Gadgets Blog » GPS

Navigating the numerous freeways and streets of a large city can be daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. A great way to counter-act this road-related frustration can be through a GPS navigation device. Many of these units provide other features as well, including traffic alerts and directories with all sorts of buisnesses in them. The GPS unit has become so widepsread that many companies, including BMW, are including them with their automobile. BMW, however, took the concept to a whole new level of style with a fancy unit that projected an HUD, or Heads Up Display, onto the car’s windshield.

Now, a manufacturer by the name of Springteq has brought the same technology to any automobile. Dubbed the WeGo, their GPS is no larger than ordinary units, but instead projects the information onto the windshield of the automobile. This is advantageous for several reasons: first of all, it allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road even while consulting the device for instructions. It also keeps the full range of the windshield clear, not blocking any part of the view. And, of course, it just plain looks awesome. The unit can plug into any automobile, making it easy to install.

Part of Springteq’s rationale is safety related. According to the source article on The Car Connection, a staggering six million accidents occur each year due to driver inattention. Many of these accidents involve the operation of not just the car, but some sort of electronic device. Many states are enacting bans on texting and driving simultaneously. In response to many of these concerns, the WeGo unit comes with a small remote that can be affixed to the steering wheel, allowing for the GPS device to be operated without the need to fiddle with the projection box itself.

I’d like to start today’s article by shamelessly bragging about my winter break from school, which actually has some bearing on today’s topic. I’m from Missoula, Montana. When fall started, I drove from Montana to Los Angeles for college. This wasn’t as bad as it seems, as there was a week-long layover in Lake Tahoe. However, for winter break, I decided it was time to embark upon the ever-alluring college road trip, driving up the Pacific Coast Highway, to Sacramento, to Eugene, to Portland, to Seattle, and finally home. It was a remarkable week of travel, with the only damper coming two weeks later when I had to make the return trip. It was a great trip, and I was able to spend a lot of time exploring the west coast, bonding with Interstate 5, and hanging out in my car.

For that third reason, I feel incredibly qualified to write about some great car electronics that can improve the quality of your vehicle. If you’ve got a long trip in your future, or if you have a regular commute, a few additions to your automobile can greatly improve the use you get out of it. Here are three great kinds of electronics for your car:

Car Speakers:
While many cars on the market already have serviceable audio systems installed, there are always upgrades available if you find your stock system lacking in volume or quality. Most of these speakers require professional installation, making them more expensive than their price tag would indicate. If you have an older model, purchasing a stereo upgrade can be great for your commute. I almost always listen to music while in the car, and it’s a great way to relieve stress while on the road and pass the time on long trips. Some speaker systems are affordable, allowing you to expand your car audio easily. Check out this Pioneer speaker componant package for a great starting point.

GPS Navigation:
If you live in a big city, one of these units can be a great asset. While companies like Garmin and Tom Tom make devices that have many high end features (such as business directories built into the device), a less expensive model will still be a great asset. By having step by step directions to virtually any destination, it can take much of the stress out of driving to a new locale, or driving in a new city. Be forewarned, though, that some units suffer from confusing menu organization, making them downright dangerous to operate while driving. Always exercise caution, and never operate one while in motion. A great deal can be found on some of the entry-level models in the Garmin StreetPilot series.