The Global Positioning System has exploded into the public consciousness in a fairly big way over the last few years—no longer is use of GPS satellites for navigation relegated to the military and consumer-oriented specialty applications…now you’re starting to see GPS built into many automobiles, and the use of the technology in exercise gadgets.

One of the things that really brought GPS into the mainstream was GPS navigation systems for automobiles. Despite the inclusion of the technology in the dashboards of many new automobiles, there’s still a need for standalone units for those of us who aren’t quite ready to trade up to a new auto. The good news is that the price of these GPS nav systems has dropped sharply, and they’re now filled with a lot of new bonus multimedia capabilities.

Mio DigiWalker C520
www.mio-tech.com
$399
The Mio DigiWalker C520 is definitely one of the more obvious multimedia-savvy devices—right from the main screen you see big icons for video, audio, pictures, and a link for stereo Bluetooth headsets (previously looked at in our A2DP segment). That same Bluetooth connection makes it possible to use the C520 as a hands-free telephony device, so you can keep your eyes on the road while making a call…sound is a bit tinny through the built-in speaker however. The C520 features a 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen that allows you to touch-and-drag, which makes panning around on the map quick and easy.

Harman/Kardon Guide+Play GPS-500NA
www.harmankardon.com
$399
The Harman/Kardon Guide+Play series has a name that explicitly refers to its multiple uses — and in addition to the onboard navigation capabilities, it also plays back audio and video files. The unit comes with a touch-sensitive four-inch LCD screen, and allows you to pan around the map with the touch of a finger. One nice touch is the jog wheel on the side of the GPS, which allows users to adjust volume or brightness fairly quickly withouth having to find an on-screen menu option. The thing that makes the Guide+Play really stand out, though, is the battery life —long after the other GPSes pooped out and forced us to switch to the DC power adapter, the Guide+Play kept going.

Netropa Intellinav 3
www.intellinav.com
$329
Though the Intellinav 3 has a smaller screen than many of its competitors, it does have a few extras that may make you want to live with the smaller design. First off, it has a few safety features, like a fatigue alarm that will say a customizable message (like “wake up, doofus!”) when you may be getting tired; a speed alert that will let you know when you are going faster than your target speed (or automatically warn you if you’re going too fast for the class of road it thinks you’re on); a warning when you’re going too fast in a designated school zone; and a fog assist feature. It also has a “parked car locator” feature that will guide you back to your parked car, assuming you took the GPS with you when you left the car. It can also take traffic patterns into account (using information banked over the last 5 years). It also has MP3 playback capability and a photo browser. Sure, the touch-screen is really tiny compared to some of the competition, but it does feature panning when you move your finger across the screen…it just doesn’t let you pan as far. The unit comes with a 2GB SecureDigital card.

Magellan Maestro 4050+TrafficKit
www.magellangps.com
$799 (but probably less at retail)
Magellan’s Maestro 4050+TrafficKit doesn’t have a lot of the multimedia extras that some of the competition has, and it’s one of the more expensive models out there…so why does it cost so much? Well, quite simply, it’s one of the most solid units out there, with a bright screen and a loud speaker. It has Bluetooth capability that allows the Maestro to be used as a hands-free unit during phone calls. It features voice recognition, so you can say “Magellan” followed by a limited number of voice commands. And it also has the ability to monitor live traffic conditions courtesy of the large antenna mount that comes with the unit — though it only works in certain areas, and it is a subscription-based service; once it’s activated it will provide you with on-screen alerts as to traffic conditions you want to avoid, and will allow you to reroute. And lastly, it comes preloaded with AAA points of interest, and even comes with a built-in screen showing AAA emergency roadside assistance numbers…and if you have a Bluetooth phone paired to the Maestro, it will even dial for you.

1.)Olympus DS-50 Digital Voice Recorder

Can you sing, talk or just mumble? Doesn’t matter what your vocal chords are transmitting out, you can record in full digital on this handy little recorder.

The internal 1GB memory gives you up to 275 hours or recording, but the twist is you can also playback your own mp3 files (downloaded through the USB port). The playback and recording software comes with tons of options.

Suggested retail price $299.99
www.olympuscanada.com

2.)Black & Decker 18V Pivot Vac - PHV-1800

When you can pivot the nozzle in 10 different positions, you have 18 volts of rechargeable power, and there is something known as cyclonic action pulling stuff in, how can dirt hide?

This vac is lightweight, powerful and can twist to reach almost anywhere.

Suggested retail price $69.95
www.blackanddecker.com

3.) Belkin Battery Backup with Flashlight (#BU305500-USB)

You light up my life…. well at least when the power’s out. The latest Battery Backup unit from Belkin comes with a “why didn’t I think of that?!” extra, a flashlight. When the power goes out, you can find your way around and keep your computer running for a bit. The unit will even shut down your computer safely.

It has large AC-adapter blocks, 1-in, 2-out telephone jacks, cable management, and comes with a 3-Year Product Warranty, a $50,000 Connected Equipment Warranty, and a Data Recovery Warranty.

MSRP: $104.99
www.belkin.com

4.) iHome Bike to Beach Bicycle Speaker for iPod – iH85B

Just when you thought you were safe from new iPod accessories, here comes one for your bike.

It’s safe to use though, your ears are left open to hear the horn of that 5-ton truck behind you. This water-resistant iPod speaker case clamps to your bike frame and you control all the fun from your handlebar mounted remote control

MSRP: $104.99
www.ihomeaudio.com

5.) Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun (10–1911)

I hate radar guns! Even if you’re driving the speed limit and you see one pointed at you, you still slam on the brakes.

This one, though, I like. It tells me how fast my baseball pitch is, how fast my tennis serve is, how fast I shot the puck down the ice, and even how fast I am driving.

It’s accurate to ± 1.0 miles per hour using digital technology and DSP (digital signal processing). Measure the speed of a baseball from up to 90 feet, or a vehicle from as far as 1,300 feet.

MSRP: $99.99
www.bushnell.com

6.) Targus DEFCON 1 Ultra Notebook Computer Security System

(Model #PA400C)

Lock or lose it, it’s a very simple concept for keeping your notebook computer, yours…
I use the DEFCON when I travel, and even lock up my suitcases with it when I’m away from my hotel room. You twist the dials to your user-selected combination and click in the 3 foot long cable in.

It has a motion sensor and a cut-sensor. Trigger either and you’ll get an ear-piercing 95 decibel alarm

MSRP: 49.99
www.targus.ca

7.) Wilson nPro Racquetball Racquet

A racquetball racquet as a techie item?! Yup, if it’s part of Wilson Sports ‘n’ series.

With a head size of 107 sq. inches, a length of 22 inches and a light weight of only 155 grams, this racquet will improve your game.

Yes, there are no $20 million sponsorships for racquetball, but it’s a demanding game that keeps your running at full speed for 1 hour. So a racquet that’s easy to hold and has a large sweet spot to improve your shot, is a welcome addition in your equipment bag.

MSRP: $99
www.wilson.com