Guide to mobile electronics

Road trips are much different than they used to be. When I was growing up, we either listened to the radio or sometimes cassettes, compromising on music the whole family could tolerate. Invariably, this meant listening to "golden oldies." Pre-Nintendo-era, our long road trips were spent sleeping, reading, and playing car games while doo-wopping. Now, it’s the 21st century and the digital age for in-car entertainment and infotainment, with technologies like GPS navigation devices, and MP3 and DVD players. All these gadgets now allow each passenger to enjoy their own musical choices or videos, plus the driver can navigate the roads more easily.

In the ever-evolving mobile electronics marketplace, there are abundant choices to enhance the road trip or every-day driving experience.

To learn about the latest, high-tech road trip gear, check out our new mobile electronic guide. There you can learn about the latest options in car audio systems such as satellite and HD radio, and MP3 connectivity; GPS navigation systems including Ratings of the latest models; and car video systems to help you take the show on the road. Plus, see videos, first looks, and more.

Let us know about your favorite new technology or car gadget in the comments below or in our mobile electronics discussion forum.

—Liza Barth

Comments

[Fred Pena]

I've been offered a position as a Telecomm Inspector for plant on telephone poles. My job will be in Santa Clara county, followed by San Joaquin Valley next. I need to get a vehicle that is a Hybrid or totally Solar Powered.

What status is current on Photovoltaic Power?

I would like to know what can be installed on my landlord's home to save on monthly power usage and emergency backup when commercial power is interrupted.

And permanent $5.00 gas prices aren't too far away...the oil corporations have tested American willpower and found it complaining but acquiescing on the latest fuel prices.

I can remember when San Francisco had the highest fuel cost, with New York and Hawaii around $2 and $3 a gallon while the Southern American states around Texas were paying $1 a gallon, plus/minus some cents/sense. Now everyone is bleeding at the pump until technology improves us - 'Using American Know-How.'

Consumer's Reports Best of the Best vehicles reports four American models, four European models, and FORTY-FIVE JAPANESE models.

It's a sad statement that to find American models, Look on the Worst of the Worst and that's where they are. Out of eighteen models in this lowly category, America has sixteen award winners.

Woe - er, 'Whoa' - is me... I want to buy 'American', but I want something dependable. This Pole Inspector position would be a wonderful asset, as well as a way to get there.

Kindly share your experience, knowledge, and purchasing savvy with me on this endeavor. Thanks kindly for your help in my plight.

Sincerely,

Freddie Pena

[Automotive Marketing]

Yes you are exactly right..now since the technology is changing and the development in every section is vast emerging, people are expecting more than it is, that obviously make the companies think beyond and develop creative designs with extra-good technologies.

Cheers

[Cale]

Freddie,

You wrote, "And permanent $5.00 gas prices aren't too far away...the oil corporations have tested American willpower and found it complaining but acquiescing on the latest fuel prices."

A common misconception is that oil refiners set the price of gas at the pump. Actually, oil refining only adds 10% to the price we pay for oil that is converted to gasoline. That's a small amount compared to the 70% cost for the crude oil, the raw material for gasoline. If crude oil prices have risen from $65 a barrel in May of 07 to $130 barrel in May of 08, who do you think is manipulating the market? I don't think it's the oil refiners that are buying that expensive crude oil.

If you want a scapegoat, I'd suggest you look at the overall demand for gasoline worldwide and speculation in the commodities market where crude oil sold in dollars is cheap when bought with foreign currencies that have appreciated relative to the dollar.

Just my $.02.

Cale