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PDA mounted in backseat divider of a customized Mercedes Benz.
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Getting Wired (101)Discover the best ways to get wired — in your car, in your house and on the go. Get the inside scoop on cell phone jargon with the help of Joni Blecher, senior editor at consumer website CNET wireless. Then, visit Ken Crane's in Los Angeles to learn when high definition television is worth the price and when it's not. Finally, cruise the showroom floor at SEMA, the largest trade show in the world for automotive accessories. There you'll find out how technology can help make the most of the many hours you spend on the go, including wiring your car for office work, for entertainment access or for safety and navigation.
Choosing a Cellular Phone Plan
- Pick a carrier before choosing your phone to assure your phone will work with the service you choose.
- Learn the difference between terms, such as "long distance" and "roaming" fees. A long distance call involves placing a call to a number outside the home calling area. Roaming fees are incurred when calls are made on another carrier's network.
- To determine how many minutes you'll need each month, track your calls for a week and multiply those minutes by four. Then add 100 minutes as a "cushion" for extra calls.
- Find out how long your trial period lasts from the time you sign your contract. If you have buyer's remorse, this is your best opportunity to change your mind without penalty.
- Ask your carrier for the zip codes of areas they cover. Make sure any areas you typically call are covered so you don't incur roaming charges.
- Renegotiate a cellular contract rather than canceling and incurring a fee. This ensures access to the company's best rates.
- Analog is more dependable than digital, yet costs up to 30 cents a minute.
Resource
CNET Networks, Inc
www.cnet.com
For people who want to do some research prior to buying, this website provides information, reviews and news of digi-cams, cell phones, audio and video, etc.
Buying a TV and DIY Home Theater
- Within the next five years, all TVs will be the new wide screen rectangular shape, and in high definition — but that doesn't mean you need to buy a high definition television now.
- At this time, if you have cable, your ability to get HDTV depends on your location. HDTV is now available on certain channels in certain cable systems. If you have satellite, you have three to six channels of high definition. If you put a roof antenna with your satellite dish, you'd have up to 15 stations of high definition.
- Many televisions on the market now are HD-ready. You can add a decoder box that can translate the high definition signal and display it on the television.
- Types of televisions on the market:
Rear Projection: Can be 26-30 inches deep
LCD: No tubes, high resolution, thin screen
Flat Screen: Offers less distortion than the old, slightly rounded screens
PLASMA: Some models may not be HDTV-compatible
- From what distance will the television be watched? Measure the distance between the television and the seating area. If the seats are less than 8 feet away, buy a screen 50" or smaller. After 15 feet, any size screen will do.
- Home theater components include:
- receiver
- speakers for "surround sound"
- television
- monitor
- VCR and DVD player, etc.
- Home theaters "in a box" are inexpensive, starting around $500. Buying individual components could cost up to $40,000. You also save professional installation cost by doing it yourself.
Resources
Ken Crane's – Los Angeles
310-474-8008
Sells televisions and supplies featured in the first segment.
www.digitaltelevision.com
Digital television information
Consumer Reports
www.consumerreports.org
Television ratings, buying advice, features to look for, etc.
Home Theater Express
www.ht-express.com
Guides for setting up a home theater; variety of home theater accessories.
Home Theaters
www.hgtv.com
One-hour television special on HGTV.
Smarthome
www.smarthome.com
Home theater control starter kits.
Make Life on the Road Easier and Safer
- For hands-free dialing, expect to pay around $100, for a Collision Avoidance System, around $350.
- A Baby View Camera typically costs around $450.
- Expect to pay $600 for a headrest with a monitor.
- To power certain accessories you might need to add a second battery or change your alternator.
- A navigation system and back-up warning device also add to ease and safety.
Resources
Specialty Equipment Market Association
www.sema.org
Sponsors world's largest trade show for automotive accessories and trends.
Enjoy the Drive
www.enjoythedrive.com
More specialty equipment news and reviews, including products featured in the piece from the SEMA show.
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