Car owners love their technology and opt for hands-free calling, navigation systems, and refrigerated compartments for their cars. Today’s new cars cater to the wishes of car enthusiasts everywhere, providing a variety of gadgets and goodies few of us even heard of a few years ago.
But not all gadgets or tech items are making their way into factory-made models. That’s understandable given the wide variety of products available. Keyless entry, voice-activated talk and blind-spot warning systems are items with broad appeal, while an engine performance monitor is left to the kings of the aftermarket.
To that end, we’ve tracked down four “must have” car gadgets for today’s drivers:
1.Bluetooth Car Remote Starter — You use Bluetooth, but are you maximizing its potential? This remote start device allows your Bluetooth to remotely start and stop your car, roll the windows up or down, diagnose engine problems, function as a panic alarm, or raise the roof of your convertible when you’re home. Control your car behind the wheel or in the comfort of your recliner with this handy device at your service.
2. iPhone car mount — Why leave your iPhone in the passenger seat or toss it down the storage bin as you head down the road or around a tight corner? Place your iPhone on a stand and place it in landscape or portrait mode. This device clips to your windshield and can keep your iPhone in sight, allowing you to use it as a GPS device or simply keep it out of the way.
3. Head up display — Luxury cars, including Lincolns, now offer “head-up” displays that place important information on the windshield, including speed, temperature and even driving directions. Sounds expensive, right? Well, for about $100 you can take your little subcompact and do the same thing, just hone in on the person who needs to check directions often, but never takes his eyes off the road.
4. Car laptop tray — You’ve seen them on police cruisers and may have wondered if laptop trays in cars are available to the general public. Yes, they are, and they’re perfect for people who work on the road and can’t always wait until they’re in a hotel room or stopping for coffee to check email. Of course, you don’t want to access your computer while driving, but a laptop tray can keep your computer securely in place until you’re ready to access it.
Most devices are made by a variety of manufacturers, so compare products, prices, warranties, and color options when shopping. Will these gadgets make your life easier? They can or at least help you know where you are going or how to get there.