Electronic Gadgets

Over the years, factory original car audio systems have become highly advanced. But for some car owners, these manufacturer-installed audio systems simply aren't enough. What are the options for an on-the-go audiophile?

By Patrick E. George

Connecting to the Internet in this day and age is pretty painless. But for really remote populations or frequent travelers, getting on the Web may take a satellite Internet receiver.

By Jane McGrath

The Taser can be used to subdue subjects at close range, but what happens when police need to stop large crowds at a distance? They use Taser shotgun shells.

By Jonathan Strickland

You're driving down a road when your GPS device suddenly urges you to turn right. The sign ahead suggests otherwise. As does the oncoming traffic. What makes your otherwise useful device so wrong sometimes?v

By Maria Trimarchi

A few auto manufacturers are adding night-vision systems to the vehicles they build in an effort to make driving at night safer. Will night vision become the next got-to-have-it gadget for the automobile?

By Josh Briggs

Most people like to stay connected -- even while on-the-go. It's not difficult when you have access to so many mobile communication technologies. Wouldn't it be great if your car was just as connected as you?

By Ed Grabianowski

There's more than one way to keep track of your teenage driver while he's on the road. But few of them will call you if he's driving recklessly.

By John Fuller

If your high-tech car can dial up your best friend at your command or navigate you out of a maze of city streets, then surely it can tell you what the applicable speed limit is. Or can it?

By Robert Lamb

You're packed and ready to go to Disney World, but you live in New York -- can you keep the kiddies entertained? Sirius Backseat TV relieves beleaguered parents by streaming video clips onto your car's television.

By Akweli Parker

You know the calculation: number of miles on your trip odometer divided by your tank capacity. Mileage monitors claim to one-up such simple estimates with real-time feedback. Are such monitors really accurate, and does it even matter if they are?

By Julia Layton

Car dashboard displays are useful tools, but they're increasingly complicated. Let's take a look at what you need to know about car dashboard displays.

By Molly Edmonds

Thinking of outfitting your car with every electronic add-on the market has to offer? Inspector Gadget would approve. But let's make sure you do it in style.

By Molly Edmonds

Carmakers say RFID ignition systems are unbreakable -- at least by your average thief of average means. But what are the technology's flaws, and should you really protect your ride by wrapping your key in tinfoil?

By Julia Layton

Some Bluetooth users simply clip a headset on their ear to talk on a cell phone without the need to hold the actual phone. Others take advantage of the full line of Bluetooth technology, such as installing a Bluetooth car stereo.

By Jessika Toothman

The ability to tell time has been around for centuries. What began as a fairly simple practice has evolved into a complex system of time, daylight savings and leap years. But where did it all start, and what was the role of sundials?

By Jessika Toothman

If you're one of those people who feels better when they can keep an eye on things, then maybe you need a security camera system for your home.

By John Fuller

Once only found in the movies, high-tech spy gadgets are part of our everyday lives. Is someone listening in on your conversation right now? Are you being followed?

By John Fuller

Learning how to play an instrument may be as simple as playing with blocks. You can get started with the reactable without even touching a user's manual.

By John Fuller

Technology has changed our lives, mostly for the better. But what happens when our inventions get the better of us? The results can be devastating.

By Chris Pollette & Dave Roos

Electronic books have been out for years, though none of them met with much success - until the Amazon Kindle. What's so special about this little device?

By Jonathan Strickland & Chris Pollette

Depending on whom you ask, machines are running our lives. But what happens if they start to build more efficient models of themselves and get rid of us?

By Jonathan Strickland & Mack Hayden

Ever had to answer your cell phone in the middle of a busy street? You could shout above the din or let your call go to voicemail, or you could speak clearly into a noise-canceling headset.

By Tiffany Connors

You're out shopping when suddenly a voice tells you to buy the product right in front of you. Brilliant gimmick or creepy invasion of personal privacy?

By John Fuller

Massage can have real health benefits for you, but what if you don't know a good massage therapist? Perhaps a massage chair might be the answer.

By Jonathan Strickland

Muscles aching? Perhaps you'd enjoy a session in a zero-gravity massage chair. You don't need astronaut training, but you'll need a fat wallet.

By Jonathan Strickland