused on something else entirely. She also seems to tune in to our moods, which can also be a factor considering what you are watching. You often hear people say that kids with autism do not imitate others. This is not the case for lots of kids with autism. Our daughter does lots of imitating of people in real life and stuff from movies. Kids with autism are often very visual thinkers.

Video Modeling is even a therapy used to teach social behaviors to children on the Autism spectrum. In our case, what might appear to be just general bad behavior could have roots in a movie she saw last night, last week, or last year. Even movies that are NOT VIOLENT and perfectly fine with neuro-typical kids, can result in unwanted behaviors. One prime example of a movie banned from ever seeing the light of day in our house is the 1999 Walt Disney movie TARZAN. For one thing, Tarzan swing from everything under the sun. There are also lots of OVER ACTIVE MONKEYS being monkeys. None of these are things you want imitated. Acting like a monkey in Walmart could perhaps result in some parenting stress even for the best of us. Yes, that can be a pain, but some acts in what you might consider safe media, could result in serious injury or even death if imitated by your child.

One thing that I assumed was fine was Looney Tunes. Our daughter loves Bugs Bunny. She likes to take her Bugs Bunny doll with her lots of times. He is her most beloved doll. So much so, that she threw Buggs off of a moving train while we were going over a bridge in a heavily wooded area at the Six Flags amusement park right before we were about to enter BUGGS BUNNY NATIONAL PARK! Buggs was rescued by a brave Six Flags employee. Why would she do such a thing? At first thought, it doesn't make much logical sense to my brain. However, have you ever seen all of the things that Looney Tunes characters endure? Being thrown off of a moving train is actually pretty tame compared to a lot of the things the Buggs Bunny cartoon character gets himself into on screen. I watched Looney Tunes as a kid and my memory of them really didn't match up to reality. We are guilty of popping in a movie in the car DVD player, giving her the headphone and letting her watch a movie while we listen to something else. When I watched some of these classic cartoons with her, I was a tad shocked at some of the subject matter. The first episode that I watched had a prostitute, a homicide, and a suicide! The next involved about a dozen ways that the Road Runner tortured Wile E. Coyote. This was followed by Buggs apparently committing suicide while playing a friendly game of russian roulette with Yosemite Sam. I'm not going to go into the full laundry list of Looney Tunes debauchery here, but will give you a couple of examples that would not be wise to imitate. Below is Buggs Bunny after he was HANGED by another character. The second picture shows a character who was just submerged in boiling water because another character thought he resembled a lobster. The only consequence of these acts in the cartoon world was some mocking by the other characters. Real world imitations Bugs Bunny Hangingof either of these could result in a lot bad things.

Movies, TV, video games, and the Internet can be great tools for your visual learner if you provide the right input. So, watch what you are introducing to your ASD child's mind. The problem behaviors that you are enjoying may be the direct result of some simple cartoon that you assumed was fine.

Rapid Growth Of GPS Market Around the World

2010-01-21T19:48:00.000-08:00

Bharatbook.com added a new report on “World GPS Market Forecast” evaluate the current GPS industry trends at the global and regional level while giving a prudent analysis of the future potential of GPS industry worldwide.

World GPS Market Forecast

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a revolutionary tool, which provides unequal accuracy and flexibility of positioning for navigation, surveying and Geographic Information System (GIS) data capture. Growing usage in automotive and consumer applications is propelling the mobile location technologies market, which is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of more than 20% to cross US$ 75 Billion by 2013.

The technology is fast gaining acceptance worldwide with rising penetration in previously untapped areas. Thus, the number of GPS-enabled LBS subscribers is expected to take a big leap in coming years with market revenue reaching around US$ 9.8 Billion in 2013. The positive outlook for the industry is accredited to the rapid development and enhancements in digital mapping software.

Although standalone products are quite popular, the most common applications are built around Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs) and mobile phones. As of 2007, PNDs dominated the GPS device market with more than 90% market share. However, this share is expected to get disturbed by the availability of GPS-enabled handsets that will account for around 70% of the market share by 2013. The report says that the shipments of GPS devices will grow at a CAGR of more than 24% in the forecast period but cost will play a critical role in this projected growth.

The report also says that 2009 will be crucial for the overall development of GPS industry in regions such as North America and Europe owing to the current economic market turmoil. Emerging countries like India and China will continue to see rapid growth in the adoption of GPS technology with the launch of low cost GPS-enabled mobile handsets in these countries.

“World GPS Market Forecast to 2013” provides a comprehensive review of the GPS market across the world. The report thoroughly evaluates the current industry trends and developments vital for the success of GPS industry. Analysis is presented for major geographic markets such as the US, Canada, Japan and other Asian countries. The report gives a detailed analysis of end-user applications, including In-vehicle Navigation, Survey/Mapping, Machine Control and others. It also says that opportunities remain untapped for various vertical segments of GPS market, which include new advanced access devices, chipset availability and PND market.

How could any car be worth such a price?

2010-01-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

I stood in absolute disbelief. Perhaps he had misunderstood my question. I answered, “No, I don’t want to purchase your business, I want to buy a car.” His frown left me mystified as I grasped what he was implying. The car actually was $44,991, on sale! I contemplated this as I scrutinized the automobile, searching for a toilet or maybe waiting for it to speak, something to verify its price. “Well, it should never break down,” I remarked. “It should run forever.” He laughed, but remarked on the car DVD player, the navigational device and the OnStar alert system. “Fantastic,” I echoed, “more gadgets to break down.” He grinned and I left.

It puzzles me that cars cost what once houses did, and in truth, are their engines that much improved? Fuel pumps, water pumps, gaskets, starters, batteries and radiators all still fail, as did the engine in my $10,000 Suzuki. Do we honestly believe that these exorbitantly priced automobiles outshine all others? That their engines won’t ever bite the dust? Do we not see this clue in having the OnStar alert system? Do we buy a car to watch DVDs?

It is distressing that there are those who believe these unrelated-to-the-engine devices will provide you with outstanding performance. How quickly we overlook that, sometime down the road, we will be forced to make the decision of either repairing it, again, or trading it in. What was it that we paid $44,000 for?

Gadgets for the Car – Make Life More Comfortable

2010-01-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

Many gadgets for the car are making their presence felt. Not just as a novelty but also as a safety measure.

Gadgets for the Car Making Life More Comfortable

Cars with automatic window shutters are a rarity and come at a premium no doubt. For the manual roll up window mechanism there is an add-on in the market. The automatic rollup car window gadget is making life easier for many people. These useful little gizmos come with attachment that also detect the brightness outside and switch on or off the headlights of the car. You can set the level of darkness outside to trigger the switching. When you go through a tunnel the headlights will turn on and when you exit it the headlights will turn off. The other little gizmos are electronic sensors that will turn on and off the windscreen wipers whenever the screen gets frosty with dew or rain.

One gadget for the car that Gadgets.in found quite useful is the rear camera that is connected to the rear view mirror. The mirror has a small LCD screen which displays the entire rear section of the car. This enables the driver to see the rear with ease irrespective of anyone in the rear seat blocking his or her view through the rear view mirror. Some people are developing this gadget to record certain periods while the car is moving. In case of an accident the driver can save the recording to replay it as a support for his claim of not being responsible for the mishap. If the driver does not save the clipping then the video will erase the clip a few minutes after the vehicle has stopped.

Other gadgets include state of the art stereo radio players that cone with inbuilt Car DVD players and CD players. The latest in the range of IPods is the iPod dock that fits into the coffee cup holder. This iPod dock fits snugly into the cup holder and rotates enough to face the controls of the iPod so the driver has easy accessibility to them. Next in the same line of car gadgets is the iPod FM transmitter. This transmits the music on an FM channel that the car stereo FM layer is tuned to creating music for all in the car to enjoy.

Should parents track their kids with GPS?

2010-01-14T20:50:00.000-08:00

Gone are the days when a teen could tell her parents that she's going to the movies when she's really sneaking away to a keg party.

Except Car CPS and or bikes, GPS has moved into the realm of parenting, and today's moms and dads can know exactly where their children are at all times.

Parents can download a program such as Loopt or Glympse onto their teen's cell phone or they can install a device into their teen's car. CarChip Pro collects data on the time and date for each car trip, distance, speed, hard accelerations and decelerations. The Real Time RT Tracker allows you to monitor your child in the car in real-time; the exact location of the car can be sent to your computer every 1, 2, or 5 minutes.

For younger children, there are small GPS units such as Insignia's Little Buddy Child Tracker ($99) that you can stuff into backpacks and lunchboxes. The Little Buddy will send you an alert when your little tyke leaves a designated area.

The new Lok8u Num8 Child Locator GPS Watch ($180) for kids ages 3 to 12 is designed to look like a real watch so a kidnapper doesn't think to rip it off your child's wrist. And if the watch is forcibly removed, an alert is sent to the parents' cell phones detailing the child's location. Parents can set up "safe zones", and if kids stray, the watch will then automatically switch to "live track" mode and the child's location is continuously monitored, updated and sent to the designated email as an address with postcode and a link to Google maps.

With many of these GPS child-tracking programs and gadgets, you can watch your child's movement on a map on a screen, whether its your computer, iPhone, Blackberry. Most often you're watching a little icon--your child--moving around on a Google Map.

Some parents view these devices as a godsend. These parents are concerned about kidnappers snatching their preschoolers or they don't trust their teenagers. They want to know when their kid who is playing outside leaves the driveway or walks across the street. But others are appalled by what some are calling "GPS parenting."

A review of the Little Buddy on Engadget.com reads:

Insignia, Best Buy's house brand, has just listed an incredibly invasive and humiliating new GPS tracker on its site, and rather than promoting it as just that, the marketing brains have decided it best to aim this at paranoid mums and dads who've done such a poor job raising their offspring that they can't even trust 'em to trek out on their own.

And "Free-Range Kids" author Lenore Skenazy, the mom who famously allowed her son to ride the subway alone in NYC, wrote about the Little Buddy in her blog:

What upsets me is the rationale behind the product: That children are in danger every second they step out the door, and that any GOOD parent keeps them under constant surveillance â€” either in person, or, now, by GPS.

Not only does this reinforce the notion that we are living among depraved monsters, it also reinforces the notion that if, God forbid, anything bad DOES happen to a child, it's the parents' fault. They should have been there. They should have expected the very worst. Every parent should treat every day as potentially their childrenâ€™s last.

Over at Momlogic, where a recent article covered GPS parenting, a mom posted her feelings in a comment:

Nope, no way, no how. I have custody of my teenage niece and the only way I would use the tracking is if she is really, really late and not answering her phone. I think it is an invasion of privacy and asking for conflict...It smacks of distrust, dishonesty, and secrecy--the one thing you are trying to teach your teen not to do.

Facts About Car Stereo System

2010-01-14T20:38:00.000-08:00

The truth is that if you just buy the car with no additional sound accessories, the sound quality of your car stereo system might not be the kind that you would like it to be. There is always room for improvement and the best part about modern technology is that that room is always allowed. This means that with whatever car audio system that your car comes with and if you are unhappy with the output and you would like to improve it, there are numerous ways by which you could embellish your car audio system and you can add on accessories and make the sound quality even better.

The first thing you should do if you wish to improve the performance of your car audio system is to replace your existing speakers for new ones. The fact is that the car stereo system that your car manufacturer provides you with is not of the best quality and the most instant improvement that you can distinctly tell is by installing new speakers that will show a great change in the quality of the sound that is produced. This is because no matter how great your car audio system actually might be, the sound that is being played ultimately has to be passed through the speakers to be heard and is this is not of the kind of quality that is up to your standards then of course the whole quality of the sound that is in the output will be bad. So just with a replacement of the speakers you will find a world of good.

The next thing that you should change or upgrade is the receiver itself. Just like the speakers themselves are pretty important for the kind of quality of sound that you want produced even the main receiver itself is as important for the overall sound quality to be good. For better sound with no signs of any sound distortion or also an amp that is very clear will require you to change your receiver, this should preferably be a receiver that is bought from a well known manufacturer.

The brand and the quality of the receiver that you buy from will surely affect the kind of sound that you ultimately receive. A better quality receiver will also have a better option for the kind of display on the interface that you receive that makes the selection of songs while you are driving less distractive and a better way to operate the sound inside your car. These good quality receivers can also be embellished with other sources for audio; these can include a car DVD player or a radio tuner or something like that which can be attached to the receiver and thus make your sound stereo system inside your car even more versatile.

Another great way to improve the sound quality inside your car which you should do after you have done the above is to add an external amplifier.

Find the best Auto Hifi at bargain prices and much more information on Car Audio for the right car stereo.

Car Gps Systems – A Buyers Guide

2010-01-12T23:32:00.000-08:00

In 1973 the U.S. Department of Defence launched the Navstar GPS network. This consisted of 24 satellites orbiting the earth every 12 hours and five ground stations. This positioning system was made available for public use. With this capability, consumer location devices were produced to accurately determine location and other data such as current and average speed, directional heading, and elevation.

recognition to receive destination instructions, and voice guidance to give driving instructions * Weather updates * Street name navigation – instead of just turn left 200m it was say ‘Turn left into Stanley St’ * Integrated Multimedia players – MP3 players, image viewers, and audio books. Onboard or Portable GPS Navigation units are black and white * Voice Interface – more advanced units How The GPS Device Gets A Fix The first time you start your Car GPS device, its data store is blank so needs a to collect satellite information to determine your position.

This is known as a cold start, while others can take several minutes. Subsequent position updates only take 30 to 45 seconds to acquire a 3D fix. * Antenna to capture satellite signals – positioned to get a clear view of the sky. Many portable models have a suction-cup-mounting device to position the device on the unit, to give driving instructions * Weather updates * Street name navigation – instead of just turn left 200m it was say ‘Turn left into Stanley St’ * Integrated Multimedia players – MP3 players, image viewers, and audio books.

Onboard or Portable GPS Navigation units are black and white to save power. Larger screens and integrate better with other vehicle electronics. Input Buttons – most enroute buttons are on the map as well previous track. The receiver constantly recalculates position, giving real time position. A typical GPS device contains: * 12-channel receiver – the quality of the type of unit and antenna, the important thing is to keep the antenna visible to the computer via USB, whereas others are done using a Car DVD.

Those units which can be used in multiple cars; being easily moved from car to car. Depending upon the power supply and portability, portable and handheld units can be just as expensive as the factory models. Upgrading – always check how bright these are, and if they are clearly visible from the mounted position in bright day light. Onboard navigation systems are generally color screens, and portable units are black and white to save on part of a track for future use. * A track of where you have been – the number of GPS Units Apart from giving you a current position on the windshield.

Add-on antennas are also available. Regardless of the sky. Many portable models have a suction-cup-mounting device to acquire a 3D fix. The GPS Device Gets A Fix The first time you start your GPS device, its data store is blank so needs a to collect satellite information to determine your position. This is known as a cold start, while others can take several minutes. Subsequent position updates only take 3 to 4 seconds. If you go out of range from losing line of sight, such as the Garmin StreetPilot 2720, can be taken when travelling or used on cycles, boats, private aircraft etc.

network. four This satellites consisted to of collect 24 satellite satellites information to determine your position. This is known as a cold start. Some units detach a portion to be connected to the computer via USB, whereas others are done using a car DVD player. Those units which can be upgraded online, are much more convenient. Added Features of GPS navigation devices can give you: * A track of where you have been – the number of GPS navigation devices can give you: * A track of where you have been – the number of tracks and waypoints stored varies from unit to unit.

You may also want to save on part of a track for future use. * A path from your current position to your destination * Maintain commonly used navigation paths for reuse. * Points of Interest – user sets the types of points of interest, such as the factory models. Upgrading – always check how bright these are, and if they are clearly visible from the mounted position in bright day light. Onboard navigation systems are usually more expensive than portable counterparts.

Movies 2 Go Car Universal Mount DVD Mobile Video Player

2010-01-12T23:27:00.000-08:00

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In GPS, Google Is Still a Little Lost

2010-01-08T01:34:00.000-08:00

Where in the world am I?

I thought I knew. From all outward appearances, I was at Pennsylvania Station in New York. But according to Google's (GOOG) mapping and Car GPS software running on my Motorola Droid phone, I was on Cheapside, a street in London. The app helpfully located nearby Underground stations for me.

When Motorola (MOT), Verizon (VZ), and Google launched the Droid in November, investors drove down shares of TomTom and Garmin (GRMN), makers of dedicated navigation systems. The reason: The mapping application built into Google's Android smartphone operating system offered spoken, turn-by-turn directions—for free. Now that Google has taken the wraps off its Nexus One phone, it's clear navigation will only grow in strategic importance.

I plan to look at how the app works on the new Google handset soon. In the meantime I've been using the program on the Droid in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area for the last couple of weeks. And I've encountered enough quirks—hello, London!—to conclude its not quite time to give up a standalone device.

In your car, the best way to use the Droid for Car GPS is with the optional $29.99 mounting bracket that attaches to the windshield or dashboard. The phone senses when it's in the holder and automatically displays a special interface that includes large buttons for maps and navigation. On a few occasions, though, my phone would slip back to its usual display setting, requiring me or my passenger to find and relaunch the program.

Google's app provides multiple ways to input your destination, including by touchscreen, the Droid's physical keyboard, and built-in voice search. I found the interface a bit fussy, requiring a number of pokes and prods. (Drivers shouldn't poke this, or any other screen, when the car is in motion.)

I also had an issue with the app's display. For a smartphone, the Droid's screen is a pleasure—very bright, with a higher resolution than that of an Apple (AAPL) iPhone. But its 3.7-inch size, combined with the Google app's mapping layout, makes it much harder to see than the 4.3-inch display on the Garmin nüvi 855 system I used for comparison.

Once I was under way, driving instructions were delivered in a clear voice that sounds a little like VIKI, the malevolent computer in the movie I, Robot. The system gave me plenty of advance notice of coming turns, including street names, and usually picked good routes. When I deliberately missed some turns, the Droid took longer than the nüvi to recalculate. So I often failed to take what would have been a logical alternative route. Harder to forgive were the app's occasional bouts of confusion, including the London episode.

Motorola refers queries about such hiccups to Google, which responds that they are hardware issues. Whoever is to blame, it's disconcerting to be directed the wrong way down a one-way street, something that has happened perhaps twice in five years with the built-in navigation system in my car—and happened within a week of using the Google app.

On the other hand, when I arrived at my destination, not only did the phone announce it, but the view switched from map to a Google street-view photograph. Very nice if you are prowling unfamiliar turf.

Google labels its nav app "Beta," a testing designation the company often maintains longer than its competitors do. I guess that's supposed to excuse the bugs in an otherwise fine app with a price nobody can beat.

Oh, and to get to Penn Station from Cheapside, head toward the Thames, take a right, and...keep going.

Mobile DTV Goes Wi-Fi to Reach IPhones

2010-01-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

Among the devices supporting mobile digital TV at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week will be a small box designed to bring over-the-air broadcasts to iPhones, BlackBerries, laptops and other devices with Wi-Fi.

The ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) approved a mobile DTV standard for the U.S. in October, but CES is expected to host the first major announcements of devices that can receive the signals. The Tivit, development of which was partially funded by the industry group Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC), will pick up a standard mobile DTV signal and transmit it via Wi-Fi to a mobile phone or any other device equipped with Wi-Fi. It is expected to go on sale in the first half of this year for between US$90 and $120.

All the major U.S. mobile operators offer some form of TV service, but those services are oriented toward national channels and video on demand. Mobile DTV allows local stations to broadcast their regular over-the-air programming or other content from their existing transmission facilities. The broadcasts are carried over a portion of the station's regular frequencies and use high-quality H.264 video and HE AAC v2 (High-Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding, Version2) audio encoding. Stations are expected to begin by showing their standard content, free of charge, but could also add special mobile DTV channels available by subscription.

Several mobile DTV devices are expected to be announced at CES, including a portable car DVD player from LG Electronics. As for content to watch on those upcoming devices, 30 local stations out of about 1,600 across the U.S. are already set up for mobile DTV, according to the OMVC. It costs less than $150,000 and about two hours to upgrade a station for mobile DTV, said David Arland, a spokesman for the OMVC and Valups, which will make the Tivit.

The Tivit could open up mobile DTV to a plethora of devices already in consumers' hands, giving early adopters a taste of free, live, local TV on their handsets. The OMVC, which represents more than 800 local broadcast TV stations, will use it as part of a trial this year in the Washington, D.C., area in which eight local stations will broadcast mobile DTV and various consumers will use different types of devices to watch the broadcasts.

The device, about two inches (5 centimeters) by 3.5 inches and less than half an inch thick, is made by Valups, a South Korean vendor of set-top boxes. Valups adapted it from devices that were introduced in Japan and Korea so iPhone users could continue to enjoy the live local TV they were used to seeing on their cell phones, Arland said. The Tivit is battery-powered, comes with a USB port and a wall adapter for charging, and should last about three hours of viewing on a charge, according to the company. Valups will be looking for retail channel partners at CES, Arland said.

The Tivit can only send video to one Wi-Fi device at a time, though it could be adapted to serve multiple devices in the future, Arland said. It includes a slot for a micro-SD card, which could be used to give a consumer access to subscription-based programming. In addition to the Tivit, Valups will introduce a mobile DTV module for integration into portable consumer electronics devices such as car DVD players, TVs and in-car navigation units.

To use the Tivit, consumers will need special software. There is a free application available now in the iTunes App Store for iPhones and iPod Touch devices. Though on Monday the app was still called "Tivit Mobile TV Viewer for DVB-H," it actually uses the U.S. mobile DTV standard and not DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld), the standard used in Europe, Arland said. Users will also be able to download free software for BlackBerries, Motorola Android phones and laptops. There are versions available for Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. The applications will provide a list of available programs. None of the software will work without the Tivit.

Though any Wi-Fi device could pick up transmissions from the Tivit, the mobile DTV standard is designed for use in small devices with screens less than 10 inches across, Arland said. Unlike standard digital TV, it is designed to allow smooth viewing even on high-speed trains, he said.

Introducing the Tivit is a necessary first step in getting mobile DTV off the ground, said Avi Greengart, an analyst at Current Analysis. Some consumers would prefer making a one-time device purchase and getting free TV from then on. However, it will face two major hurdles as a consumer electronics product, he said. One is that consumers won't have any use for it until mobile DTV is on the air in their own areas.

"Until there's broadcasting in your local area with content that you're interested in receiving, it's a doorstop," Greengart said.

The other is that it's one more thing a consumer will have to remember to take advantage of the service.

"Generally speaking, consumers don't like to carry accessories for their devices," he said.

MobiTV, which already sells a managed service to mobile operators for delivering live national TV and video on demand on phones, is bullish about the addition of local broadcasting over mobile DTV.

"We've proved there is a business in mobile TV. This is just another addition to it," said Chief Technology Officer Kay Johansson. Though MobiTV could bring local stations' programming into its service and deliver it based on a user's location information, mobile DTV makes more sense for that, he said. "We definitely believe that you have to have a broadcast element of this in the future."

Protect Your In-car Gadgets and Save a lot

2010-01-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

Metropolitan Police statistics from 2007 show that gadgets like sat nav units and mobile phones have become big money for car thieves. And with harder financial times ahead for many, this area of crime is likely to increase.

According to those figures, theft of sat navs from vehicles rose 154% between April 2006 and April 2007 – that’s more than double. And sat navs aren’t the only gadgets attracting thieves to your car. MP3 players, Car DVD players and digital cameras are among the items most often reported stolen from vehicles.

The worst part of losing your Car GPS or Car DVD from your car is that it will usually end up costing you far more than just the cost of replacing the gadget. You’ll also be paying for the cost of repairing broken windows or popped locks, or however the thief gained entry to your car. If you make a claim against your car insurancepolicy for the repairs and replacement, you could lose your no claims bonus and may face higher premiums for years to come.

Knowing all this, you’d think that the savvy driver would take measures to avoid putting out a welcome mat for thieves, but surveys point to the opposite. An industry survey showed that an incredible 96% of drivers regularly leave their electronic gadgets in their cars when they park them. As if that’s not bad enough, an unbelievable 1 of every 3 drivers surveyed admitted that they leave their gadgets in full view inside their vehicle. The results? An incredible 21% of drivers surveyed – more than one in every five – have had at least one electronic gadget stolen from their vehicle.

Mobile phones, sat navs, MP3 players and other electronics are a veritable treasure trove for today’s brand of thieves. They’re often left in full view on the front seat or dash of a car. It’s only a matter of seconds for an opportunist to break a window and be off with your sat nav tucked into a pocket or under a shirt. Those goodies are easy to steal and easy to sell off, since they’re in such high demand.

Save Your Sat Nav – And Some Cash

One UK car insurer isn’t taking the situation laying down. At swiftcover.com, the UK’s only completely online insurance company, they’ve added a new cover option to their car insurance. For a small extra premium of around £30, you can purchase gadget cover when you purchase their car insurance. The small gadgets cover will replace your in-car items if they’re stolen from your car or damaged accidentally. That’s a cheap price to pay to cover hundreds of pounds worth of equipment that you might use every day.

The small gadgets cover from swiftcover.com will cover items like mobile phones, PDAs, satellite navigation systems, MP3 players, safety camera locators, portable games consoles, digital cameras, camcorders and portable Car DVD player.

Of course, the best form of protection is prevention. Before you get out of your car, make it a practice to pick up any gadgets on your dash or seats and stow them in the glove box or the boot. That one simple habit can reduce your chances of being a smash-and-grab target dramatically.

Nexus One car kit caught on camera

2009-12-29T23:00:00.000-08:00

The Google Nexus One will include a couple of accessories when it’s released in January (as rumored). Among them–a dashboard car kit and a Bluetooth desktop dock. The car kit has been caught on camera and doesn’t look to be anything special. It does continue to point toward the eventual demise of the PND though. The desktop dock, model number CR B410, is Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR-capable, as is the Nexus One. This is leading some tech bloggers to believe, citing an FCC filing, that the Bluetooth dock could be tethered via an AV jack to something like a car DVD player to stream media content from the phone to, for example, an HDTV.

Ten Top Automotive Technologies of the Decade

2009-12-29T20:19:00.000-08:00

In the '90s, satellite radio and iPods weren't around. Only hardcore computer geeks were tweaking cars to add MP3 capability, and navigation systems were still only available as expensive in-dash systems,' remembered Edmunds.com Senior Technology Editor Doug Newcomb. 'Bluetooth hands-free phones were still years away and Bose was the best known of only a handful of premium car audio offerings.'

1. iPod Integration: We've come a long way from carrying around bulky multi-CD cases. Today drivers can bring along all their favorite music with a device that fits in a pocket and can be integrated with most vehicles.
2. MP3 File Access: Most stock radios now offer CD players that can read MP3-encoded discs that can store hundreds of tunes, and if a car has a Car DVD player then the number of songs that can fit on a disc goes up exponentially. Many cars now offer an aux-in for plugging in an MP3 player, and more vehicles now have a USB port or SD card slot for reading music files on flash media.
3. Bluetooth: Hands-free laws gave this emerging technology an added boost, and now that wireless music streaming is catching on with carmakers and consumers, Bluetooth is getting even more popular.
4. Satellite Radio: No one could have believed that radio could sound this good, offer this much variety, be largely commercial-free and not fade in the middle of nowhere.
5. High-End Branded Audio Systems: Good-sounding, name-brand OEM audio system from Bose, Infinity, Pioneer and others were available for years, but premium systems from Mark Levinson, Bang & Olufsen, B&W and others set a new benchmark during this decade.
6. Exterior Cameras: Backup cameras became popular in giant-size SUVs and have since proliferated in a variety of vehicles large and small.
7. Navigation: In just a few short years after portable nav systems debuted in the early part of the decade, with retail prices in excess of $1,000, they quickly became an inexpensive consumer electronics purchase. Now smartphone nav apps are further democratizing the availability of navigation.
8. Voice Activation: Until recently, voice activation was more of a gimmick and novelty, but in the past few years voice activation has become more accurate and reliable -- and available on more cars.
9. Ford Sync: Ford Sync deserves a place on this list for many reasons: for its reliable voice recognition, its affordability, its valuable services such as 911 Assist and Traffic, Directions and Information, and its easy upgradability that renders it seemingly timeless even as the car it is in ages.
10. Location-Based Services: Location-based services (LBS) help you get local fuel prices, traffic, weather reports, movie show times, sports scores and more, wherever you are.

Hold On Tight To Your Nexus One: Desk, Car Holders Pending

2009-12-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

Engadget is reporting on some accessories you can look forward to when the Google Nexus finally makes its debut. The first is the CR B410 desktop dock, whose main claim to fame is that it includes Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR functionality in the dock itself -- B'tooth functionality already in the Nexus, by the bye. More interesting is the diagram above (from an FCC test report) showing the dock interfaced with a Car DVD player, clearly for multimedia playback through your home entertainment system. (So much for jumbo flat-screens with Web widgets...)

There's also a car mount coming, which appears to hook to the dashboard/vent to allow in-car navigation and other semi-hands-free usage.

2010 looks to be a verrrry interesting year in the smartphone wars.

Kidz Gear IR68KG02 wireless headphones make road trips bearable

2009-12-24T23:46:00.000-08:00

The last time I went on a road trip with my family the kids watched movies and played games most of the way. Riding in the car with two young kids can be nerve racking as any parent can tell you. I was ready to hunt down the people behind Sponge Bob and his cohorts after listening to the videos for a few hours.
Next road trip I am getting some headphones like the new Kidz Gear IR68KG02. The headphones are wireless and are designed to be used with in-car DVD and video systems. The headphones will work with other devices as well if you buy the wireless transmitter available as an option.

Kidz Gear promises that the headphones are compatible 100% with all in-car DVD systems that use IR technology. The best news is that the headphones are only $34.99. That is going to be a lot cheaper than the dealer will charge you to order a new set of headphones if yours are lost or broken. The headphones are available now.

Santa's Got a GPS

2009-12-24T21:01:00.000-08:00

YOU better watch out, Santa Claus, we KNOW where you are at all times.

NORAD

Back in the day, kids could only imagine where in the world Santa was flying en route to delivering his presents on Christmas Eve. Today, with GPS tracking devices, even Old Saint Nick's whereabouts can be digitally pinpointed on satellite maps.

NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense), the self-professed "Most sophisticated Santa tracking system in the world," explains their process on the NORAD website. It uses "four high-tech systems to track Santa -- radar, satellites, Santa Cams, and fighter jets. Satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles from the Earth's surface are equipped with infrared sensors, which enable them to detect heat. Amazingly, Rudolph's bright red nose gives off an infrared signature, which allows our satellites to detect Rudolph and Santa."

The real truth is kids can watch videos as Santa flies over various world landmarks. This year, NORAD has also partnered with Google so kids can track Santa via Google Earth.

Merry Merry!

Thieves stealing your GPS can track you back home

2009-12-22T02:54:00.000-08:00

Tech-savvy thieves are doing more than just stealing Car GPS or Car DVD devices off the front seats of cars. They're pushing the right buttons to use the devices to head right back to their owners' homes, Gary Hoffman reports on AOL Autos.

Many GPS devices have a common navigational feature called the home setting, fully automating the process of directing you to your home. Hoffman says its a convenience that burglars and stalkers are sure to appreciate, "turning your free-floating anxiety about data theft into full-blown paranoia about home invasion."

Writes Hoffman:

The possibilities seem endless. The units' presence in vehicles such as a Lexus or a BMW, for example, could give thieves a clue to a much bigger haul at the owner's home. And if they steal the garage door opener, too, they may be able to get inside the house with ease.
Two years ago, thieves stole a number of Acura cars from a corporation's garage in Atlanta, and, in three cases, they used the GPS units in the cars to find and then burglarize employees' homes.

And it wasn't just in Atlanta:

Just last month, two men were accused of a GPS-guided crime spree in Michigan and northern Ohio. They allegedly broke into vehicles parked at shopping centers, stole the units and then burglarized home after home. Police figure the same pair may have been responsible for burglaries in about 20 communities.
This "take me home" function works in reverse as well, helping police identify the owners of lost or stolen GPS devices. In November, police in New Jersey found a Garmin unit in a small cache of stolen goods. By setting the device to its home setting, they were able to identify the owner and return it.
But the bottom line is that, at least theoretically, some of your personal information could be available to anyone getting hold of your navigational device.
You may be more likely to be audited by the IRS or contract H1N1 than be a victim of burglars guided by GPS. Yet the risks "aren't negligible" either, said Erhan Kartaltepe, associate director of the Institute for Cyber Security of the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Your home address could join a large mass of information about you that is "out there," available to the public or determined individuals.
Kartaltepe notes that data isn't usually encrypted on consumer GPS devices. So if thieves break the locking combination -- presuming the driver even bothered to lock it in the first place -- they get access to a home address.
"We encourage people to use common sense and take the same precautions that they would with any consumer electronics device," said Jessica Myers, a spokeswoman for Olathe, Kan.-based Garmin International.
You can take your Car GPS unit with you or lock it in the trunk or glove compartment when you leave your car. You can also lock the unit down with an anchoring device.
One company, New York-based Pioneer Lock, has taken its experience with locking devices for desktop computers and has applied it to on-board GPS units. Its StarLock-GPS product hangs onto the unit with a heavy wire cable and a plate glued to it with high-strength adhesive. The lock can be easily released if you want to take the unit with you, said company owner Peter Parsekian.
If the Car GPS unit itself has a keyboard locking device, Myers recommends that people use it. Garmin has a feature similar to a keyboard lock on a cellphone, she said. "With the Garmin Lock, you either insert a password or drive to a specific location, which you have preset." At that location, the unit unlocks and its owner can access its data and functions without additional effort.
Still, thieves may find it relatively easy to hack their way into a locked unit over several days.
The best course is to deter the theft in the first place, and the simplest solution is to take your GPS unit with you when you leave your car.
"You wouldn't leave your cellphone or your digital camera on the seat," Myers said. "A lot of times people forget this." Since their GPS is often mounted with a suction cup on the windshield, they almost regard it as a structural part of the vehicle, she said.

The advice for dealing with Christmas travel

2009-12-14T22:59:00.000-08:00

There is nothing very funny, standing in long queues at the airport or stuck in traffic on the road outside the city, if you were located in the hammock, swimming in the pool or chilling on the beach before the hour. However, what is often at the top of the Christmas trip, when to start the game all hits the streets and the airport and the mind. Here are our 10 tips to keep a cool head is the holiday season of Christmas.

If you fly you register online, 24 hours before the flight and save a lot of standing around the airport. It's still a queue for Bag Drop-off, but tends to move fairly quickly. Online registration, you can choose your seat.

Sydney Airport said Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19 is the busiest day at the airport this year with the 2nd January 3 when many people return home. If you or the day you plan to arrive at the airport before your flight and be prepared for long queues.

The NRMA expects its busiest day) on the streets during the last school day (December 18) two days before Christmas (December 23 and days) after Christmas (December 27 to January 4.

Statistics on traffic accidents is the worst time for Christmas Day 10.2, while employed by 10 on Boxing Day.

The NRMA said the morning rush hour tends to a later date during the holidays because so many moved to annual leave, Climax, and then travel to the Wee hours in the morning when you can.

It's hard to travel light, for Christmas, but it makes life easier and help you avoid baggage fees. When you arrive at your destination well before Christmas, and at least some shopping when you get there because the airlines little Christmas spirit when it comes to overweight bags.

Do not be one of many that lead to delays in security checks at the airport by packaging in general, aerosols and other prohibited items in checked baggage.

Despite government campaigns to increase awareness, Sydney Airport seized hundreds of items per day for security checks.

If traveling abroad, remember that there are restrictions on liquids in hand luggage: each element must be 100 ml or less and all containers must be placed in a clear bag zip-lock. See travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au.

If you wear, Christmas gifts, it is preferable not to participate because they must be available for inspection.

Item is not checked baggage if you must. Christmas is the busiest of the year for air travel to say and a better chance of loss of luggage, then get the most from your seven pounds in a chamber baggage allowance per person.

Most airlines allow laptops, bags and cameras in addition to compensation to be done leaves no room for small gifts.

Most Australians do not travel travel insurance in the country, some do not travel internationally. If there was ever a time when the insurance market is the peak Christmas travel, especially if you wear gifts. Insurance companies online actually brought the cost of insurance is money well spent.

If you go, airport transfers, on the ramp at the airport, required parking or other arrangements, the book now. See Parking Full sign when you can fly, you feel miserable and should not assume hotels have parking when kept rooms. If you're probably too late at home, you need to call and give rules for the collection of a button or a visit.

If you steal, you have the book you want to read, so you can activate the standby time to relax and not disappointed. Accept that things will take longer than normal and use your time.

If you drive, download podcasts or new music to make a big difference. If you go on a long trip with children in the car, a cheap, car DVD players can contribute to peace and goodwill.

If there is a guarantee for the summer travel season is that there is a dramatic outbursts at the airport and roads - and not talking about children.

At the airport, I remember the staff will do their best to get thousands of passengers on the right aircraft at the right time - not in the interest of the airline off slowly.

In the streets, it helps to remember that all other efforts to reach their destination and. Wearing Santa Claus hat to you, listen to music, which is to remember that the spirit of Christmas should be fun, not survival of the fittest.

BMW Dealership In Los Angeles – Finding An Automobile Has Never Been So Simple

2009-12-14T22:54:00.000-08:00

Many factors involved when you see the vehicles to a delegation of BMW in Los Angeles. When looking for a car that you want a clear idea of the budget, is the model and options to be incorporated in the vehicle. It is often helpful to make a list before your visit to ensure that all requirements included in a family to find the right vehicle.

Technological progress will happen in such a fast pace, offering new features and security functions are often introduced on a seasonal basis. One of the many advances have been designers and manufacturers in recent years, developing engines that are environmentally friendly, not dependent on fossil fuels has.

Some cars are now equipped with engines that rely on solar energy and accelerate the production of hybrid vehicles further.
These vehicles operate primarily on the performance of batteries installed in the trunk. Some of these batteries should be plugged into an electrical outlet overnight to recharge the battery to power the next day again.

Another problem that occurred in the past with hybrid cars, the lack of power. Cars can easily climb mountains.
Nor could go at a pace suited to highway driving. Now, cars can easily lead to heavy traffic and easily navigate the mountainous terrain.

Many families who need a vehicle that can operate both as a functional family car and drive. These people need a vehicle used is a gas well and is small enough to go during commuting to work. However, we must accommodate the vehicle is in a position within the family while traveling with suitcases and other objects in tow.

Search for an accessible vehicle, which was slightly more than one operation is often difficult, can be used in the past. However, the manufacturer, claims many options for families are met. There are hybrid vehicles, up to eight people comfortably. There are also various types of vehicles, there is more interior space than before.

Vehicles of the family most recently designed with extra features that are built into DVD players in the back seat of the car. These players can withstand regular use by young children. They have touch screens, easy handling of the Car DVD player that can be easily fitted to the unit. In most cases, an owner of the Car DVD is close to the location where the child is.

Security features are the cars that do not have locks on the doors. These cars can be caused when the right combination to mitigate the keyboard is under the door. Newer vehicles have door locks that can be activated by a fingerprint. With advances in technology continue to build cars by the end of a standard car key.

Another security feature allows the car will be tracked by satellite, in case of theft or a car accident. It can be violated by the recording equipment, a person on a remote road easy to find. If the car is stolen, it can be monitored and the system is now integrated with police scanners.

With these exceptional cars and other options may be a representative of BMW based in Los Angeles to find the car. Decide now, what you want for your new vehicle is an important step to ensure you have full use of your money. Visit BMW dealer for more information.

2009-12-11T00:41:00.000-08:00

Remnants of previous accidents litter the ground. Broken taillights and windshield glass glisten in the sunlight. A rearview mirror lies abandoned alongside the road. It is a beautiful clear day, the wind whistling through the overgrown grass in the nearby field where Joel’s car had landed. Several cars speed through the intersection, going well over the posted 45 mph. Other cars simply slow down at the stop light and continue through or completely neglect to stop at all. Joel recalls, “I remember the first time I came back here after the accident with the insurance adjuster. I looked around seeing glass from my windshield and broken pieces of my mom’s car. As we stood there for about 10 minutes discussing the accident we watched half a dozen cars neglect to stop at the light. Something has to be done. People just aren’t paying attention or just don’t care.”

Joel Delancy, a Garrett, Pennsylvania resident, was the victim of a distracted driving accident on December 3, 2007. A driver neglected to see two stop signs and double blinking lights on a clear day because he was switching his books-on-tape cassettes. The vehicle Joel was driving was T-boned and flipped several times before landing in a field. Joel was helicopter-lifted with a lacerated liver, spleen, and lung, which caused internal bleeding. He also had broken ribs, and many bruises and scratches. His two passengers, Matt Donaldson and Stephen Larue, were also taken by ambulance to the hospital with minor injuries.

While the boys did heal physically, the mental terror remained. Joel admits, “I was so angry when I found out that this accident was caused by a careless driver. You can see the stop lights for practically a quarter of a mile. He obviously was not paying attention for more than a few seconds. I almost lost my life and my passengers’ because of another’s negligent driving.” It took Joel several months to even drive past the accident site. The negligent driver was charged with reckless driving and failure to stop at a stop light and sign.

Delancy advises, “You must pay attention to the roadway and others. I did have passengers and the music on. However, as I approached the intersection, I saw him not even slowing down and started to react immediately. I counter steered, after being T-boned, away from a metal pole which could have killed us on impact. I remember hearing people saying that without our seat belts and my quick actions, we would have died. Always wear a seat belt; there is a reason they are put in your vehicle.”

Matt Donaldson, a passenger in that car, vividly recalls that day. He remembers, “We were just driving down the road and listening to Crossfade’s new song ‘I Never Meant To Be So Cold.’ We weren’t speeding and it was a clear December day. When we got hit and were flipping through the air, it felt like an eternity until we landed. We must have flipped several times. I just remember a slow motion feeling and really focusing on the song. It continued to play until we hit the ground and the engine stopped. It’s funny the way you remember things. Every time I hear that song, I go back to those seconds.” Matt, physically healed, also suffers the mental anguish that a traumatic event causes. It also took Matt a while to even ride past the accident scene. It is a moment that has changed his life. He will always wear his seat belt and be cautious on the roadway.

Distractions while driving are becoming ever more popular, increasing the risks for deadly consequences. Cell phones enable you to do everything from taking videos and pictures, checking e-mails, and text messaging to making calls while also creating a hazardous distraction when used on the roadway. Eighteen states, including Maryland and the District of Columbia, have created laws to ban texting while driving. Pennsylvania has not yet passed such a law. The intent is to avoid distractions that create vehicular accidents.

In a recent survey conducted among 80 students and faculty at Frostburg State University, nearly 96 percent of people said they had used a cell phone to make or receive a call while driving. Many people admitted that this is a fast paced world and one must multitask to get everything done. One said “I have a million things to do. I have to make calls while driving to get everything done.” Whether using the phone to talk while bored or to do business, this distracted driving can be a recipe for disaster. Some people are using hands free calling devices or having a passenger answer the phone. Others try to pull off the road or answer quickly and promise a returned call. Making and receiving phone calls was more of a problem than text messaging for those surveyed. However, text messaging seems to take the driver’s eyes off the roadway for a longer period of time.

Also, according to the same survey, almost 83 percent admitted to texting while driving. Many of the responses admitted to doing the deed, but also show regret or shame for it. One responder said, “I text while driving, but am trying to stop. I feel bad for doing it so often.” Many people said that they were working on not texting or using the cell while driving. Another responder stated, “I am working hard to stop this dangerous behavior.” Some admitted to texting only a few words to complete conversations. Others claimed to do so only when at a stop light or in stopped traffic. One responder claimed, “I only text while stopped in traffic. Sometimes the light changes, though, and I must finish the text while driving through the intersection.” Most responders stated that they used to text while driving, but since learning more of the dangers are trying to limit it. The most common distraction many see are others text messaging. 90 percent of the surveyed people felt that laws should be passed to make texting while driving illegal. One surveyed person admitted, “I want a law to be passed to make driving safer all around. However, I don’t know how often I would follow the law. It would be hard.”

Perhaps the best witnesses to the risky behaviors occuring on the roadway are other drivers. Michael Siciliano, liberal arts major at Frostburg State University, tries not to initiate phone calls and never text messages while driving. The senior from Lavale, Maryland, laughs and says, “I tend to look at texting while driving as kind of ridiculous. You do look at the cell phone and there is no way to keep your eyes on the road.”

Julia Vilece, a music management major at Frostburg State University, agrees that there is no way that you can pay attention to the road while texting. The junior from Ellicott City, Maryland, advises, “I just give my phone to my passenger. If you do that, then you aren’t playing with it. I just don’t do it because it is dangerous.”

Several people seemed to think that texting while driving is a bad idea, but really aren’t worried about it until something happens to their car. Twone Franklin, a mass communications major at Frostburg State University, says he doesn’t text while driving because he’s not a great texter, but does make and receive calls. The sophomore from Laurel, Maryland, admits, “I don’t worry about others. As long as they don’t hit my car, then I’m not worried about what they are doing. There shouldn’t be a law against this because people do need to get in touch with you sometimes when you are traveling.”

Doug Hersch, a mechanical engineering major at Frostburg State University, concurs that he doesn’t tend to worry about others. The junior, a commuter student from Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, says, “I don’t mind others using cell phones, if they can drive safely. But most people aren’t able to achieve this. Most people can’t multitask. But if they don’t hit my car, then I tend not to worry about the other drivers. There should be a law, but it’d be hard to follow. I talk on the cell phone all the time.”

John Difebo, a senior computer science major and commuter student from Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, agrees that there should be some type of law but that it would be hard to enforce. He says, “No outgoing data should be allowed; only incoming text messages should be read. You should be able to read the text, just not take the time to respond. A law would only be practical to enforce when checking the phone log after an accident does occur.”

Many organizations, including the American Automobile Association, are working to see these laws passed. Beverly Powell, director of communications for AAA East Central Pennsylvania, says, “As new technologies continue to develop they present more potential for distraction behind the wheel. These new distractions are dangerous for drivers of all ages, but are particularly hazardous of an inexperienced driver.” AAA hopes to pass such laws in all 50 states for drivers of all ages by the year 2013 as part of the “Heads up driving week: Try it for a week, do it for life” campaign which began on September 29, 2009. This week calls for the focusing of driving and avoiding distractions on the roadway. Powell also states, “AAA also feels it is important to educate the public through driver training, safety programs, and awareness campaigns on a broad range of distractions that may attract the driver’s focus away from the road.”

AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety aims to educate people about the dangerous consequences such distractions can create. The campaign is aimed at busy people who tend to multitask. The organization states that 8,000 crashes every day are connected to distracted driving, while also warning that using a cell phone while driving quadruples your risk of a crash. This foundation also offers tips for being a “heads up driver,” including stowing away all electronic devices.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, whose mission is to “Save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce vehicle related crashes,” has also created a two-day campaign to inform drivers of dangerous distractions. The NHTSA confirms that in 2008 on any given day, 80,000 cars were driven by people using a cell phone. There were also half a million injuries caused by a distracted driving accident in the year 2008. The two-day “Distracted Driving Summit”, held on September 30 - October 1, 2009, hoped to inform drivers of the under-recognized danger of using a cell phone or texting while operating a vehicle.

While Pennsylvania has no laws in effect yet, Maryland’s ban on texting while driving went into effect October 1, 2009. This law makes sending or receiving a text message while operating a vehicle illegal. The offense is considered secondary, meaning the driver must commit a primary violation such as speeding, running a stop sign, etc. before a police officer can pull the driver over. If convicted of this secondary offense, drivers will face a fine of up to $500. This law makes the activity a misdemeanor. The Maryland State Highway Administration recently released statistics that included 20,000 injuries related to distracted driving every year in the state.

The Maryland Highway Safety Administration also provides research that has compared texting while driving to a blood alcohol content of 0.16 percent; double the legal limit. The goal of this law is to prevent crashes and injuries and save lives. The organization feels it very important to inform motorists of the dangerous consequences associated with inattentive driving.

Lora Rakowski, of the Office of Communications for the Maryland State Highway Administration, adds, “Distracted driving can be deadly and the new texting ban while driving delivers an important message to the public that driving requires one's full attention. It's just about impossible to write and send a text message while following a key tenet of safe driving: keeping both hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road.”

To type out the text message, the driver must physically look down at the phone and take his/her eyes off the road for several seconds depending on the message size. The Maryland State Highway Administration website states that in the one second you take your eyes off the road while driving 65 mph, you will have traveled 100 feet. In those 100 feet of distracted driving, a number of complications could occur resulting in wrecks, injuries, or even fatalities. Since 93 percent of all accidents are caused by driver error, the Maryland State Highway Administration affirms that crashes are not accidents, but rather preventable and predictable.

Many car insurers are also urging the limiting of the use of cell phones and texting while driving. State Farm Insurance lists talking on the cell phone as a major distraction, especially for inexperienced teen drivers. State Farm also reports that nine out of ten teens commonly see other teens using the cell phone while driving. Sixty-six percent of teens also admit that they care about their parents’ opinions on cell phone use in the car. State Farm Insurance affirms that 25 percent of all crashes in the United States are caused by distractions, including the use of cell phones and text messages. However it can be difficult for an insurance agency to actually determine what caused accidents. Bryan Bozovich, State Farm Insurance agent in Somerset, PA, says, “From an agent’s perspective it is difficult to determine the extent to which mobile devices contribute to automobile accidents. The reason is that the majority of accidents that involve these types of distractions as the main cause of the accident are usually not reported to us in that manner. I would assume that there are a considerable number of motor vehicle accidents that are caused by these devices, but go undetected by insurance carriers due to the facts or cause of the accident being misrepresented at the time we take the initial loss report.” Insurance agencies such as State Farm may have difficulties determining if cell phones played a role, but do aim to inform their clients about these dangers to prevent accidents.

It’s important to note that while cell phones do seem to be the major distraction on the roadway presently, there are other risky behaviors that also cause accidents such as Joel Delancy’s. Distractions range from eating and drinking in the car, a behavior done for many years, to using Car GPS units or Car DVD players in the backseats. As the world becomes a faster paced place, people feel the pressing urge to multitask. Women are seen doing their hair and makeup going 65 mph down the interstate. Parents console children in the backseat, handing them toys or food, taking their eyes off the road for several seconds. There are always sights around the driver that are beyond his/her control such as construction zones, vehicle accidents, and scenery that also pose hazards. Each time a driver gets in the vehicle distractions can occur beyond his/her control or be created that could result in dangerous consequences.

Of those surveyed, many people wrote that they have seen other drivers eating, drinking, doing their makeup and hair, consoling children, and of course, using their cell phones. One astounding act that several people reported seeing was people reading books or papers in their laps. Some people recall drivers reading entire novels while looking up every few seconds at the roadway, making driving their second priority at hand.

Whatever the cause, distractions should be kept to a minimum. With technology ever increasing, cell phone usage and text messaging are creating a dangerous recipe for the roadway. Still other distractions are also dangerous such as eating and drinking, reading, playing with the radio or cassettes, and observing your surroundings. With eighteen states passing laws banning text messaging and many more working to do so, it is obvious that this distraction is being viewed as a very risky behavior. Drivers should buckle up, eliminate the distractions, and make driving their number one priority because distractions can, in fact, lead to dire consequences.

Delancy looks back now on the accident and states, “Everyone makes mistakes while driving. You try to be as cautious as possible. I’m a lot more cautious now. I was 16 when that happened and it gave me a life-changing experience. I understand mistakes on the roadway, but people must realize that one split second could have changed all three of our lives or even killed us.”

Studios Wise to Focus on Turning the Masses Blu

2009-12-11T00:37:00.000-08:00

I hate cliches with a passion, but in this case there’s simply no better way to say it than this: The studios are finally putting the cart behind the horse instead of the other way around.
For much of last year, questioned the wisdom of comics ever more inventive options alive, if 1) Blu-ray Disc, there was regular and 2) the vast majority of people who have Blu-ray Disc had not strapped to the Internet . Exclusive content and menus of climate change is all very well, heres butCand another cliche, I feel obliged to usec studios seem to take a rich, over-the-top party, but nothing came.

But in recent months, theres a remarkable change in attitude in the studio, and welcomed me warmly. To save the new thinking, emotions and decorative items for later, when everyone has Blu-ray Disc, and instead focus on becoming a Blu-ray hardware and software in the hands of everyone and his brother.
The way to do this is simple: Focus on a compelling, the message is easy to see blu-ray center more video and audio (HDTV you need a disk HD) PhD work then how the devil bite masses.

To achieve this, we must move from one standard to DVD Blu-ray Disc so easy and simple as humanly possibleCand I have seen all of Hollywood lately seems to be a step in the right direction.

Price parity is definitely a big step. Especially in this economic environment, you may be required to pay $ 30 for a movie, especially if you should take the same movie on DVD for $ 15. The proverbial sweet spot seems to be less than $ 20 for youth and less than $ 10 on the list, and it is something to see. For those who still mourn the devaluation, keep in mind that if Blu-ray has Fang ON and fast start, we could not devalue any product.

The second important step that provides benefits to consumers by adopting a kind of hard to reach in all seasons. Recognize that even if a person Blu-ray Disc is not clear that HES will buy a Blu-ray Disc version of the standard disc DVD, because that person is probably a car DVD player in his car and his room and a DVD player in the laptop. At this stage, at least for consumers, should offer both, so I think that Disney pioneered complex package and universals Flipper disc in the morning.

Blu-ray, as soon as we anchor in the mainstream, we can always go back to jazz up the extras. Produce BD-Live features, the new fund and making coffee in the morning because of me. But first we must take care of the basics. And the easiest to see what exactly is the studio seems to do.

Relax by Car DVD player

2009-12-11T00:35:00.000-08:00

There are many people in the car is not just a vehicle. In fact, they take them as a friend and we believe can help them overcome their problems. Obviously, this seems a silly idea, but it is especially when you consider that many people on a long journey with the same amount of stress. To overcome the path for your car and your stress, many treatments and medicines are there to help you through your anxiety. In fact, you can find drugs and alternative therapies such as yoga, meditation, etc. You can find many people who opt for a special treatment process to resolve the tensions, but there are some that I renew a long journey for their opinion. It is a way to prove very stressful and you can try it yourself.
You should call a professional or expert to know the basics. They sit behind the wheel of your car easily in the street.
The more you stay in your car, the better it will prevent your blood pressure. Try it and see some amazing results. Uplifting your driving experience: There are now many people who believe that their car would be better off to get a better idea to walk. To this end, will install the fact that some parts like cold air intake, compressor, etc. In addition to improving performance, add others, like the censors of the park. This makes life much easier for you when you sit in the car. So when it comes to long trips, should be a factor in determining the quality of your car are not included.
Not selecting one of the many car DVD players, you can not simply create an impact on mood. This means that the quality of your car stereo or Car DVD is important to feel comfortable in your car. Car can always help you enjoy your trip in a better way, and DVD players can refresh yourself during a long journey. It is difficult to meet, there are several ways to improve the performance of your car, but should also pay attention to improving your driving experience. To achieve this goal, you should choose a perfect car DVD player. Not only that, you can enjoy the opportunity to lead quiet for a long journey, but also allows people with family or children. So think seriously about installing some of these parts in the car.

Keeping the children happy when driving

2009-12-08T02:27:00.000-08:00

The first time we facing this huge dilemma, whereas the neighborhood store my game. A stressed mother came hoping to find some ideas to keep their children happy with a full album for the home of his parents. After working for six years before it has even a mother, it became clear that parents are totally against the daily issues of education often feel cold when it's time to put their children on long car trips. You have no idea how to avoid the collapse of chaos, Screaming lessons, and we always complain style. There is hope, and with a little planning, most if not all of these situations can be avoided.

Lets get the obvious diversionary tactics of the street so we can get things very well. A car DVD player with some classic favorites and new things never seen, although this is by age groups and personalities of your children, you know, try to work with new CI and what is best for both. Children's books on tape for you to bring podcasts and open your favorite music by your children is always a good idea. Considering the iPod and mp3 players are also an option, but you might want limits placed on them, be careful as so often happens, be sure to discuss these limits with children in advance. I think the same thing for games instead of hand-decorated Nintendo DS-C restrictions or switch will have advance directives to avoid future disputes.

Package about a month before the trip with a laundry basket and go through the house with two ideas in mind a) What activities games /) favorite and B can be completed in a car. For most young people want, you can not, let them know you are in this way for the elderly, could do about it. Well, now you have a lot to get the best and keep hidden until the trip so you can have games with a new complaint to be prepared, but negotiable favorites for your trip!
Some ideas, favorite card games, stuff, action figures, Polly Pockets and processors, games, travel, etc. is often not a bag for each child with their own, but has increased our family, I found it easier to stuck in a Fun-operate in the pocket, instead of dealing with too many things with his feet in the van.

First, take a trip to the nearest dollar and use thick, things to touch, as I am, sticky, stretchy toys, books, activity and coloring empty and investment laptop, noisemakers (It is better to have a harmonica as a child to listen cry) a little mystery in a book on a series to play the disks, magnetic sticker activities chewing gum if you have the mountains, to pop ears and my favorite, Glo-in - Drive the-dark necklaces, bracelets, etc., it is too dark to be sure something else C, non-toxic to the market during the second son, who tends to bite after an hour or two! We put them even around the hotel rooms as night lights for children to make their way in a strange room at night to navigate!

Share your kids toys C can help you! Auto Bingo is a classic in my family, just take the squares of paper with a big black marker and a ruler to draw four or five lines down, and even more, then save after a trip to the dollar stickers livestock, cars, trucks, road signs, animals, dogs, birds, cats, etc. in each box to see a map for all travelers, but not the driver, and children are easy things to mark their cards to see a line of C Bingo! Then the cards will arrive in the system and starts a new game. The best way to choose the laminated and then use a pen to mark and rub facial tissue.

Other games have hit red on the search for clean sheets, barn, horses, or counting the classic game Punch Buggy C-minus, offer space in our car. Another classic in my family, cue cards include a bridge with a cause, found worldwide. The traffic lights, railroad crossing, emergency vehicles, churches, speed limits, totem, animal crossing, petrol stations, favorite restaurants, etc. We have to play cards before and we have 3 at a time when you have a party your articles, put the card in turn, point and draw another card, the first five wins! These variations can steal any part of the values of various points or tickets show as a point card from another player, select a card and put it in the pile of your score to lose or gain a point of negotiation with the hands of other players, etc. Be creative and inventive, you can add sites or special arrangements for your trip!

Look for a final thought, stopping on the way to fun, free or cheap seats, it adds time, but for an unforgettable trip.
When our family with a record 21 hours, we decided that it lasts 3 days and remained for small museums, aquariums, a winery tour, a shopping center a person with a big old wooden horses - tour in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a park situation and other neat stops along the road.
Before your trip make a list of cities, traveling through Google and then see the region or one of the nice places to stop, which could be an ideal trip for your children. In these moments, when and where possible, much stress and boredom, a long trip with children for relief.

In planning ahead for fun, you can definitely find a happier family, and is a positive move for memories that last a lifetime. Happy Trails!

Two Men Wanted in Stolen Purse Case in Charleston

2009-12-02T23:40:00.000-08:00

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Charleston Police are asking for your help to catch two men accused of using a stolen credit card.
On November 28 he saw the victim in the Marquee Cinemas Southridge in a movie, if someone in their truck and stole her handbag.

Charleston police said later in the night, the two men arrested on surveillance cameras with a credit card for the woman Southridge Wal-Mart.

Detectives say the men must sign an iPod with front and then went to the back of the store and tried to buy a car DVD player.
That's when the clerk refused to sell because there is a photo ID.

The total amount in this account will be charged at this time, $ 312.70, then the police.

This is the third time that this will be a few days. The day before, police WSAZ.com say two cars were at the Olive Garden near collapsed and two purses stolen. For now, police do not know if related cases.

If you have additional information about these cases, I invite you to Charleston Police Department Detectives at 304-348-6480 children.

Ways to improve the sound quality of your car audio

2009-11-30T19:54:00.000-08:00

The truth is that if you just buy the car with no additional sound accessories, the sound quality of your car stereo system might not be the kind that you would like it to be. There is always room for improvement and the best part about modern technology is that this space is always welcome. This means that with this car audio system that comes with the car if you are satisfied with the performance and want to improve, there are many ways you can decorate your car audio system and you can access your Accessories and sound even better. A big hello from the sound quality of the system is as good as its weakest link.

The first thing to do if you return your car audio system to improve is to replace your existing speakers for the new. The fact is that the car, the manufacturer of your vehicle does not offer the best quality and the immediate improvement that can be said clearly by installing new speakers a big change in sound quality, the show will be produced. Because no matter how big your car audio system may actually be the sound that is played should be finally adopted by the speaker to be heard and this is not the kind of quality, based on your standards, then of course the overall quality of the audio output is poor. Thus, speaker replacement, you will find a world of good to find.

The next thing you or if the new version is the beneficial owner. As the speakers are very important for the kind of sound quality that will hold the key beneficiaries themselves as important to the overall sound quality is good. For better sound with no signs of distorted sound, or even an amplifier, a clear need to change the receiver, which should preferably be a receiver bought from a reputable manufacturer. The brand and quality of the receiver, will certainly impact the market for this type of sound to reach the end. The best receiver is the best option for the display type for the interface that you get the choice of songs is less annoying when driving and the best chance to run the sound from the car. The receiver of good quality can be enhanced by other audio sources, which can use a Car DVD player or radio receiver or something that is connected to the receiver, while the stereo sound makes the car even more flexible.
Another great way to improve sound quality in your car, you should do after this, add an external amplifier.

Guangzhou Auto Show, the car future from China

2009-11-29T19:50:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Guangzhou Auto Show is the recognition by producers from the worlds of the importance of China on the future of the automobile.

In one example, Volkswagen has revealed that the China of the Tiguan Facelift for local production in February 2010.

Slight changes were made, by cutting around squared-off lines in the grille and front bumper, but is an indication of the seriousness of VW has individual tastes of a new growing market.

The Volkswagen is the biggest foreign car in China, has sold over one million cars in the first three quarters of 2009 with the goal of two million euros in 2018.
Last week announced that it had invested $ 1 billion U.S. dollars in a plant in Dalian in northern China is producing 300,000 DSG gearbox in 2010.

The General Motors has revealed two new vehicles in China than for him.

Standard features include adaptive headlights, parking camera and an electronic stability program and 15-speaker sound system, Car GPS three screens with Car DVD and TV functions.
The XT Excelle is also known as Yinglang come with a choice of three engines 4 cylinder petrol engine and six-speed Auto.

The German concept replaces the outgoing area Excelle, which was developed by Daewoo, and is an attempt aggressive but risky and expensive to raise the image of Buick in China.

And are local manufacturers Changfeng C C known for the SUV, the average passenger car market with the introduction of insight.

Yes, Acumen. The English word means mental acuity and speed of perception.
Changfeng mental acuity based on the Mitsubishi Lancer, was already in sedan and coupe form C, the last part of many data revealed the Evo.

It is available with three engines with 4 cylinders, but production has not stopped until 2011 to start.

The seventh annual Guangzhou Auto Show concluded on November 30.

GPS device can track your kids and others

2009-11-26T19:10:00.000-08:00

Except Car GPS, in a demonstration of the Buddy Tracker toddler has a green field on a screen is an example of a region, a parent can keep an eye on a child from the GPS.

Especially with the high rate of kidnappings and abductions, now everything is to have a very good thing, said Diana Medina of Best Buy.

The GPS device is made by distinguishing sold to Best Buy. It sends an instant e-mail, text or phone alarm if the person you see in the cards designated for the area.

One idea, Kristin Cathey happy for 6 months Hadley.

But instead of a baby, Sheila Brown, who use their father said, was ho's disease Alzheimer.

My father was my child, my fourth child, and I really want to know where he is, he said.

However, the protection of privacy comes naturally.

I would like to use for my husband, said Cathey.

I do not remember, said Brown. My first concern is the safety of my father.

Be careful when vehicle burglaries increase during holidays

2009-11-25T19:29:00.000-08:00

Purses, a camera and lots of merchandise are just a few of the items WSBT found in plain sight in cars at Wal-Mart.

"It can take less than a minute for them to take things out of a car," says Lieutenant Tim Williams of the Mishawaka Police Department.
Police say vehicle burglary is a crime of opportunity, and during this time of year there is plenty of that. Shoppers fill their carts with the latest gadgets and trends, and then fill their cars. Criminals know this and all they have to do is wait.
"Usually it is high dollar items. Anything that is easily accessible. If you leave something in your car and they can make off with it, they are going to do that," says Williams.
"We hear about it all the time," says Randy Neville.
Neville works at U.P. Mall, so stories about vehicle break-ins are nothing new. Especially since two years ago, thieves stole from him.
"It is pretty disappointing. I had a Portable DVD player under my seat and they stole my radio and DVD player. So it was very frustrating and very disappointing," says Neville.
The Kilgore Police Department would like to offer the following tips for preventing your vehicle from being burglarized during the holiday season:
Police say there are ways to avoid being a victim: Keep valuables and merchandise out of sight, make a trip home if possible, be on the lookout for suspicious people and report them to store management or police.

— Keep your car locked and, if possible, parked in a well-lighted area at night.
—Do not leave any valuables in your car. If you have to leave valuables in the car lock them in the trunk or hide them. A purse, shopping bags, Car DVD players or Car GPS device, left in your car, in plain view, simply invites the thieves to smash your window and steal them.
—Record serial numbers to any of your electronics and keep them stored in a safe place.

And, of course, police say don't make it easy for criminals. Lock your car. And most thieves will break a window if they see something of value, so make sure they don't.
Police say on average during the holidays they get about five vehicle theft reports a day. They expect that number to skyrocket on Black Friday.

GPS alarm seems useless

2009-11-24T01:48:00.000-08:00

The alarming security of individual liberty is a Car GPS to their relatives who are vigilant in difficulty, but it seems like the only reliable man in another car whoappears increase to a point nearest to where you look.

The product is distributed to 79.95, but comes in a yellow box of Nice, which promises calm in the pocket.

The idea is to simply slide the switch on the key ring-sized device immediately alert you selected contact. But he can only do so if the application works yours mart phone, which must be removed within ten meters of each other, and were not overwritten by the application itself off.

To be fair, there were only a few accidents, but also to an application that promises to improve security. Even more disturbing was alertsent are still not in a position to succeed, even when functioning well, the very fortunate that it is to create a real emergency.

If you have a real emergency, it should probably someone called in our text processing. This may take some time, however, that we had installed car GPS.SOS a request for $ 20 Windows phones that not only sends GPS information, but also a change in our automated message, if we too busy fighting an attacker to call . Reply

Liberty argues that the device can operate without looking, and in a bag, and it is difficult to compensate by chance. All this is true, but it seems a small problem compared to the need to remain engaged, they will be achieved and the host application runs on a Windows Mobile, BlackBerry and Symbian mobile phone all the time guaranteed.The company also says that the GPS is much moresensitive, which is probably true, given the favorable thrown GPS components in most smartphones.

Freedom Personnel Security also provides a function of the vote if the application will be executed if a message is formatted correctly by the contact of the right to trigger a reaction on the ground. It could possibleone be able to convince his children or other significant software installation, although it is difficult to imagine an application on the device would do the same for less money.

But perhaps we are too narrowly focused on the possible applications for the security of personal freedom.

Fw: Eonon E1057 Final Review

2009-11-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

(This blog is written by an Eonon Car DVD customer, the souce is here: http://link-1111.blogspot.com/2009/11/eonon-e1057-final-review.html. )

Opening statement: Eonon E1057 special car dvd item was never intended to be installed into a Vios, but into my sister's 2007 Yaris Sedan. The Vios has practically the interior ripped out from a Yaris with all the same faceplates, harnesses, fittings and sizes.

Delivery: Very fast delivery to Australia. Item was ordered on the 8th and received on the 14th. Also the tracking number was provided and was sent by DHL (reliability in action)

Connections & First start: The wiring was a dream with the harness being a quick clip with no extra harnesses or material being required. Everything was done pretty quickly and installed without too much strain. Eventually was stressing a bit as pressing the volume button did not start the unit. Eventually realized the SRC button is the power button. (Only one thing the manual was good for) Boot up time doesn't feel like the 40 seconds stated on most Eonon HU's and is pretty fast. Layout of the headunit is great and placed very well. Also looks brilliant even when not installed. [10/10]

Videos and DVDs: Screen quality is GREAT. Practically all DVDs tested so far are playing on this unit. Playing movies is brilliant on this screen with 6.2" not being too small for looking nor too big for the dash. Regardless, there is a tiny bit of grain on the image which pulls the point down by .5. The grain isn't too obvious, but being pedantic, I have to comment. [9.5/10]

Radio & Audio: One word to describe the audio. BRILLIANT. An awesome upgrade from the factory stock headunit, sounding clearer and louder on the stock speakers than before. I have pushed the speakers and haven't got any distortion before we deemed it too loud at 11pm and turned it down. The radio running through the stock antenna is great as well. It picks up channels I didn't even know existed! Elsewards, easy to navigate and use. [10/10]

USB & SD: Quickly syncs track names etc to the HU. Would have been good having the USB connection on the rear and running a hidden cable to a different location. Also the interface when exploring the USB is badly organised. The scroll bar is tiny and hard to navigate around folders and files. [7/10]

Bluetooth: Easy to pair to mobile phones, quick transmission with incoming phone calls. But the microphone is lacking and doesn't pick up much so need to use the microphone on the phone still. [7/10]

GPS: GPS unit was included and is a little bit bulky having to have the GPS box AND a receiver, where it would have been good having the GPS box integrated into the HU and having the blanked out slot at the front as the GPS SD card. Other than that, boot up time for GPS is decent and the interface is great and easy to use (Using PolNav). The GPS is easy to use, high quality and decent at recalculating routes. Also picks up the GPS signal REALLY fast, compared to my handheld GPS unit. [10/10]

TV: To tell the truth, TV was one of the most time consuming and irritating things to configure. The manual has nothing on how to wire it and also looking on the forum didn't have any answers, so by taking assumptions and plugging the one tv cable, you are left with 2 other cables in the end. Tried grounding these and spent hours trying to work it out before giving up and disconnecting the tv antenna. A better explanation would be good and statements for which PAL to use (there is PAL M, I, N, BG etc) I'll give 1 point for atleast having a tv connection. Hopefully I will be able to work out how to wire these connections and the TV segment will work [Incomplete/10 giving a 1/10. Hopefully will rise after getting the connections working]

Manual: Honestly...utterly useless. Unit it simple to use and the manual states alot of "functions and what they do" not really much on trouble shooting, wiring, etc. Also, the english version isn't that good and usually leaves you feeling frustrated of laughing at the lingo. [1/10 for trying]

Installing faceplate + headunit into dash: Using the stock brackets which came with the stock headunit didn't align up with all 4 holes on the headunit, but the main 2 were aligned and those would hold it in place. Attaching the airvents onto the aftermarket faceplate was a little difficult and you always feel like you are going to break something. Eventually fits in perfectly and flush, just like stock (never going to do that again). Installing the faceplate into the dash was the difficult part. It was very twitchy trying to get in and required alot of pushing (clicks easily in place with the stock surround faceplate though) but eventually got everything except the bottom two clips in all the way. There is a slight incline due to the bottom clips not fitting properly and the color is SIMILAR but not 100% but in the end, it still looks like a stock install. [9/10]

Support and Warranty: Brilliant knowing that you have 2 years warranty afterwards incase the item plays up or anything. Live support to Clara was great, friendly, quick to respond and redirected me in the right direction. Email support is a little lacking though, taking an extended time for replies (still waiting on a reply sent 2 weeks ago to ask if the unit will fit into a Yaris...regardless as it will be a little late since it's already bought and installed. Hopefully doesn't take too long for a reply on how to fix the tv antenna) [7/10]

Final score: 71.5/100 and due to increase once Eonon contact me regarding the TV

New Road GPS takes control of his car .Road Trips makes it easy?

2009-11-19T20:35:00.000-08:00

The endless search for ways to improve our daily trip to the many interesting and unique ideas led. While many are less possible, sometimes it happens and thatjust might be able to make a difference. The Car GPS based Sartre systemmay can join this elite league of automotive innovation.

Sartre, is a shortened version of the train of road safety on the environment and, as the name suggests, based on the use of a large group in supporting the movement of vehicles based on moving efficiently. It begins with the first vehicle withthe which is essentially a prerequisite equipped car or truck, to communicate with other vehicles that can use the system.You drive on the streets and be able to take control of othervehicles with the permission of the driver, of course, and go mainly to the head.

This system will allow a maximum of nine vehicles travel at a relatively constant speed with a relatively short distance between them. If a vehicle is approaching a desired outcome is itsintention the signal and then wait form a small gap. Once the vehicle enough room to get out of Platoon , just take control of his vehicle and leave the highway.

The system is currently being tested in a handful of test tracks in Europe. The test will eventually make its way to the road network, but only after proof of their reliability.

The Future is Focus-ed: Ford to Bring 10 Focus Variants to U.S. Over Next Three Years

2009-11-17T02:19:00.000-08:00

Jim Farley, Ford’s marketing chief have talked about the future of small cars in the U.S.
Ford Grand C-Max

What are the chances of U.S. success for the Grand C-Max small minivan?
The Mazda 5 has proven that such a vehicle could be very interesting for U.S. customers. During the [2008] escalation of fuel prices and also in August with Cash for Clunkers, Mazda sold more than 2000 a month with virtually no marketing. The number two in-source customer base for that vehicle is Ford customers. Given [the 5's] distribution with no marketing, we could easily double that for a Ford with mass-media marketing. The fact of the matter is that we have a glaring hole in our lineup in the U.S: If you want to buy a three-row Ford and you have $25 grand to spend, there’s nothing to buy.

When I was at Toyota, we sold a lot of minivans, but with an Odyssey, or a Sienna, or even the Korean products, a vehicle with leather and a Car DVD player in the back is at 30 grand. Three-row products in the U.S. are very scarce and they’re very expensive. I think if we do a well-executed car like a Mazda 5 that gets great fuel economy—and if fuel goes where we think it will, priced like it was [in 2008], which is a scenario we see over the next five or six years—we think it’s going to be a really wonderful product for us. Plus, there are also all these people in their 30s who are now starting to have kids and they don’t get hung up on all of the classifications that we do.

I think the future of those upper-body variations of C-segment cars is really our future. What we saw in August was that one out of three vehicles sold in the U.S. was a B- or C-segment vehicle. We saw a similar spike in segmentation the previous summer.

Why C-Max instead of the bigger S-Max that’s sold in Europe?
The fact is that C-Max is a vehicle we are engineering now. S-Max is in the market in Europe today, but until we bring the platforms together between Mondeo and Fusion, we really don’t have the ability to globally manufacture the vehicle where we want to. Part of it is an engineering and manufacturing story, but the biggest motivation is the customer base. Toyota was successful in this country because they bet on the C/D segment and on the upper-body variations of that platform—the Highlander and the Camry, Avalon, Lexus ES and RX, all off the same platform. Ford’s bet is different. When the C/D segment took off, gas was $2.00 a gallon, but we think that with gas at $5.00 a gallon, the C-segment is going to be the most interesting for customers in the U.S. We saw two data points that were really encouraging to us and, frankly, we have a competency in doing these vehicles. In the next three years, we are going to launch 10 versions of the Focus [platform]. I feel that 20 years from now, an Accord or Camry will feel like a late-1970s domestic car and our global products coming to the U.S. will feel a lot like Hondas used to be.

Where does the Fiesta fit in and how are you going to position it and price it relative to Focus?
We want to position the Fiesta as a vehicle with a very different character. The basic personality of Fiesta is very different from Focus or Fit or Yaris. It’s not a commodity product, and we’re not trying to please everyone. It’s a product with a design that tells people you don’t want a washing machine.

People in the U.S. are buying much more expensive B, C, and C/D cars. Look at the transaction price over the past five or six years: Civic is a $20,000 car, Fit is a $16,000 or $17,000 car. The Corolla is a $15,000 car and the Camry is a $17,000 or $18,000 car. The reality is that you don’t have to make a car that’s for everyone. Mazda 3 showed that. If you make a car with a strong personality, there will be a group of people who really appreciate it. And if you combine that unique personality with our dynamics, and our design, and our technology, and you offer specification levels that attract buyers from segments above you, there’s a huge number of downtraders in the U.S. There’s a lot of downsizing going on, not just because of the economy but because of a lot of other reasons, one of which is that the products have got a lot better.

Our take? Well, there’s little doubt that gas prices will go up when the world’s economies start recovering from the funny-money-induced meltdown we’ve just experienced, and future CAFE rules will encourage the purchase of smaller vehicles. But betting on C-segment cars in America is definitely risky in the short term.

As for those 10 Focus-based cars, here’s our best guess as to their future identities: Focus sedan, wagon, three- and five-door hatchbacks, and convertible/coupe; Kuga/Escape and Mercury Mariner small SUVs; C-Max and Grand C-Max mini-minivans; and a Lincoln premium small car, perhaps based on the C concept from the ‘09 Detroit show.

Gallery: Top 5 car technologies

2009-11-12T22:33:00.000-08:00

CNet has played with a lot of car technology and for the most part has tried them all. Here’s a look at its top rated car technologies.

The back up camera: CNet says: After a century of using a glass mirror to try and not hit things when backing up, rear view cameras are finally becoming common on cars. Essential on SUVs and vans, but also useful on sedans, the image from a back-up camera shows you what you can’t see in the mirror: your rear bumper.

And the image:

The blind spot warning: CNet says: Blind spot warning systems show a warning light on the side view mirror when a car is sitting in your blind spot. When you look at the side mirror to see if it is safe to change lanes, it is very reassuring to have that extra set of eyes that see where you can’t.

And the image:

Car GPS with traffic detours: CNet says: Navigation systems are great, and have become very common. But they are much, much more useful when they can tell you about bad traffic jams ahead, and suggest a detour.

iPod and MP3 integration: CNet says: Good iPod integration lets you plug in the device, then browse your music library on the Car DVD player or Car monitor. You should be able to select music the same way you do on your iPod: by artist, album, genre, playlist, or track.

Bluetooth phone integration with voice command: CNet says: A few companies, Ford, Kia, and Lexus so far, not only have the Bluetooth system copy your phone’s contact list, but also include voice command that lets you place a call merely by saying a name in that contact list.

Hybrid powertrains as an honorable mention: CNet says: We give gas-electric hybrid powertrains an honorable mention here because they offer the best of both worlds: more power and better fuel economy.

New 2010 Cadillac DTS review

2009-11-09T01:16:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Cadillac DTS is Cadillac's largest vehicle, one that's traditionally been the basis for Presidential limousines and all sorts of "black cars"-from airport transportation to, er, hearses. Nonetheless, it has some retail fans that appreciate its immense room, luxurious interior, and formal styling. With a base price of around $47,000, it's not a competitor for similar sedans from Germany or Japan at all. Instead, the few cross-shoppers who look elsewhere probably will study the Lincoln Town Car and the Chrysler 300.

In keeping with its conservative shape and its old-school seating, the 2010 DTS appeals to buyers who want a large, cushy sedan. The look is formal, but it does wear some of the cues of more recent Cadillacs-like the enormous grille and wreath-and-crest badge. It's angular and not aero-looking in the least, and though it's still reasonably handsome, the DTS is beginning to appear dated. TheCarConnection.com expects the replacement for the DTS-the 2013 XTS-to look significantly more rounded, like Cadillac's Sixteen concept car. Inside the 2010 DTS, the cabin seems fairly modern to the eyes and to the touch. Big gauges are framed by a wood-trimmed steering wheel in some editions, and there's wood trim across the dash and door panels. The tall center stack of controls sports a big touch-screen LCD for navigation and audio functions. Touches of metallic trim glint around the cabin, and in all, the DTS' cabin is distinctly more tasteful than you might expect in the class.

The 4,000-pound DTS is front-wheel-driven and offers a choice of closely related V-8 engines. There's a 275-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 or a 292-horsepower version of the same engine, and both come with an outdated four-speed automatic. They limp along with lower fuel economy as a result; the base version gets 15/23 mpg, while the hearse versions get 12/16 mpg-not that you'll need to care. The 2010 DTS accelerates fairly well in a straight line and responds quickly enough to requests for power, but the lumpy shift quality and the battle between power and weight tends to favor weight. The front-driver doesn't have much torque steer, though. Handling is not the calling card of the DTS; base versions steer adequately and have a well-cushioned, emotionless ride quality. Magnetic Ride Control is standard on luxe versions, and it refines the ride and handling, giving reasonably good responses to the big sedan in spite of a very smooth, softly tuned ride. Still, steering is almost completely without feel, and the big Cadillac has a big, SUV-like turning circle of at least 42 feet. Brakes are smallish 12.7-inch rotors in front and 11.5-inchers in back; 17-inch wheels are standard, while 18-inchers are standard on the top Platinum edition.

The 2010 DTS comes in standard or long-wheelbase editions. The DTS-L stretches eight inches to increase the already vast interior room. The base version offers two bucket seats in front-"bucket" is a loosely defined term here, just like the seat itself-and a floor-mounted shifter. The 2010 DTS can seat five full-size adults comfortably, with plenty of head- and legroom to spare. A six-seater version gets a front bench seat and a column-mounted shifter. In either case, the wide, flat seats are slippery and unsupportive, just a little less so in the five-seat edition. It's retro comfort-plenty of space in all directions, with no urge to pocket passengers in for a fun ride. Trunk room seems a bit small; at 18.8 cubic feet, it's a couple of cubes down on the 2010 Ford Taurus' massive 20-cubic-foot trunk.

Six airbags and a long list of safety systems are standard, including anti-lock brakes, as well as traction and stability control. However, the 2010 Cadillac DTS earns slightly subpar four-star crash ratings from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for front and side impacts and for rollover. A lane-departure warning system and a blind-spot alert system are options, along with front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.

For 2010, the DTS remains largely unchanged except for two new colors, new heated mirrors, and an optional rear-seat Car DVD entertainment system. Remote Start is standard; so are AM/FM/CD/XM audio, dual-zone automatic climate control, OnStar, and five-passenger seating with a floor-mounted shifter. Popular options on the DTS are packaged together; there are choices of heated and cooled front seats, XM NavTraffic, a Bose Centerpoint sound system, a sunroof, and rear sunshades.

What Do You Want in a Web-Connected Car?

2009-11-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

If your car had a fast, always-on Web connection, how would you want to use it?I I wondered about this last night, as I sat in an "LTE Connected Car" promoted by Alcatel-Lucent and other members of the "ng Connect" program.

The car, a modified Toyota, had four screens, one for the driver and three for passengers. Each was running special software that would allow passengers to choose their own entertainment options.

As you would expect, there were driving directions (tied into a GPS) for the driver. And instead of picking your music only from CDs or a local station, you could also use Pandora or another Internet music source.

The LTE Connected Car could let passengers watch videos from YouTube and other Internet sources and buy video on demand. (Thankfully, video would be disabled for the driver when the car was in gear, and passengers in the backseat would hear their audio via Bluetooth headsets, so as not to distract the driver.) And of course, you could surf the Web, checking out the current weather and nearby points of interest, for example.

Representatives at the event said the car could handle four simultaneous HD video streams, and indeed, what I saw looked quite good. The streaming of both audio and video was provided via the LTE standard, a "4G" standard designed for wireless data streaming that nearly every wireless carrier (with the notable exception of Clearwire in this country) as endorsed. LTE hasn't been rolled out yet--Verizon is planning its rollout for the end of next year--so this demo was done with a base station just a few feet away; it wasn't really a test of LTE connectivity but more a demo of what could be done if you assume great connectivity.

The demo was prepared by the ng partners, including Alacatel-Lucent (which makes LTE hardware), QNX Software Systems (which created the basic software), Toyota Motor Sales, Atlantic Records, Chumby, and Kabillion. A real system is years off, though, because it would require a broad rollout of the LTE service, modified cars, and a business model that made sense.

For instance, you'd obviously need to pay for an LTE connection to your car, and it's unclear whether that would be the same service as for your handset. (In this demo, the car became a Wi-FI hot spot, so that may be a way around it, at least for when you are in the car.) Services like video on demand are typically pay services, so they'd probably have to be designed with different price points depending on whether you'd want to rent the movie or buy it; or want it for the car only, or also for your handset, or maybe your TV at home.

A lot depends on what car companies, wireless operators, and content providers choose to offer. But clearly, price and capability will be key. I'm willing to pay for a fast wireless connection to my handset (and my guess is most of the people reading are too), but the car service would provide a bigger screen and features designed for the automotive environment.

And there are services I would like: A bigger screen for Car GPS, real-time traffic, and reliable streaming music over good speakers and Car DVD player are certainly worth something.

In The Future, Your Car Will Know All About You

2009-11-01T22:37:00.000-08:00

You may think that your Car GPS has a superior attitude now, but imagine if you could see its expression as you take a wrong turn for the seventh time. A new "driving companion" adds a little personality to your directions.

The Affective Intelligent Driving Agent, or AIDA for short, is the result of a collaboration between Audi and MIT to try and find a way to humanize the relationship between nagging automated systems and a frustrated driver... by adding a face to the nagging systems:

A laser projector the size of a deck of cards is mounted inside the head and projects colour graphics to create expressions on its "face". According to Mikey Siegel, part of a team at the MIT Media Lab collaborating with Audi to design AIDA, the versatile neck and face allow the robot to make a wide range of human-like gestures that can send subtle signals to the driver. A downturned face with pleading eyes, for example, indicates that AIDA is "worried" because the driver has failed to buckle the safety belt.

It's not only when seat belts are left unbuckled that it'll plead with you, however; the entire car will help it spy on you to know what mood you're in:

It uses sensors inside and outside the car to pick up clues about the driver's state of mind: grip strength and skin-conductivity sensors in the steering wheel, for example, tell the robot when the driver is tense. AIDA also uses GPS logs of a driver's travels to learn favourite locations and suggest better routes.

Yes, the future of Car GPS is part friendly robot, part driving-centric lie detector. And it's not just Audi who're working on this; according to New Scientist, both Nissan and Pioneer are already working on similar systems.

2009 Lexus GS350 AWD redesigned and advanced

2009-10-29T02:57:00.000-07:00

The Lexus GS model was redesigned in 2006, and is one of Toyota's most advanced vehicles in technology. For 2009 there have been no significant changes made to the GS luxury sedan. I test drove the all-wheel drive model for the week which is well suited for Denver's climate and mountain roads along the front range.

The GS 350 is thoroughly enjoyable to drive. The V6 is quite responsive, and according to Lexus, the GS 350 will go from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 5.7 seconds and with all-wheel drive it gets an EPA-estimated 18/25 mpg. The all-wheel-drive GS 350 features a fast-acting, clutch-type center differential that sends 70 percent of the power to the rear wheels under normal circumstances to help foster the dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive car. When wheel sensors detect slippery road conditions, as much as 50 percent of engine power is diverted to the front wheels to increase the car's overall traction on the road.

I felt completely safe in a recent snowstorm up near Evergreen.
The GS 350 features a 303-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic with manual shift gate. The V6 is very responsive and just plain fast. The six-speed automatic transmission goes through the gear changes virtually undetectable. The GS is a performance car, and with 303 horsepower, it will appeal to driving enthusiasts. The all-wheel-drive version of the GS 350 handles a wide range of weather conditions well and doesn't seem to offer many compromises in terms of speed, handling or even fuel economy.

I like the GS 350 for its balanced handling and overall performance. The 17-inch wheels provide good ride quality but 18-inch tires are available to provide more cornering grip for drivers who feel they need it. The all-wheel-drive model feels surprisingly maneuverable due to its rear wheel drive bias under normal conditions.

Inside, the Lexus GS comes very well equipped. Standard equipment on the GS 350 includes thick leather upholstery and color-coordinated wood trim (golden or gray bird's-eye maple, or red walnut); dual-zone automatic climate control; interior air filter; power tilt/telescoping wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; heated 10-way power-adjustable front seats; memory for the driver's seat, mirrors and steering wheel; trunk pass-through; heated auto-dimming power exterior mirrors with tilt-down back-up aid; power windows; power locks; SmartAccess keyless access and starting; sunroof; remote engine starting; auxiliary audio input jack; vehicle information system with a seven-inch touch screen; Bluetooth wireless cell phone link; auto-dimming rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; power trunk closer; automatic HID headlights; theft-deterrent system; fog lights. The GS 350 AWD has P225/50R17 all-season run-flat tires.

My test vehicle was equipped with the optional Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system ($3,630), developed especially for the GS interior. Utilizing 5.1 surround sound playback via a 7.1-channel speaker topology, its 330-watt amplifier sends the sound through 14 speakers via 11 channels of amplification. It even plays DVD movies on the seven-inch screen when the car is parked.

The technology in the GS is the most advanced in the industry. The Car DVD-based navigation system is impressive with its information for more than 6 million points of interest, and the route searching is conducted at ten times the speed of previous-generation systems. The screen has excellent resolution and the map images have three-dimensional shading to aid recognition. Voice recognition makes the system completely hands-free once you figure out how to use it. For me, one week with the car is not enough time to understand all the technology.
The Bluetooth-compatible telephone system can be operated by voice command also, or through the seven-inch touch screen. The Lexus GS combines all this technology with lavish, luxurious appointments. The Lexus GS may be finally catching up with its German competition.

Ipone as GPS, the good, the bad, and good again

2009-10-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

This is the tale of how I almost stopped using my iPhone as a Car GPS unit and how the right app and a better idea of how to use it changed my mind. Here is what happened.

When the iPhone gained its GPS capabilities I was excited to use is for navigation. Using Google maps worked well enough but certainly was not a replacement for standalone unit. Then a host of new third-party GPS applications began to appear and I became more excited about using the iPhone as my only GPS unit. That didn’t last very long. I was heading to a wedding I was officiating in New York when things went more than a bit array.

I was using the iPhone as my GPS unit and all was going well enough at first. I had put in the location of the wedding venue, the GPS app had set the route and was giving my great directions. Then the phone rang. It was an emergency. I had to take the call. Unfortunately, since the iPhone does not permit background applications. As a result, the phone ringing kicked me out of the GPS application. I was on the call for seven minutes and during that time the highway split. I did not have the GPS app’s guidance so I had to choose. I chose wrong. But it got worse.

When I got off the phone I tried to relaunch the GPS app. The app launched but for some reason I wasn’t able to get a GPS lock. As a result I took yet another wrong turn. Two wrong turns turned into three wrong turns. Three wrong turns turned into seven wrong turns and by the time I was able to get the GPS tracking back online I was so far out of my way that it was going to take me double the time I had actually planned in order to get to the wedding. Fortunately the bride and groom running just as far behind as I was so when I finally got there they were just pulling up as well. The rest of the wedding went off without a hitch but on the way home I had more trouble locking in on a GPS signal. Once again I got lost but at least this time I didn’t have to actually have people depending upon me getting there at a specific time.

The experience was awful and I thought that I was completely and totally done using the iPhone as a GPS unit.

Then I decided to try it again.

This time I was officiating at a funeral that was taking place in Manhattan with the burial occurring out on the tip of Long Island. The Car GPS/iPhone combination doesn’t work well for me when a phone call comes in (due to Apple’s restriction on background applications- thanks Apple) but by this time I was using my Blackberry Bold as my phone and my iPhone as an “always connected pocket computer”. This allowed me to use the iPhone ONLY as a GPS unit. It worked beautifully.

The next time I began using the AT&T Navigator app instead of the Navigon resident app I had been using. I liked it but continued to have times when it seemed to have a hard time locking into a GPS signal. The Navigator app (powered by Telenav) not only has been providing me excellent directions but the rerouting feature is awesome and has saved me a number of times recently. Yes, it relies upon having an ongoing data connection but the fact that it doesn’t sit resident on your iPhone, easily updates traffic and seems to get a GPS lock with tremendous speed are all huge benefits. Check out Chris and my review first look from a few months back and his recent update post for more details. (My thanks to the folks at Navigon for allowing me to trial the app again.)

I’ve now been using the iPhone as my sole GPS unit for a while now. I’m back to using the AT&T Navigator app exclusively and it hasn’t failed me once.

So what lessons do I take from this? First, it takes the right app to make something work the way you need it to work. Second, the “right” app may be different for one person than it is for another. Third, until the iPhone can run an app or two in the background make sure that when using the iPhone as a gps you know what the next turn is before taking a cal.

Keep the eye on this site for the next few days for a chance to win an opportunity to check it out yourself!

Concept Cars Boast Green, Gadget Cred at Tokyo Motor Show

2009-10-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

If you care about the environment and like gadgets there's a double dose of good news from this year's Tokyo Motor Show. Cars are going green and packing an increasing amount of high-tech systems to communicate with the driver and entertain passengers.The motor show, which opened to the media on Wednesday, saw the debut of a number of concept and prototype cars with electric, hydrogen or hybrid engines. In many of the concepts the dials and lights of the dashboard have been replaced by wide LCD Car monitors that provide much the same information but in a much more stylish and colorful way.

Nissan unveiled its Land Glider, a futuristic single-person all-electric vehicle that leans into corners like a motorcycle when it turns. The concept borrows some of the same dashboard features from Nissan's all-electric Leaf car that's due next year and features a wrap-around LCD panel with a second, center panel for the navigation display.

The car could be available as soon as three years from now and is aimed at city dwellers who want to make short trips. The car's small size is intended to help cut down on congestion, said Takashi Nakajima, product design director at Nissan's design center.

Equally shiny was the dashboard of Mitsubishi's concept PX-MiEV. The car, a plug-in hybrid, has three LCD panels around the steering wheel showing graphics representations of the car and its speed, energy performance and the air conditioning system. A fourth display in the center panel provides an interface to the entertainment system.

Honda brought its concept U3-X mobility device to the show. The U3-X has a small fold-out seat and a pair of fold-out foot-rests. Riders control the device by simply leaning in the direction they wish to move. An incline detector inside the device senses shifts in upper-body weight and responds by moving forwards, backwards or sideways, or turning.

Honda and Toyota have both developed such prototype mobility devices with the idea that one day commuters will travel by car to the edge of city centers and then get around within the city on the machines.

It's not just around the driver where things are going high-tech.Daihatsu unveiled the Deca Deca small van, which is intended to appeal to people with outdoor hobbies. Two large doors open up one entire side of the van, which is spacious enough in the rear to carry things like a bicycle or load of plants.

For photographers the van hides a special feature: Pull down a protective cover and a 35-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor is revealed. The cover becomes a desk top and you've got a small photo studio on wheels. A seat completes the set-up and provides a space to view images that have been taken on a photography trip and do some editing with a computer.

Phiaro, a company that builds one-off concept cars for auto makers, was showing a design of its own that has a touch-panel display to control the car's entertainment functions. The company worked with mobile network operator Willcom to build in its Core XGP service that supports 20Mbps data networking to and from the car.

The Tokyo Motor Show opens to the public on Saturday and continues until Nov. 4 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, near Tokyo.

Sierra hikers misuse portable GPS trackers

2009-10-19T03:27:00.000-07:00

Saving yourself from danger in the wilderness used to require skill. Also plenty of effort.

Now, all it takes is the touch of a finger.

Press button. Distress call transmitted. Authorities notified. Help on the way.

When used correctly, personal locator beacons and satellite trackers greatly assist search-and-rescue efforts by providing exact Car GPS coordinates for a person who is lost or injured.

But as more people take these devices into the backcountry, more people are using them irresponsibly, say rangers at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Too often they decide to push a button instead of using their heads.

"We've had more illegitimate distress calls this summer than ever before, thanks to these gizmos," said wilderness coordinator Gregg Fauth.

Among the examples from this summer:

A Pacific Crest Trail hiker, frightened during a lightning storm, transmitted two 911 calls on her personal satellite messenger. A widespread search ensued, only for a sheriff to find her in Lone Pine several days later. She neglected to tell anyone she had gotten out.

Barely a mile from the trailhead, a Boy Scout troop sent a 911 emergency call because someone had sprained an ankle.

A 68-year-old-woman, backpacking solo in a remote section of the parks, sent an ambiguous "Help" message to her husband 15 times over a 12-hour period after falling and hitting her head. The woman never stopped moving, sending rangers on a needless chase, before she exited the wilderness on her own.

"We're going to respond, but we don't have the resources to be chasing people," said parks spokeswoman Adrienne Freeman. "Pressing a button is not the answer. Assessing risks is the answer."

Sequoia and Kings Canyon occupy 1,352 square miles of the Southern Sierra Nevada, 83% of which is designated wilderness. The jointly managed parks, visited by about 1.5 million people annually, contain the range's tallest peaks, including Mount Whitney, and the most remote river canyons.

Along with phones and Car GPS units, the introduction of satellite trackers and messengers for personal use raises the eternal debate over whether (or how much) technology belongs in the backcountry. And whether relying on computerized gadgets at the expense of tried-and-true backcountry skills somehow dilutes the experience.

"It should not replace basic skills like knowing how to use a map and compass or reading terrain," Fauth said. "And it shouldn't replace the basic reason why people go into the wilderness, which is about challenge and learning self reliance.

"Where's the sense of accomplishment if all you know how to do to get yourself out of trouble is push a button?"

How they work

Since purchasing his SPOT satellite messenger in June 2008, Steve Cosner never goes hiking or backpacking without it. Not only because he may need to summon help, but also to comfort his wife back home in Fresno when he's out rambling in the mountains.

Cosner's unit, the most popular in the marketplace, contains three function buttons labeled 911, Help and OK.

Press 911 and the GPS coordinates of your location are transmitted to the GEOS International Emergency Response Center, which in turn contacts local authorities.

Press Help or OK, and a pre-programmed e-mail or text message of your choosing is sent to up to 10 people. Help is designed for nonemergency assistance that could mean anything from "Send food" to "Pick me up a day early."

The OK button is to let folks on your list know all is well and also to provide a link of your location on Google Maps.

How To get Bluetooth In Your Car

2009-10-16T03:36:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, everything seems like it is run on Bluetooth technology. This includes many different types of computers, video game consoles, cell phones, and of course, portable music players. Since so many different things run on this kind of thing, wouldn’t it be nice if you could have Bluetooth on the go? By that I mean, it would be nice to have Bluetooth in your car, would it not? Well, if you have some of the newer cars, then you may already have Bluetooth technology in there. For the rest of us, what can we do to get Bluetooth technology in the car? You can get a Car DVD player with bluetooth support, then you can use bluetooth directly. Otherwise, you will need a car kit.

Bluetooth Logo

Getting Bluetooth technology for your car is not something that is very hard to do. Of course, you may be asking yourself why you need Bluetooth technology for you car. What good is that going to do you? Well, to tell you the truth, it’s going to help you a lot, and I will tell you why. How many of you drive around with your phone? Some of us use headsets, some of us have Bluetooth pieces, and some of us still do it the old fashion way by holding the phone to our ear (I know. It sounds so old school now, doesn’t it?). However, a few lucky ones do not need any of that they have Bluetooth in there car.

Nokia Bluetooth Car Kit

This means that when they get a phone call, the phone call will be wireless throughout the whole car. Most of the time this means that the conversation will play right out of the cars speakers! Talk about a conversation in stereo! Anyway, you will be free to drive and not have to worry about anything being on your head or in your ear.

Getting this kind of thing installed in your car is a little harder than it sounds. Although there are guides out there that can help you do it yourself, I would suggest that you go to a store and have them do it for you. If you have someone in your family that can do this kind of thing, then you can buy what you need and have them do it. However, if you do not understand how this kind of stuff works, then it is just going to be a big mess, and you are going to hate Bluetooth technology by the end of everything. This is one of the few things that it actually pays to have someone do it for you.

Parrot Bluetooth Car Kit

Getting this kind of technology in your car is going to have such a big effect on your life. However, to a lot of people, they do not understand that. This is something that you have to use before you see how great it is. You can talk about it, but you may just be saying that you can just use my headset. Well, unless you want to leave that headset in your ear the whole time, then this is something that you are going to want in your car. It makes everything simple, and it’s all hands free.

Nokia CK 600 Bluetooth Car Kit

As soon as a call comes in, you can answer it without having to put on your little headset. No more having to scramble to put everything in place when you get a call. This could be your new best friend, so go out there and get one today. You will be very happy you chose to do it.

Car Alarms With GPS Tracking For Vehicle, The Way Of The Future

2009-10-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

Since the technology is getting better and costing less in the world right now, more people are able to get car alarms to ensure their safety. However, a lot of times car alarms are just not enough anymore. A lot of criminals can get into your car without setting off your alarm. Not only that, but if the alarm goes off how many people are going to stop and help? When most people hear a car alarm they take no action, which means that no one is going to even know your car is being stolen. Of course, this does not mean that you cannot protect your car. Thanks to Car GPS　you can now find your car if it’s lost or stolen.

How many times have you been walking the streets, maybe in a parking lot or maybe inside your home, and you heard a car alarm. What did you do about it? Most likely all you did was say, “Man I wish someone would turn that off.” So what if that car was being broken in to? Now what would you do if it’s your car being broken into? You see, so many people have car alarms nowadays that no one even cares about hearing them anymore. If one goes off people do not even bat an eye at it. This means that if someone breaks into your car no one is going to try and stop them. This is why it’s great to have a GPS tracking unit in your car. With one of these if your car ever does get stolen you will be able to track it down. This helps the cops be able to get to your car faster. So in a world were car alarms just are not enough anymore, you have to have something more. That something more is the great GPS tracking units.

Trying to out think the bad guys gets harder by the day. However, one thing that it is hard for them to plan for is if you have a Car GPS. This is a small chip that can be placed anywhere in the car that can pin point your cars location. Now you may want to know why that is helpful. Well it’s not really that helpful until someone takes your car. Then you will thing that its the greatest thing in the world. Cops can use the GPS tracking unit in your car to see where the car is going. This way they can get it back to you faster than ever before. So not only is this a help to you now it’s a help to your local cops. The only people it does not help is the bad guys. Car alarms just are not enough anymore. If you are in the store you are not even going to hear it go off. Which means that there is nothing you can do. That is why we have to take a stand against the bad guys.

Purchasing one of these GPS unit for the cars that do not have them already in them are easy to get. In fact, you cna be able to buy them in almost any store locally. If you are having a hard time finding one, the good news is that you can get them online. By getting them online you are not only going to save time, but you are also going to be saving a lot of money. This is because most things cost a lot less when they are online. Do not spend anymore time thinking about if your car is safe or not. Go out and get one of the GPS tracking units, and keep your car safe today.

Car Stereo System for Theft Protection

2009-10-09T02:40:00.000-07:00

Car stereo system theft protection is a must if you live or go to areas that have thieving rats -- And who doesn't. That's unless you don't mind buying replacements. Furthermore, these thieves don't mind the damages they cause -- even invalidating your warranty.

To avoid such painful situations, it is always better to have your security system in place. There are several measures that you can implement to protect your car audio system from thieves.
Your car stereo system can be protected from thefts in a number of ways.

Car stereo systems are available with detachable front plates, especially for some 1 DIN Car DVD Player or 2 DIN Car DVD Player. This way you can easily remove the control panel of your receiver and carry it along with you when you leave the car. Without the control panel, the car head unit is of no use to thieves. This reduces dramatically the risk of your head unit being stolen.

You can fit security alarms that come in different shapes and with different specifications.
There are many other theft-deterrence measures. Car audio product manufacturers are constantly thinking up new and more effective ways. You’ll have to get what fits your purse and person.

How Car Monitors are widely used today

2009-10-08T02:31:00.000-07:00

Car Monitors primarily consisted of either an overhead or flip down monitor in the time they firstly entered the market. They are mainly used for the parents who took long trips in the family minivan with their children. These days, there are quite a few more car video monitor options available to consumers with varying reasons as to what they are used for. Of course the market is still filled with parents looking to keep their keeps occupied during long rides, but now people are installing monitors to entertain business clients, review DVD presentations on the way to a meeting or play the latest Madden football game with their buddies on the way to a pro football game. Aside from the overhead and flip down monitors other types of car video monitors available to consumers include: in-dash monitors, headrest monitors, sun visor monitors, and mirror monitors.

Flip Down Car Monitors:
A flip down monitor is basically an overhead monitor that flips down for viewing. When the monitor is not being viewed it can be flipped up to add more overhead space to the vehicle. This type of monitor is also popular with consumers that own cars, who want an overhead car video monitor for their back seat passengers. Flip down monitors come in the same sizes as overhead monitors.

In-Dash Car Monitors:
In-dash car video monitors provide video entertainment to the often-neglected front seat passenger (and driver, although I don’t recommend viewing the in-dash monitor while you are driving). An in-dash monitor is usually one component of a larger unit that includes a TV tuner and receiver. Most in-dash monitors flip up from the unit when being viewed and flip back down to provide more front seat space when it is not being used. These monitors are usually 7 inches or less.

Overhead Car Monitors: Overhead monitors are exactly what their name implies. You can attach an overhead monitor to the ceiling of your vehicle. Typically they are installed in larger vehicles such as minivans and sport utility vehicles since they require a good amount of headroom for the overhead installation. An overhead car video monitor often fits over your vehicle’s overhead lighting unit. A typical overhead monitor is 7 – 10 inches, but you can buy monitors as large as 20 inches.

Headrest Car Monitors:
Headrest monitors can either be mounted to the back of your vehicle’s headrest or mounted into your headrest with the use of a mounting bracket and mounting kit. There are even headrest replacement monitors that are designed to replace your vehicle’s original headrest. This allows the consumer to avoid cutting into the original headrest. When you sell or get rid of your vehicle you can replace the headrest monitors with the original headrests. Headrest monitors can be used in conjunction with or as a replacement to an overhead monitor. They are especially popular with car owners, since cars typically do not provide the necessary overhead space for overhead monitors. Headrest monitors are also generally 7 inches or less.

Mirror Car Monitors:
Mirror car video monitors are LCD displays that are designed to fit over the existing rear-view mirror in your vehicle. Besides being used as a traditional video monitor, mirror monitors are also great for rear view cameras as well. This is the smallest type of monitor available for your vehicle and is generally no more than 4 inches long.

Sun Visor Car Monitors:
Sun visor monitors can either be mounted into your vehicle’s current sun visor or purchased as a replacement to your original sun visor. Manufacturers of sun visor replacement monitors have designed the visors in many different colors and textures to match your vehicle’s interior as closely as possible. A typical sun visor monitor is 5 inches in length although they make them as large as 7 inches.

Since they’re so wildly used and play a more and more important role in your car, you should make a wise decision to get Car monitors, buy from reliable supplier who have reasonable prices, good after-service for example 2 years, etc. Good luck!

Simple methods to save money on your car

2009-09-23T03:12:00.000-07:00

The upkeep of your vehicle can be quite an expense - from initial purchase to insurance to maintenance. And sometimes we get the sinking feeling that every time we need a car repair, we’re going to get taken for a ride. (pardon the pun!) Actually there are some ways to make sure you don’t get a raw deal when dealing with a local body shop.

After you get recommendations for honest mechanics, call around to check out the prices for certain jobs. It’s always smart to get a second opinion.

How about some preventative medicine? Keep your gas tank filled. This will help you avoid the gas line freezing up in cold weather. Also, driving on “fumes” allows little pieces of dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to run through the fuel lines with the last drops of gas. This debris clogs up the fuel filter and can cause carburetor damage as well.

Sometimes a problem with your car’s electrical system results from a simple blown fuse. Check to see if you have any blown fuses before investing in a tow truck!

Keep track of how much oil your car uses. A sudden change in oil consumption means you need to see a technician.

Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles.

Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump!

Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple weeks if you “major” in short trips.

There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let’s look at the insurance payments.

If you’ve budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $500. This will lower the cost of your insurance.

Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might want to drop collision coverage to save money.

Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving record.

Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel.

Visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov to find cars that are fuel efficient.

Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.

In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas.

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. This isn’t going to cost you an arm or leg either.

Do your homework when buying a car from an auction. Many vehicles that have been damaged by floods and hurricanes are going on the market. These won’t last long – leaving you with a flood of bills. Be a little concerned if the carpet looks too new, and check carefully for signs of rust.

Carfax.com shares info on inspecting a used car to make sure you get the best deal.

If you use your car for business, keep track of miles traveled so that you can use this for a tax deduction. Get more info at irs.gov.

About the cost effective Car stereo and other electronics, you can take Eonon Car DVD player, Car Monitor and GPS into account.

When you consider all the ways you can save money on your current vehicle, you might be persuaded to put away the extra each month for a new car down the road!

Integrate your iPod Into Your Car Stereo?

2009-09-21T02:36:00.000-07:00

The iPod has become a go-anywhere, so how to Integrate iPod Into Your Car Stereo? Installing an iPod into a car stereo can be easy or complicated depending on the system you currently have. There are many methods to get the iPod connected, and knowing about each can help you decide how you want to get the iPod blasting in your ride.

1. Install an FM transmitter for a fast and easy connection. Attach the FM transmitter to the headphone jack on the iPod and tune the stereo to the predetermined channel. This method fails to provide great sound but the simplicity makes it appealing to many.

2. Connect directly to the auxiliary ports on the back of the existing head unit with an RCA adapter. Run the wire from the back of the stereo to a place where you mount the iPod and enjoy a static-free connection without spending a lot of money.

3. Research the head unit you have and purchase an iPod dock that is compatible. Many manufacturers now provide an iPod dock that allows you to control the iPod using the head unit's interface. Displaying track names and navigating the music files on the iPod are common features of add-on solutions.

4. Consider purchasing a remote control expansion for your iPod to help you control the unit and remain safe while driving. Heads up displays can show track and title information, while more advanced head units can integrate with the car's steering wheel controls.

Please note: Check the package to make sure it is compatible with your iPod model and generation.

Eonon has some Car DVD player which enables you to connect iPod directlly to it by iPod cable, such as E1091, E0858, E1022, etc. You can also take a look! I'm now enjoying using with it!

How to Choose Car Stereo(Decks , Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers)

2009-09-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Choosing a car stereo can be a complicated and difficult task, especially for individuals with little knowledge on the subject. This process requires extensive research in order to determine you are receiving the best deal possible. Before going to a car stereo dealer, you may want to review and understand all the components of a car stereo. This way, you can personally choose which components you would like for your car. The following is a list of the basic components of a car stereo:

1. Decks – Car stereos cannot function without a deck. A deck constitutes any piece of equipment ranging from cassette decks and CD players, Car DVD players like Eonon to MP3s and mini discs. The deck is considered the glue that holds the car stereo together. The deck controls the overall output of the sound and allows you to control the music being played. All car stereo decks have a minimum 4-channel output for your speakers. If you want more power than what your speakers alone can hold, you may want to consider purchasing an amplifier.

2. Amplifiers - Amplifiers provide the power needed to blast the music in your car. The more powerful your amplifier is, the louder the sound system is going to be. An amplifier can have anywhere from 1 to 7 channels. The number of channels in your amplifier is the number of speakers you can hookup in a series circuit.

3. Speakers - Speakers are where the sound from the stereo is emitted. Different types of speakers are designed to produce different frequencies. Higher frequencies provide the capacity for more sound and produce a higher level sound as well. The efficiency of the speakers is what will determine how far the sound will travel. If you want the sound to travel far, you will need speakers with a higher frequency.

4. Subwoofers - Every high-tech car stereo system should have a subwoofer. Subwoofers complete the sound by providing high efficiency of low frequencies, through the bass. In other words, the subwoofer is the piece of equipment which makes the car vibrate. A subwoofer needs to be enclosed in either a box or possibly the trunk of your vehicle. Keep this is mind when budgeting the cost of your stereo system.

Now that you know the basics of how everything operates, you can ask informed questions as to which components you should have in your car.

Guide of geting Car Head Units

2009-09-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

Ideally, your head unit would be used to provide a signal to your amplifiers that is line level and you would not use its internal amplifiers (if any). They usually do not have the power and strength to drive speakers both loudly and cleanly. The line level signal is cleaner than the speaker level outputs on the head unit because it is does not go through the internal amplifiers in the head unit. That being said there are occasions where you would use the head unit's internal power. One situation is when you are on a budget and are building your system over time. The head unit can be used to drive speakers (but not subwoofers) until you can get an amp. The other situation is when you are building a system where the benefits of an amp are not important to you. Read my planning page for more details about what is right for you.

No head unit typically has more than about 60watts of total output power because more would require a real DC-DC power supply (which does not fit in a head unit easily). Using the head unit power can be a temporary solution until a separate amplifier can be purchased, just make sure you do not try to power any subwoofers or insensitive component sets with the head unit's built in power. According to Car Audio and Electronics magazine, most head units use the same chips for the internal amplifiers so they all produce about the same low power. The best they have measured is about 14watts into 4 channels at 1% distortion. Their power level at a better lower distortion figure (like 0.1%) is significantly lower.

Note about using factory head units: Many people ask me about using the factory head unit that came with their car with external aftermarket amps. Typically you cannot get a clean signal from the head unit because factory heads do not have line level (RCA) pre-amp outputs to drive an amp. You can use a speaker level to line level converter but the sound is still going through the factory head's internal amps. Some people are willing to sacrifice some sound quality in order to keep their factory head. Also, if your factory system uses an external amp you may be able to find an adapter so you can use an aftermarket amp instead.

Usability: Your head unit is the part of the car stereo that you interact with most so it is important to get one that "feels" good to you. Always look at a head unit in a store display and use it for awhile. Try to flip through radio stations and tracks on a CD to see if it is quick and easy. If you have problems with small buttons, imagine what it will be like when you are driving! Since many models in the same price range are similar in features and sound quality, usability is often the deciding factor between models.

Power: Even though I just said not to use the built-in power of a head unit I know sometimes it is necessary. Bear in mind that the power specifications given by most manufacturers for head units are not accurate. They often use terms like "music power" or "peak power" which have little real meaning because there is no standard definition of those terms. If the power is quoted in "RMS" terms then it is usually accurate. However, there is still one other place of misconception. Often manufacturers will quote power as "30watts x 4 RMS". The "RMS" seems to mean it is a true indication of power but they are implying that all 4 channels can produce 30watts rms AT THE SAME TIME. With a head unit, this is almost always not true. Because of the small power supplies in head units they can rarely output more than 15-60 watts TOTAL. This means that the power to each channel at maximum loading would only be 1/4 of that total. Some manufacturers are better than others about giving accurate specifications and a few models are available with sophisticated power supplies which have higher power output but they are VERY expensive. If you're paying less than $800 for a head unit (and most of us are!) then your head unit will not put out much power. I have written a more comprehensive explanation of power amplifier specs as well. Speakers which are not producing bass do not draw nearly as much power so you can get away with using the head unit to power them but use passive high pass crossovers (bass blockers) and they will play even louder and cleaner. Bear in mind that the distortion may be higher from the head unit than an external amp however.

Cassette vs. CD: This choice is mostly a matter of preference. If you do not have many cassettes then an in-dash CD player is probably right for you. If you need the capability to listen to cassettes and CDs then a cassette head unit with changer controls should be adequate. Be aware that many in-dash CD head units can control a CD changer as well so you can use both. An in-dash CD is convenient for changing discs quickly while on the road. Because of size of most CD changers they are usually mounted in the trunk or under the seats although there are some newer models which are small enough to fit in glove compartments. Under the seats or in the trunk are not easy places to get to while you're driving!

Theft Protection: Detachable faces are the most common theft prevention scheme in head units today. There are two flavors, fully detachable and partially detachable. With a fully detachable face all the controls on the front come off leaving behind a blank panel, whereas a partially detachable face leaves some features on the head unit but the head unit is still useless without the face. Fully detachable faces are larger and bulkier to carry around than partially detachable ones but leave nothing behind to be seen. Another option is Eclipse's ESN system. With these head units when you first apply power to them you must supply a CD which the unit remembers as the "reference" CD. Thereafter if the unit ever loses power you must insert the "reference" CD before it will work again. Only you know what the "reference CD" is so the head unit is useless to a thief. Eclipse also tracks the units they repair. More than once a stolen head unit was returned to them for service because it was not working. Upon verifying the head unit was stolen they can apprehend the thief as the person who returned the stolen head unit for service. I still wouldn't count on the thief to know that Eclipse does this though so I stick with a conventional fully detachable face. A new twist from Kenwood flips the face around when you turn off the power so the thief can't see the head unit. I think it would work even better if the face then went back into the head unit, giving the appearance that the unit is a detachable face head unit with its face removed.

Pre-amp outputs: These are must for any serious head unit. These outputs allow you to run an amplifier directly without need for any conversion. This is the cleanest output of the head unit. Some units have multiple outputs and sometimes ones that are crossed over. Look for the amount and type that you need for your system but keep in mind future expansion. One is sufficient but having two allow you fade, or adjust the levels of multiple amplifiers right from the head unit. Some head units now offer 4 volt outputs instead of the usual 1-2 volts. This can be very beneficial since cars have a lot of electrical noise in them. The 4 volt output is less susceptible to noise, however, you must be certain that the amplifier or crossover being connected to the output can handle 4 volts or you will not be able to use the extra voltage. If your head unit does not have pre-amp level (RCA type) outputs you can buy an adapter which will convert your speaker level outputs to line level. They range in price from $12 on up but since I have not used them I do not know how much difference there is among them. Another option is to use an amplifier that accepts speaker level signals directly but those are not as easy to find.

Other features: There are many other minor differences in features between head units. Choose the one that appeals to you most. Switch able illumination is nice if you want the head unit's display to match the other instrumentation in your car. Dolby Noise reduction and full logic tape controls are nice as well. Finally, a remote control can be useful or can be a waste depending on whether you use it. A remote control mounted in the steering wheel can be very convenient though. Some CD heads come with a buffer to minimize effects from bumps. This can be useful but in my experience if you mount the head unit securely it will not skip much anyway and using the anti-skip buffer can have a slight negative effect on sound quality because of the way the buffer is implemented.

If you wanna a get a great Car DVD player with good function, proper price and great service, come to check Eonon website, all about Car DVD player, Car Monitor and GPS: www.eonon.com. Good luck!

2009-08-28T01:35:00.000-07:00

Can't help expressing my love to my dear friend Kiki, and also the cute Eonon Car DVD player! Her birthday is on August 25. I gave her a big surprise, since I didn’t tell her what her present is!!
Our friendship started from colleague, usually go shopping together hand in hand, skip class to catch the lunch, got back to colleague even until the mid-night to got the special offer nice clothes,lived in a room even in the first year when we were working. How crazy and amazing we were those days! We share our happiness and sadness together even until now. She’s such a cute girl like sunshine, we laugh loudly and purely just because we’re both happy and independent girls! Thanks for her comfort during those days when I broke up with my ex BF several months ago. Anyway, I’m more strong and independent than ever before! We’re now both single, and still enjoy life! Haha, we count on ourselves more than any others!! But our friendship is the eternal source of happiness, the power of life, it will last forever! This little present is for you dear Kiki, since you’ve longed for a good piece of head unit for her car like mine for a long time. After 3 days it arrived. To our surprise, this so called Eonon refurbished DVD just like fresh new one! We both thought do they send us for mistake with a new one?! :D Anyway, we don’t care about it, as long as it works fine and she likes it! Good luck to you Kiki, you rarely come to facebook and myspace stuff, so I can’t say it to you directly, but you can feel it is enough! Best wishes! Wish you a happy birthday :)

How to Select a GPS Car Navigation System？

2009-08-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

Here're the steps showing you how to select a Car GPS, hope it helpful to you:1. Decide how often you intend to use the system. Inexpensive systems simply plug in to your car's cigarette lighter and are small enough to store in your glove compartment, but they're not as user-friendly.2. Consider the layout of your car. Some systems come with a monitor that displays a map. The monitor is commonly installed on the dashboard or on a pedestal extending from the dashboard. In some cars, such an installation may block air vents or make it somewhat uncomfortable for a passenger to enter or exit the vehicle or sit in the passenger seat.3. Select a system that features multiple ways of getting to your destination. This can include by address, by intersection, by a personal address book or via a location selected directly from the map.4. Look for a system that gives you vocal as well as graphical directions. The systems that use a map and monitor include arrows that show you the direction of a turn and also indicate where your car is on the map in relation to the destination. Other systems use the head unit or radio to display the name of the street on which you are to make a turn or on which you are traveling. Both of these systems also give you verbal directions as you approach a turn.5. Select a system that includes point of interest data. Most GPS systems include locations of airports and other transportation services, ATMs and banks, restaurants, hotels and a host of other sites.6. Choose a system that offers updates of the point-of-interest data.7. Consider installation time if you are working on a tight budget. Systems that rely on maps displayed on monitors are more complicated and take longer to install than other types of systems.8. Once all specifications have been identified for your GPS system, price different units out. Most retailers will have demo units in-store that you can see, touch, and experience. You can always check online retailers for a better price. Such as Eonon is a good place to hunt for cheap and excellent GPS. They're all with legal PolNav map.