Gear Diary » Automotive Gear

Wilson Electronics New Sleek 4G LTE Universal Cellular Signal Booster Rocks!

Judie Stanford — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:01:57 +0000

I'm a big fan of Wilson Electronics Cellular signal boosters, and I got to spend a little bit of time Joe Banos (their CEO) checking out their new 4G LTE Universal Cellular Signal Booster and learning about what's going on in the booster market. Joe sees 2012 as the year that carriers will acknowledge that customers want better signals on their mobile devices by embracing cellular signal boosting technology. Verizon is the first carrier to get fully on board, and Joe said another carrier is expected to do the same in the next few weeks. Wilson has just released a universal cradle that will take care of mobile users on all carriers, but specifically those Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

UPDATED: Don’t Think of Ford Motor Company as Merely an Automaker

David Goodspeed — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:30:56 +0000

Ford no longer wants to be known as "just" an automaker. Ford Motor Company would like the world to think of them more as an innovation or technology company. Innovation is no stranger to Ford as its namesake, Henry Ford, accomplished many more things than just creating a car company.

And now technology plays more of a role than ever at Ford who recently announced plans for a new technology center in the heart of Silicon Valley so that the brand can better position itself to work with potential partners such as Stanford University, Google (who recently purchased the first Focus Electric Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Dodge to Debut ‘Beats by Dr. Dre’ Audio System at CES and NAIAS

David Goodspeed — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:30:19 +0000

Image: Dodge

Dodge has chosen the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to introduce its new expansion of Beats by Dr. Dre Audio System that will be coming soon to 2012 Charger models. “Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine have built their careers on revolutionary and forward thinking decisions that formulate trends in music, popular culture and technology,” Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand. “Our goal in partnering with Beats by Dr. Dre is to integrate their recording-studio quality audio experience for our Charger enthusiasts to feel and hear their favorite music as it was intended – all while heightening the street performance and technology assets of the new 2012 Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Car Gear: Present and Future

Dan Cohen — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:15:29 +0000

I continue to love having a car with tons of tech baked in. I love the keyless entry and ignition, am blown away by the quality of the speakerphone, am enjoying the heck out of streamed music from my iPhone and the nav system... well you can read about it here. When I was a month into driving my new wheels (and still acting like a kid in a candy shop) I commented to Elana that I could not imagine where they would got from here. Seriously, I thought, what else could they possibly do short of actually driving for you? Well, as luck would have it just a week later we received a list Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

New Car? It’s All About the Tech

Dan Cohen — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:30:38 +0000

I needed a car a few weeks ago. That opened the door to my getting some of the neat technology we have seen and reviewed here on the site built into the car. Here was the Gear Diary editors backroom chatter. Judie:

Question: What color? Answer: black Question: 2 or 4 door? Answer: 4 door

Carly:

Question: 2 or all-wheel drive? Answer: all-wheel-drive – between where I live and what I do it is a necessity. Question: hybrid or standard? Answer: Unfortunately standard because hybrid all-wheel drives are rare and the all-wheel-drive kills the gas benefit of the hybrid

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Find Your Way and Be Safer on the Road With OnStar FMV Review

Dan Cohen — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:00:16 +0000

When we needed a new car last week one thing was clear- I wanted to lease one with all the technological bells and whistles I could find. After all, I've been whining and complaining about not having integrated Bluetooth and navigation in my car and my mechanic, and Elana, had been hearing a refrain of "Is it time yet?" for months. So I now have Bluetooth, navigation, destination assistance with real human beings on the other end of the call and impact/emergency detection. Had we not needed a new car however I would most likely have been putting one of OnStar's FMV systems in my old car. I took a look at one last month Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Oh the Times, They Are aChangin’

Dan Cohen — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:30:38 +0000

Here's just one small indicator of how much things have changed over the past few years. One of our cars died and is on its way to the junkyard. Prior to having it shipped off we cleared out the glove box. Buried deep inside with these relics of travels past. Me, "hmmm, New car has nav. I don't think we need these any longer." Elana, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's just put them in the recycling bin." It is a new world and one in which, like phone books, maps are really a thing of the past Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Holiday Gift Guide: For Those Who Use Bluetooth

Dan Cohen — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:30:40 +0000

From the Editorial Staff of Gear Diary: There are two kinds of people; there are those who hate Bluetooth, and there are those who love Bluetooth. Okay actually, There are those who hate Bluetooth and there are those who put up with Bluetooth. If your loved one uses Bluetooth, then we have a few great gifts ideas ... First up has to be the JawBone JamBox. This little Bluetooth speaker doubles as a speakerphone thanks to its microphone. It may be small, but it packs a punch. And the audio coming from it? It's surprisingly good. Dan and his wife have one, and they love it. Just $169.99 in our Amazon Affiliate Store. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Gear Giveaway: an Awesome iPad 2 Accessory

Dan Cohen — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:45:23 +0000

With Black Friday on its way we thought we would do a few giveaways of awesome items we have reviewed. The deals this feel are good but the prices on these giveaway items are even better- FREE. So our first giveaway this week starts right now… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Finally, the Real Ford Focus Comes to America

David Goodspeed — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:00:49 +0000

I’ve been waiting for the 2012 Ford Focus for a very long time. Even as Ford was rolling out the red carpet on the last generation Focus compact in 2007 I was waiting for this car. Heck, my anticipation goes back a decade. Well, it’s here and in usual Ford fashion Focus arrived in a flurry of product placement as it has been driven on nearly every reality TV show this year. I first saw the latest Focus in its new plant last December as Ford allowed us an insider view of the assembly facility it had completely rebuilt specifically for Focus. Funny thing about it, it is right across the parking lot from the old Focus plant. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

iPad Accessory Review: modulR Anywhere Pack

Dan Cohen — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:48 +0000

"Where do you use your iPad?" That's one of the key questions you need to answer before you can make the right choice with regard to what case you buy and what accessories you order. If, however, your answer to the question "Where do you use your iPad?" is something like "Everywhere!" or you simply don't want to make a choice, there's a great option for you. The modulR system lets you use you iPad on the go, at home, in the car and everywhere in between. It might not be the most refined iPad accessory/case you can find but it certainly is one of the most flexible. Let's take a look at the review sample of the modulR Anywhere Pack. From the Company:

modulR - the most comprehensive iPad Case + Accessory System around. modulR offers more than just protection for the iPad. With a case that clicks-to-fit to an ever-expanding line of stands, mounts and straps, a modulR iPad can go anywhere and do anything. Made for the home, car, office and everywhere in between, modulR helps you get more out of the iPad.

The $69.99 Anywhere Pack is "For the person who wants to take their iPad anywhere, this kit is specifically designed to fit all your different needs while allowing your iPad to never leave your side. Includes iPad 2 Case, Hand Strap, Slim Wall Mount, Shoulder Strap Pro and Car Headrest Strap." Our review unit came in separate pieces but included everything you get in the Anywhere Pack. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

QuickLook: Qmadix USB Dual Mobile Charging Hub 4.2amp

Dan Cohen — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:30:37 +0000

I like to be able to charge my iPhone and iPad on the go. After all, I constantly rely on both and, at least for now, iOS 5.0 is killing my battery life. That means I have wall chargers around my house, at the house and, of course, I always have a charger in my car. I've used a number of car chargers over the past few years and the new Qmadix USB Dual Mobile Charging Hub 4.2amp has me pretty impressed. From Qmadix:

The Qmadix USB Twin Tablet Charging Kit 4.2 gives you maximum power on the go when

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Busy Week at GM Technology Divisions With Cadillac CUE, Chevy Spark EV, and EN-V

David Goodspeed — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:15:19 +0000

Images: GM

It has been a busy week for the technology divisions at General Motors as several major news announcements have graced the Gear Diary inbox. Kicking things off is Cadillac and its new Cadillac User Experience or “CUE” system set to arrive in 2012 in the upcoming XTS and ATS sedans and SRX crossover. CUE will pair entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized information, natural voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons. “CUE doesn’t replace your Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

iPad 2 Accessory Review: Cygnett CarGo Car Mount

Dan Cohen — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:00:23 +0000

Using the iPad as an in-car media system isn't a new idea. No, it is as old as the iPad itself. (Okay, so that means it is kind of a new idea. Whatever…) We've seen a number of systems that allow you to use the iPad in just this way and, over the past week or so, I've taken a look at yet another one. The Cygnett CarGo Car Mount for iPad 2 might fall right in with the pack except for two things that stand out. First, it offers a quick-connect system that lets you put it in place or remove it in seconds. Second, it is adjustable so it will work Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Using a Tablet as In-Car Entertainment? Make Sure It Is Crash Tested with ProClip USA

Dan Cohen — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:15:08 +0000

I made a strategic error a few months ago. My iPad-loving father-in-law was looking for a new stand for his iPad, and I let him try the ProClip MultiStand I reviewed here. I never got it back. ProClip [affiliate link] makes some of the most impressive stands and mounts for a host of devices. Among the tablets they design for: the Apple iPad 1 & 2, the Motorola Xoom, the BlackBerry PlayBook, the Samsung Galaxy Tab and more. Now they just got better. If you are thinking about using an iPad for in-car ProClip USA has a new product for you, a new line of Crash Tested Headrest Mounts for Tablets. Interested? Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

GPS Review: Magellan RoadMate 9055-LM

Dan Cohen — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:00:08 +0000

Smartphones and tablets are "category killers" that have decimated numerous standalone products. As I have written previously, from one perspective the iPhone and the iPad are like "Rorschach devices". They are "blank slates" (pun totally intentional) that can take the form and function of a wide range of devices depending on whatever software they are currently running. That means that, with the right apps, they can double as a camera and do photo and video editing on the fly. The result has been the demise of the Flip camera and some serious "hurt" on the point-and-shoot camera market. (Once the iPhone 5 and its 8MP sensor is released watch out point-and-shoots!) Similarly, smartphones and Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Satellite Navigation GPS Review: Navigon 40 Plus

Mitchell Oke — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 21:00:02 +0000

The increasing reach of smartphones has called into question the usefulness of many dedicated devices, from music and video players, to compact cameras, and of course the ever-useful GPS. With GPS and turn-by-turn navigation almost standard equipment on Android devices, and the prevalence of iPhones, one could be forgiven for retiring their trusty nav and leaving their destination in the care of their phone. Realising this, several of the top navigation device companies have put their eggs in several baskets, with versions of their software and maps available for smartphones across the globe. A personal favourite of mine is Navigon’s iOS app. It’s clear, easy to use, has excellent mapping display and can harness Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Saved by ‘Old’ Technology!

Michael Anderson — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:15:49 +0000

I have said it before and I'll say it again - the iPod Touch is the worst iPod I have ever owned. Why do I say that? Because one of my main listening modes is in the car to and from work and between different offices, and changing anything requires you to look at the iPod Touch - and therefore away from whatever else you are doing! And as Carly mentioned here, that can be a very dangerous prospect. For a long time I used a second generation 4GB iPod Nano, but the screen slowly stopped functioning and then the device totally died last year, and I have been using Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

iPad Accessory Review: Vogel’s RingO Universal iPad 2 Mounting System

Dan Cohen — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 21:00:51 +0000

A few months ago we took a look at Vogel's RingO system for the iPad 1. The accessory is a combination case/stand for the iPad that extends the utility of the iPad by offering various "modules" like a wall holder or car headrest bracket. It appeared toward the end of the original iPad's "run" but with so many iPad "classics" in use and available as refurbs the timing, while late, wasn't "too late". Now Vogel has updated the system to work with the iPad 2. What's great about the update is that the only thing that has changed is the iPad shell/holder which now accommodates the thinner, more tapered iPad 2 and its camera Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Let Jedi Master Yoda Guide Your Garmin GPS

Douglas Moran — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:15:40 +0000

I'm unusual among nerds in that when it comes to gadgetry, I generally go for function over form. Let's take turn-by-turn GPS direction apps--I just want 'em to tell me where the heck to go. Most of the time, honestly, I keep the voice turned off, and only watch the map with one eye. But that's me, honestly, and as Sami often points out, I'm weird. Lots of people like a little more interactivity from the turn-by-turn apps then that. And into that breach has stepped Garmin, with a nerd dream: Darth Vader and Yoda-voiced navigation. Let's face it: if this is your thing and you already have a Garmin system, that alone is more than Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Review: Bluetrek SPEAKY Bluetooth Speakerphone: “The most friendly car kit”

Dan Cohen — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 21:00:08 +0000

I thought I had seen it all until the SPEAKY showed up at my door. SPEAKY looks like a little Kewpie Doll, albeit without hair and not quite as cute but has some interesting hidden features. Yes, SPEAKY is a full-service Bluetooth speakerphone. I took a look at one and we're giving it away so... read on. From BLUETREK:

A cute, interesting speakerphone developed for those who need a good audio quality as well as ease of control. Speaky is the first Bluetooth carkit in market which enable automatic switch on/off functions. Speaky is equipped with the best in class

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

OnStar Testing New Family Link Vehicle Location Alert Program

David Goodspeed — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:30:15 +0000

It’s 10 P.M. Do you know where your children are? Soon parents may be able to answer a resounding “Yes” to this question thanks to a new program being tested by OnStar. OnStar has launched a pilot program called Family Link to explore ways subscribers can stay connected to their loved ones when driving OnStar-equipped vehicles and one highlight of that new service is Vehicle Locate where the subscriber can log on to the Family Link Web site to view a map with the vehicle’s exact location at any time. “Our subscribers have asked us for a solution to help them stay connected to their family when they’re on the road,” said OnStar Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

The Maxxeon WorkStar 220 LED Pocket Floodlight Inspection Light Review

Judie Stanford — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:00:39 +0000

photos by Kevin

There is not much worse than being in an unfamiliar dark area with no idea where to find a light, or that feeling you get when you have dropped something vital into a dark crevice, but you aren't sure if there is a "critter" down there that might bite or sting. Carrying a pocket flashlight (or penlight, as we've always called them) is an easy solution, and I've found one that you might like to consider.

The Maxxeon WorkStar 220 LED Pocket Floodlight is a slim penlight that uses three AAAA batteries, the first set of which is included Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Intel’s “Upgrade Your Life” Event

Judie Stanford — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 19:00:11 +0000

Along with 12 other site owners, I was invited to attend the Intel "Upgrade Your Life" experience in Santa Clara, California on July 13th. I went into this event with no itinerary and no idea of what we were going to see, but I figured it had to be more than "just" processor chips. Sure enough, I was in for an eye-opening day ... After a greeting by Intel's Social Media guru Alison Wesley and an ice-breaking game of 'guess the tweet' game, we were on to the first speaker ...

Suzanne Fallender - Director, Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy and Communications - "Green is the New Black"

Suzanne Fallender has more than 15 years of experience

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Enjoy Being ‘King of the Road’ with the Magellan RoadMate Pro 9165T

Judie Stanford — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:15:03 +0000

What good is spending $200K on a land yacht if you end up RVing down a scary rut road that winds through the middle of Deliverance country? Sure, you could buy one of those huge atlases that they sell at every truck stop on the interstate, but this is the middle of 2011! Any self-respecting captain should have the finest navigation tools at his fingertips! And as much as we all love convergence, that doesn't mean placing your smartphone on a mount in the middle of your 7' wide x 5' tall windshield -- squinting at its 4" screen -- and calling it "good". What you need is a larger-screened dedicated GPS device that allows Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Hot Gear Roundup For Summer and We’re Going To Give Away the Ending

David Goodspeed — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:00:29 +0000

The mercury is climbing, plants and hairdos are wilting and school-aged children are everywhere – must be summertime. As we develop our groove for the next few months her are a few items that will hopefully make things a bit calmer, safer, more relaxing or just plain fun.

Portable Emeregency Public Alert Radio from Oregon Scientific First stop will be with Oregon Scientific and their portable Emeregency Public Alert Radio. Dangerous weather and natural disasters can strike anywhere at anytime so this is a must-have especially while traveling to unfamiliar destinations. As I like to say, hope for the best

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Verbatim’s Itty-Bitty Store ‘n’ Go Car Audio USB Drive

Judie Stanford — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:30:52 +0000

Kev gave me his "old" white iPod to use in my car, because its stereo has an integrated auxiliary jack. Every time I pull up at my destination, I have a routine of unplugging and storing the iPod so that would-be thieves won't see it as a reason to smash & grab. If my car had an integrated USB port in its stereo, then I would totally pick up a Verbatim Store 'n' Go Car Audio USB Drive. This little drive is so tiny that it should be virtually unnoticeable when someone is peeking in my lightly tinted windows. And yes, you could load just about any other thumb-drive Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

iPad Accessory Review: The Joy Factory’s PowerBullet-X

Dan Cohen — Tue, 31 May 2011 20:00:31 +0000

My brother-in-law Robert recently ordered an iPad. I never thought I would see the day when that would happen but order he did. The same goes for my friend Michael. He too finally hit the "Order" button and came into the new post-pc era. I predict that Robert and Michael will find themselves using their iPads even more than they expect. That means they'll need some key accessories. Chief among them, a way to charge the iPad in the car. As you are likely aware, the iPad requires a 10W power source. That means you cannot use many, or all of the car adapters you might already own. That's where The Joy Factory's Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Bluetooth Car Accessory Review: SuperTooth Buddy

Dan Cohen — Sun, 29 May 2011 18:00:41 +0000

I recently spent a week driving my father-in-law's late-model Acura TL. I loved the power but the thing that really impressed me was the integrated Bluetooth. No, it wasn't anything that you cannot find in most cars today but the combination of a super quiet ride and state-of-the-art Bluetooth was impressive for me as the not-so-proud driver of a 2003 Subaru Outback. The ability to get into the car and immediately have my phone re-pair with it was awesome. Even better was being able to seamlessly stream audio form the iPhone through the car's audio system. I went back to my stripped down Subaru begrudgingly. The only positive was the fact that I had a Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

GD Quickie: Your Car Is Naked Without a Carstache

Carly Z — Sat, 21 May 2011 16:00:12 +0000

Sure, your car visits the car wash often, and you've carefully kept the paint looking fresh, maybe spruced it up with wax or an air freshener. But your car is not truly complete without a key accessory: the CARSTACHE! Yes, it's exactly what you think it is. From the company:

QUESTION: Will having a Carstache® change your life? ANSWER: YES, it will make it better. We made the Carstache® purely because we think it’s funny and it makes people smile. No other reason. When people see a Carstache® on the streets they laugh, wave, thumbs-up, fist pump, gun flex, wink wink, kiss kiss, you name it. Some of you will rock

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...