We spend a lot of time in our cars; many people consider it just a means to get from point “A” to point “B”. But there are some fantastic conveniences and downright entertaining high-tech gadgets on the market today. These gadgets won’t make your car a Knight Rider Kit (well, maybe one will), but the article does address a few items to consider, but there are obviously many more.
 
HDRradio It is one of the most impressive and practical gadgets available. It provides a huge technological advantage from what we have grown accustomed to with AM and FM radio stations to what is now digital radio. Cost is all up front with the equipment, no monthly subscription fees, no hiss associated with the radio, and many more stations to choose from.
 
FLIR systems developed the PathFindIR to provide thermal imaging that increases nighttime visibility. The device displays via a camera and allows the driver to see people, animals, or whatever up to 2,000 feet, which is much further than we currently see in the dark. The good thing is that you can still see that distance through snow, rain and snow. As you can imagine, it has also been tested by the military. This is a great device, but for the price you’ll have to justify why you need it.
 
garmin has a free download that is available only on your new GPS system, it’s called ecoruta. Ecoroute measures how environmentally friendly your driving is, rating it between 1 and 100 so you can see how well you’re doing. It gives you real-time feedback, ideally saving you money and protecting the environment at the same time.
 
Tea Koolatron Compact Refrigerator it gives you a place to put those cold ones and keep them cold, or a sandwich, or… heck, this is a cooler for your car! It was designed to fit in a tight spot like between seats or behind one of them. It plugs into the cigarette lighter and keeps food 40 degrees cooler than the outside temperature.
 
Now if anyone can make a car stove to go along with the fridge we’d all be all set, for now we’ll just have to make do with frying eggs on the hood. In a later article, I will take a look at some of the cool spy devices available on the market.