Hot tech gadgets for cars at 2009 CES

January 8, 11:33 PMAuto ExaminerRuth Manuel-Logan

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AutoNet Mobile--one of many cool gadgets

The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) opened today in Las Vegas. Approximately 5,000 square feet of hot, auto-techie, doodads are on display at the show. Since folks, for the most part, are not buying new vehicles, there are plenty techccessories on hand at CES to upgrade an older vehicle as well.

Are gadgets recession-proof? Industry experts say, that folks will pretty much always find a quarter or two to plop down on the latest and greatest. According to Consumer Electronics Association forecasts, although sales will be down 0.3 percent this year, consumers view electronics as necessities but will scale down the size and trim the cost of the item. Here are a few automotive gadget samplings that are being featured at this year’s CES (I am salivating as I write about them)!!!
 

1) Mobile Devices introduces the Dreevo 2, a GPS wonder! It not only gives you directions but also provides local gas prices, tells you what’s doin’ weather-wise, alerts you when those dreaded, hidden, speed cameras are nearby; offers local search information via Google, the Yellow or White Pages; AND you are NOT ready for this… FINDS OPEN PARKING SPOTS! A true Godsend!

2) Dashboard Devices, the ENV-100 is the best of all techie worlds—a home computer, high-end car stereo, sophisticated navigation system and in-car entertainment system—what more could you ask for? It’s user-friendly and customizable, why on earth would you EVER leave your car???

3) miRoamer by Torian Wireless is redesigned and ready to make it’s techie mark on the world! miRoamer offers you the ability to wirelessly access all of the same internet radio content (10,000 plus stations) via portable hardware devices, cell phones, in your car, and wherever else the internet eventually becomes available. Organize once, and listen from anything…from anywhere!

4) AutoNet Mobile router turns your ride into a wireless, internet hot-spot. WHAT??? Too good to be for real??? Here’s the deal…. Using any one of your Wi-Fi enabled gadgets, you can connect to the internet, simply put! The small unit which weighs less than a pound, must be professionally installed and is permanently affixed to the inside of your trunk. There is also a monthly usage fee.

5) The Jawbone Bluetooth headset by Aliph measures sound that is transferred through your jawbone for clear call quality. Go figure….

6) The PLX Kiwi teaches you how to drive green by optimizing the way you drive. The company reps state that efficient driving can improve your fuel consumption by at least 33 percent. The easy-to-use plug and play device gathers data from your vehicle about your driving habits, analyzes them all, then determines your optimum driving efficiency. It’s kind of like playing a game and your goal is to save gas and reduce CO2.

7) AT&T’s CruiseCast is satellite technology at its darndest best! A pod-like antenna that is affixed to the roof of your vehicle, paired with a mounted receiver within, will bring you 22 channels of TV-watching bliss from CNN Mobile Live to Nickelodeon to Comedy Central. Again…WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU EVER LEAVE YOUR CAR!!!

Happy Motoring!

--Car Chick