Archive for the ‘Autos’ Category

The Best Automotive Electronics and Accessories

The number one item on the list of automotive accessories this year would be the car GPS navigation system. This little device no longer requires you to sign up for monthly GPS service and the prices for the equipment have become much cheaper. They have also become very user friendly and they are very accurate. Enter your destination and the system will take you right to the doorstep. The Garmin, Magellan, and Tom Tom name brands are rated as some of the best on the market. Just like the personal computer and the cell phone, this auto accessory is becoming the new can’t live without’ device.

A relatively new auto accessory that is gaining popularity, and is now being offered in some new car models is HD Radio, meaning Hybrid Digital Radio. This technology allows AM and FM radio stations to broadcast MP3 quality digital audio. HD Radio provides multi-casting ability, which allows radio stations to broadcast multiple radio programs using the same frequency. Not only will you have higher quality audio to listen to, but you will also have more listening options to choose from, with no monthly costs.

XM and Sirius radio provides another car audio listening option. There is a monthly fee for these services, but they will provide you with more listening freedom. These services send broadcasts via satellite, so you’re not limited to just the local radio stations in your area; find your favorite program and you can listen to it anywhere nationwide. These services have become the Cable’ of radio, meaning they are free from the regulations and censorship of the FCC.

The DVD video entertainment system has become another must-have electronic accessory for your car, especially for families with one or more young children. Adding this system to your car will greatly reduce the number of times you hear the question Are we there yet?’. These systems come available in multiple forms and with one or more screens for viewing. Choose from simple portable units that will plug into your cigarette lighter to more sophisticated units that combine your radio CD player and provide multiple screens mounted in the back of each headrest.

The last of the best electronic accessories on this list may not be considered an automotive accessory, but should certainly be included. The Apple iPod and personal MP3 players in general have broadened the entertainment value available from your car audio/video. This nifty little device allows you to plug-in and listen to your favorite music at a very low cost. This is a plus for the budget consumer that can’t afford expensive car audio equipment. MP3 players are now able to carry more songs that can be held on a CD, so you can save on the cost and time involved with burning CDs.

Finding all of these items at reasonable prices is very easy. There are many local and Internet distributors, as well as wholesale suppliers that are competing for your business. Regardless of your budget there is a product to meet your needs.