XM XpressRC satellite radio
$169.99
Just like satellite television, the appeal of satellite radio is varied: lots of commercial-free stations (although commercials are creeping in), plus sports and North America-wide programming you can't normally get in Canada. For XM, this includes more than 130 channels, and exclusive NHL game rights. (If you're leery of the $15-a-month subscription fee, free trial-period offers are available at www.xmradio.ca.) The XpressRC is a higher-end model, with a colour screen four-channel display and the ability to pause and replay any channel up to an hour later; also lets you save up to 10 songs as you hear them on the radio for later play.
Sirius Stiletto 2
$399.99
The Sirius Stiletto is a portable, iPod-like device for those who need all their music, all the time, as well as Sirius's 110-plus channels. It offers a removable microSD slot that lets you import your MP3/WMA songs from your computer, as well as giving you extra space for song storage. The Sirius subscription is $15 a month; the free trial subscription offered at www.siriuscanada.ca is a good way to get a feel for the programming.
Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel
$139.99
To help you get a realistic feel for racing simulation games such as the Need for Speed or Gran Turismo series, you need a steering wheel controller and pedals to squeeze out the true feeling. The Xbox 360 wireless racing wheel allows you to easily sit with the steering wheel and hyper-racy shift paddles behind the steering wheel, just like Formula 1 cars and high-performance Ferraris and Lamborghinis. The wheel and pedals vibrate and pulse along with engine revs and crashes, lending tactile backup to the realistic visuals.
Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008
$129.95
Microsoft's Streets and Trips navigational software is somewhat clumsy: you'll have to take your Vista-enabled laptop with you in the car. But its real-time location tracking — courtesy of a global positioning system (GPS) sensor that attaches to your computer by USB — means that even if you take a wrong turn the software can recalculate on the fly to get you to your destination. This real-time capability is the main advantage over free Web-based mapping services; it gives voice directions to guide you to your next turn, as well as readouts for the nearest gas stations or restaurants.
Garmin GPS Nuvi 250 Navigation System
$299.99
If you're looking for inexpensive yet sophisticated navigational units, Garmin's Nuvi lineup may be just your style. Easily transported from car to car, they offer touch-screen capabilities and come loaded with NAVTEQ maps for across North America. The Nuvi 250 also includes a JPEG image viewer, world travel clock with time zones, measurement converter and calculator.
Boyo Vision VTL420 License Plate Rearview Camera
$209.99
Getting in and out of tight spots is a daily trial for many city drivers, and keeping an eye on what's going on behind the minivan or SUV can be nerve-wracking. Enter the backup camera: select reverse, and the navigational or information screen automatically changes to provide the view directly behind the vehicle's rear bumper. This mini-camera mounts on the licence plate holder and provides a close look at what's directly behind the rear bumper; it's touted as being rust-proof and waterproof and having good low-light sensitivity at night.
Clarion VMA7196 7-inch Headrest Monitor
$319.99
Although slightly more pricey than simple portable DVD devices, both to buy and to install, this Clarion headrest monitor allows movies and shows to be seen by back-seat passengers. The monitor installs into the headrest itself, deterring thieves who like to smash car windows and grab portable DVD players strapped to the seat.
Eclipse 7-inch TFT Monitor All-In-One CD/DVD and Hard Disk Navigation
$2,999.95
If you have an older car, not a lot of real estate on your dashboard, but a keen desire to have an ultra-modern DVD and GPS-equipped entertainment system, an all-in-one solution like this Eclipse model could be worth the hefty investment. It's super flashy, with a motorized, 7-inch screen that powers its way out of the dashboard to display maps and DVD movies (when you're parked, of course). It has a 20-GB hard drive that can store all the North American maps you need, as well as movies and music. The front face is detachable for security, and it's wired for use with rear monitors and backup cameras.
Special to The Globe and Mail
In Pictures:
