I chanced upon this video while browsing online, and after seeing it, I realized that I haven’t been changing cabin air filter of my car for ages! In this video, expert mechanic Barbara explains how to change cabin air filter . It also tells us why we should change cabin air filter and why it should be done often.

GPS devices are our dependable driving assistants as they guide us with our navigation. Of course, I have one-a built-in feature in my car that I bought three years ago. In a CNET.com article, I found useful information about GPS devices. Actually, there are plenty of them available on the site. Did you know that you can use GPS add-ons for your mobile phone? This is especially helpful for drivers who don’t have a GPS device installed in their cars’ dashboards. For more details, you can visit the site of CNET.com

Photo: Google Search Blog

Info: CNET.com

Are you sure you’re always safe on the road?

Cellphone, GPS, iPod, and DVD players are the most common devices that can keep you distracted while you’re behind the steering wheel. Research shows that drivers who are heavy cellphone users are just as prone to car crashes as drunk drivers.

Don’t risk your life just because you need to answer an urgent call. To make sure you’re safe while driving and being surrounded by a bunch of gadgets, you can follow these tips:

• Refrain from using your gadgets while driving. If you really need to make an important call, then do it when the stoplight turns red or before you begin driving.
• If you really need to attend to an important call, it’s best to postpone answering the call. Just make a return call when your vehicle is stopped. Better yet, use your phone’s voicemail feature.
• Don’t rely too much on your hands-free devices-they are just as dangerous as the handheld ones.
• It’s a wise idea to bring someone with you in the car, if possible. He or she can monitor the direction on GPS, take the calls for you, and attend to other important gadget related stuff.
• You can put gadgets like MP3 players and cellphones in a cradle or store them in a safe place so that they don’t slide around inside your car. Likewise, GPS devices should be installed in an area where they don’t hinder your view of the road.
• Set your GPS travel routes and playlists before you drive.
• Of course, focus on the road and resist the temptation of touching any of your gadgets while driving.

Photo and Info: MyCES News

In my previous post, I listed some interesting Valentine’s Day gift suggestions that I’vefound on the Internet. Today, I’m posting here some gadgets that would make perfect presents for men. I know, there are many women out there who would fare better in coming up with gift ideas for their boyfriends or husbands. But if you’d ask tech geeks like me, the following are some of the gadgets that’d surely capture our hearts (my apologies for the mushy line).

1. Oregon Scientific NOAA Weather Radio w/Temp & Freeze Alarm

Why men need it: This device will really save his life during emergencies.
Features:
• Keeps the driver informed and safe
• Temperature display and freeze alarm, as well as clock and calendar
• Receives 24/7 weather information and emergency broadcasts from the National Weather Service
• Shows current temperature and informs users when the temperature approaches freezing levels

Price: $49.99

2. Solio Classic Charger

Why men need it: Emergencies always happen. It’s a hassle when the mobile phone runs out of battery. It would be great to have a dependable charger around.

Features:
• One-stop charging solution for most gadgets like GPS, cellphones, digital cameras, and iPods
• Receives solar power from a socket or internal rechargeable battery to power gadgets at the same level as plugging them to a wall
• Eliminates need to bring multiple chargers

Price: $99.95

3. Garmin Handheld eTrex H Personal Navigator

Why men need it: Great for off-road enthusiasts
Features:
• Helps driver navigate easily even through the roughest terrain
• Comes with high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver that locates position fast
• Rugges and lightweight housing that is easy to see in different light conditions; fits into one’s hand
• Waterproof

Price: $99.90

4. TomTom® GO 930T Bluetooth GPS Receiver with Real-Time Traffic Information

Why men need it: It keeps focus on driving while helping the driver find his way

Features:

• Voice-activated, window-mounted Bluetooth GPS device
• Sees traffic in real time, giving delay approximations and re-routing suggestions
• Comes with street maps for U.S., Canada, and Europe
• 4.3″ color display plus speakers
• 4GB capacity
• With FM transmitter
• Doubles as a hands-free mobile phone kit

Price: $549.95

Four days to go and it’s Valentine’s Day once again. Throw away that bouquet of roses and surprise your girl with something, uhm, out of the ordinary. Something that would make her throw her arms around you in appreciation. How about something gadgety?

Show your love the geeky way this Valentine’s. Here are some gift suggestions.

1. iPod Radio Pillow

Why get one?
A techy yet soft iPod-shaped pillow your girlfriend will love to snuggle especially during long out-of-town trips.

Features:
• 16″ by 9″ pillow that doubles as a real radio
• Built-in FM scan radio with audio speaker
• Can be connected to a CD player, iPod, or other audio gadgets for a superb sound quality
• Available in blue, pink, and white
• Powered by two AA batteries (not included in the package)

Price: $19.95

2. Diamond iPhone Case

Why get one?
Diamonds are women’s best friend, so to speak. So get one, and your woman will surely thank you for it. Getting an iPhone case made of diamonds (with a hefty price to boot) may seem ridiculous, but who knows, it might just be the single key to your girl’s heart.

Features:
• Handcrafted with 42 diamonds set in 18K gold and embedded in a rare gold leather case
• Luxurious, one-of-a-kind style and design

Price: $20,000

3. iPod Nano 16GB 4th Generation

Why get one?

Store your favorite songs as a couple in this 16GB iPod nano. With this perfect road companion, your journey with your loved one becomes all the more pleasurable and exciting.

Features:
• Can store up to 4,000 songs, 14,000 photos, and 16 hours of video
• With built-in accelerometer that enables rotating the iPod nano to flip through album art with Cover Flow
• Available in nine exciting colors
• New curved aluminum and glass design
• 24-hour battery life
• 2-inch display
• 1 year warranty

Price: $179.99

4. iTrip® Auto from Griffin Technology

Why get it?
It’s a great accessory for your loved one’s iPod-and it’s designed particularly for use in the car.

Features:
• No need for external batteries as it can be powered by a cigarette lighter (Amazing, isn’t it?)
• Backlit LCD screen that’s easy to read
• Stereo and mono modes option for high-quality sound
• Allows wireless transmission of music to your car radio from your iPod

Price: $46.99

5. ScanGauge II Car Computer

Why get it?
Because the safety of your loved one matters a lot to you. Perfect for newbie drivers, this gadget will help your girl drive most efficiently, improve gas mileage, and lower costs.

Features:
• Plugs into most cars
• Gives real-time travel data from the engine
• Data provided include fuel economy, fuel rate, coolant temperature, battery voltage, intake air temperature, engine speed, and vehicle speed
• Enables reviewing of the data on following at the end of every trip: fuel consumption, maximum speed, average speed, driving time, driving distance, etc.

Price: $159.95

Been shivering like crazy during the past weeks? You wear proper clothing to make yourself comfortable, right? Your car and its gadgets need the same amount of protection against exceedingly low temperatures. Extreme cold weather can take its toll on those precious little gadgets inside your car, so you have to save them from damage.

Many devices are designed to work normally between 50 to 95 degrees. Severe cold, as well as severe heat, is one of the worst enemies of mobile electronics. If you leave your gadgets in the cold for long periods, their life span, batteries, moving components, and plastic and metal cases are all affected.

Gadgets like iPod, speakers, mobile phones, and laptops are often left in your car during severe cold weather. Experts say while the weather can be harmful to your gadgets, it’s what you do with them inside your car that can cause the worse damage.

If your gadgets had been left in the cold for a long time, wait for at least three to four hours for them to warm back to room temperature before turning them on.

Also, beware of static electricity in cold weather. Never try to touch you gadgets to avoid that shocking touch.

Photo: Gizmodo

Info: GottaBeMobile

Zup, buddies? I’ve got good news for you and for your automobile’s maintenance. This time, it’s literally for maintenance—the Black and Decker Car Vacuum! You think there is nothing especial about it? It will be a cliché to say that it powerfully works but it is! It has a 12 volt motor and longer than any others power cord of 16 inches. This only means that it can really suck all those unwanted dirt and particles off your carpet, dash, seats, and almost any nook you got there in your ca! Isn’t that wonderful?

The Black & Decker Car Vacuum is very easy to use: plug into any cigarette lighter jack on your dash and the dust and grime pick-up goes on. One thing you will love about this auto electronic device is that it is equipped with just the right accessories your interior needs. For example: it has crevice tools that just pops up when narrow spaces are reached or an upholstery brush that cleans dusty fabrics just the way you want it. Since it can clean in one easy step as this, you need not dirty your hands. This way, you can do the cleaning right after a drive or a lift you give someone.

Another thing you got to love about the Black & Decker Car Vacuum is that it will keep you from spending too much. You can save money in many ways from getting it into your compartment. One is that you need not need to frequently take your vehicle for a car wash, which can also imperil your finish and your carpeting. Not to mention the time and effort. Another is by keeping yourself from getting other forms of cleaning devices aside from the ordinary vacuum you have. Don’t you think its time for a little change?

Photo & Info: Gadget Bargain

People have different point of views when it comes to managing their time and resources, their life in general. These things define their lifestyle, their very own personality. You get to see these in the way they dress, they style, and in their personal belongings. Automobiles are the best examples for these. People accessorize in different levels. Owners of vanity are equipped with posh vehicles that are accessorized lavishly to the extent of redundancy. Professional, business people, and executives also accessorize their automobiles according to their trade. Pure enthusiasts, on the other hand, accessorize their vehicles according to need and importance.

Although there is nothing wrong with spending as much as you want for your automobile, the more you add up the more weight it gains. This means that it will become less and less efficient, and worst, some of its weight bearing parts will be enduring the burden. This will end up in having prematurely damaged parts and event the systems like the suspension, steering, and wheels. It is therefore very important to ensure that every accessory you add will not only bring aesthetic benefits but also enhancing function for the entire vehicle. Good example is: getting a visor sun car phone speaker than having a separate phone and speaker in your vehicle. And since Iqua visor sun products are self charging with solar energy being gained through your windshields, they keep from consuming your electrical or raw mechanical energy; leaving your automobile highly effective.

The most accessorized automobile is not always the bet vehicle on the road. The functions and capabilities of the accessories you get is the most important thing. You don’t need five different auto electronic devices or accessories if all of these will only perform the same functions. In such cases, try choosing the one that has the most functions useful in your automobile. This way, you save on the space and the energy of your automobile.

Look good, feel good. That is usually what mothers and fathers usually tell their kids. But really, feeling good with what you wear will boost your confidence. This of course varies in the lifestyle that you have. The same with having an automobile, you have to make it look good so and complete so that you will feel in command especially when on the road. No one would want to drive in a vehicle without lights, horn, or hood right? And adding just the right auto electronics that will make you feel convenient and comfortable all through out the ride will be best. If its budget that is keeping you from acquiring some auto electronics, then I’m just on time. I have here at least five of the most important cool gadgets you need in your car that will not hurt your budget.

1. Crankshaft Position Sensor. One of the most important things you must have in your automobile is the crankshaft position sensor. This will greatly help the efficiency of your engine operations and with it in your system; you can expect improved performance in mileage and fuel economy.

You can easily find this auto electronic from China Ruian Riyi Vehicle Parts Corporation Limited. This is definitely of high manufacturing standards but at more reasonable price. So don’t keep yourself from guessing in terms of your vehicle performance, make sure that you have one of this cool gadget and feel more confident down the road.

2. Star Auto Scanner. Every automobile needs a scanner. This 12 kilogram scanner can be upgraded each time there is a new software upgrade for it. It comes with unrestricted CF card downloading, maintenance database product function, live data graphic display, circuit diagram reference, internet update function, education demo with projector, multiple language display technical parameter, 128 MB CF card, and built-in USB port. This cool gadget is coded with control modules that can read and change ECU coding. It automatically diagnoses vehicle irregularities before they become major problems. You can view all of these through its wide color touch screen that is also supported with a printing function.

The Star Auto Scanner is comprised of 7.4 inches colour touch screen, I/O main unit of standard serial port RS232, and 32 bit 60 Mega Hertz (MHz) microprocessor. Look for this auto electronic from Shenzhen SUFF Industry Company Limited in all auto and electronic shops.

3. Car DVD Player with 5 inch Touch Screen and Bluetooth/RDS/USB/SD/IPOD/GPS. A Global Positioning System (GPS) is very important in an automobile. This electronic device is useful in giving you a location map in case you are careening a place new to you. You can also use this for ttracking, especially when you have a transportation business or the likes. This time, this GPS from the Chinese manufacturer Shenzhen SUFF Industry Company Limited, is also good as a DVD, Bluetooth, RDS, USB, SD, and IPOD player with a five inches (5”) touch screen display.

This beauteous but highly functional Car DVD Player with 5 inch Touch Screen and Bluetooth/RDS/USB/SD/IPOD/GPS can be coded in 19 different languages like English,chinese,chinese,German,French,Spanish,Dutch,Hungarian,Czech,Danish,Norwegian,Swedish,Portuguese,Italian,Finland,Roumania,Greek,Russian,and Polish. It is also applicable in all types of automobiles, so you can rest assured that you will be able to use its full benefits in your vehicle.

The complete summary of the description of this cool auto electronic gadget is as follows:

* 5.0 inch Wide screen Touch Screen TFT Display
* mini USB, compatable with card reader
* Ipod connector ( As customers required )
* Support AD2P (Bluetooth Stereo Music)　built in microphone
* can play stereo music through Bluetooth
* You can click the Backsight to watch the rear monitor situation when you are driving
Navigation model:
a. you can play DVD/TV/FM during navigation(it is navigation status while voice promted,Conversely it comes back to　original status)
b. Keeping navigation model (including　original map, support upgrade)
c. GPS navigation setting:19 lanugages can be choose—-
English,chinese,chinese,German,French,Spanish,Dutch,Hungarian,Czech,Danish,Norwegian,Swedish,Portuguese,Italian,Finland,Roumania,Greek,Russian,Poland
* You can click the Backsight to watch the rear monitor situation when you are driving
* DVD OSD menu interface ：English, German,French,Spanish, Russian, Greek, Italian, Swedish
* NTSC/PAL Compatible　(SECAM optional)
* Electronic Anti-Shock
* DVD/DVD-R/MP3/MP4(DIVX)/VCD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW Compatible
* Repeat/ Program/ Random/ Intro Play
* AM/FM/Stereo Receiver　and RDS
* AM/FM/Stereo Receiver　and RDS
* 30 Preset Stations
* Auto Memory Store/ Preset Scan
* Preferences best balanced mode
* 4*60W High Power Output
* 1 pair of audio input　 2 pair of RCA output
* AV video input and output
* Overweight bass output
* Card Size Full Function Remote Control
* front panel can be moved up and down by remote control
* TV function or DVB-T ( As customers required )

4. GPS navigation system (FGT-3101). If you opt for a simpler navigation system like if you have a DVD already, you can have the FGT-3101 GPS from Shenzhen Fine Electronic Company Limited. This is simpler design and functionality, but with high functionality for your navigation confidence. It features three point five inches (3.5”) of TFT touch screen with 3230 by 240 resolutions, Centrality Atlas III for its central processing unit (CPU), Windows CE NET5.0 as its base operating system, internal 64M /external SD card of 4 Gigabytes (G) maximum storage, MP4/3, photo browsing, built-in speakers, and 1750mAH built-in Lithium battery that can continuously run for about three to four (3-4) hours. This cool navigation system can pick up 20 channels and can locate a searched position in less than 10 minutes. It can be powered with a five volt direct current and supports different languages like English, German, Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch, Denish, Greek, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish, Czechish, Russian, Hungarian, Polish, Slovakian, Turkish, Finnish, and Romanian.

It’s mapping capability features:

*Navteq maps, TeleATLAS maps support Europe countries ans regions, South and North America, Asia, *South East Asia, Australia, part of Middle East
*Language & Voice: English, French, German, Portuguese Italian, Spanish, Finnish, Denish and so on (optional)
*Navigator firmware storage: SD card/built-in NAND FLASH
*Memory size: 64MB
*Signal recapture time: 0.1s on average
*Update rate: 1s
*Video Format: MP4, AVI, ASF, MPG/MPEG
*Audio Format: MP3, WMA, WAV, ASF
*Picture Format: JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF

5. Bluetooth. Connectivity is also very crucial when you are inside your automobile. And the newest form is through a Bluetooth. Among the very many popping out Bluetooth products and brands in the industry, you can opt for the ELM327 Bluetooth from Autosky Science and Technology Company Limited, a Chinese manufacturing company. This innovative Bluetooth by Autosky Science and Technology Company Limited is the new way of connecting with the web and to the world even at the worst places.

The ELM327 Bluetooth is a wireless gadget can read diagnosed trouble codes of generic and original manufacturer items. This can display sensor results like engine revolution per minute (RPM), calculated load value, coolant temperature, fuel system status, vehicle speed, short term fuel trim, long term fuel trim, intake manifold pressure, timing advance, intake air temperature, air flow rate, absolute throttle position, oxygen sensor voltages/associated short term fuel trims, fuel system status, fuel pressure, and diagnostic meaning out of its more than 3000 generic code definitions in its database.
If you have an on-board diagnostics II (OBD II) capable automobile, you can have one of these cool gadgets. You will also be provided with software devices for pal, PDA, windows PC, and Windows Smart phone. This auto electronic device supports ISO 9141, KWP200, SAE J1850, and CAN bus.
With all these modern auto electronics inside your vehicle, you can cruise on- and off-roads without having to worry about your automobile diagnoses and your location on a foreign land. The comfort you will get from all of these will also be very good for your mobility. You can easily have help with the use of these cool gadgets or you can opt to reach the authorities through these, too. But on top of all these, and under normal conditions, you can have the peace of mind and relaxation you need when you are driving for longer periods of time. This helps you to be more confident and safe.
Get your automobile geared up with all of these auto electronics and experience a real thrilling drive anywhere you go. If you have your family and friends with you, they too can enjoy the benefits of all these cool gadgets. They can play, sing, use the internet, or watch their favorite movie without interrupting you in the process. So why still keep from getting a Crankshaft Position Sensor, Star Auto Scanner, Car DVD Player with 5 inch Touch Screen and Bluetooth/RDS/USB/SD/IPOD/GPS GPS, GPS navigation system (FGT-3101), and Bluetooth when you can acquire them at cheaper value? For more information and details on where and what to get for your upgrading and modernization plans, search the web or visit Trade VV dot com. This is the site where I have found all these cool gadgets from Chinese manufacturers that do not only offer items at reasonable prices but at real good quality as well.