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Cars, Car Tech, and GPS
Get the grads in your life a tech upgrade for their cars, whether it's a navigation device, so they can find their way home occasionally, or a new car stereo, one that will connect to an iPod. Some even support hands-free calling with Bluetooth. And what dad wouldn't like something new to fiddle around with in his car? Or, give a gift no one will ever forget: a new car. There's the practical Ford Focus with the Sync system, the boy racer Subaru WRX STI for the younger set, or the more mature BMW M3, a car most dads drool over.
Editors' top pick
The bottom line: The 2008 BMW M3 is a tame lion. It's easy to handle among traffic and urban driving, while ferocious on the track or out in the hills. Its cabin electronics are among the best available.
The bottom line: With its sophisticated digital processor and car-specific acoustic output, the JVC KD-S100 is an innovative addition to the aftermarket audio world. Its limited availability and vague pricing restrict its appeal, but new car owners may well see it as a worthwhile means of significantly improving their in-car audio.
The bottom line: The Eclipse AVN6620 is a device for those looking to tech out their car with a single device. Its elegant design, wealth of features and expandability, and the fact that it's easy to use make it a strong contender in the all-in-one in-car device market.
The bottom line: The MEX-BT5100 is a good all-in-one option for those thinking of investing in a in a decent stereo and a hands-free speakerphone.
The bottom line: The DEH-P6000UB is a good-looking, good-sounding car stereo with great iPod support and some decent audio-tweaking options.
The bottom line: The Garmin Nuvi 200 series offers drivers and travelers a more budget-friendly version of the popular portable navigation devices, but we think the price is still slightly high for what you get.
The bottom line: The sleek Mio C520 is a good-value GPS device, packing in advanced navigation features, a large screen, and other extras for an affordable price. However, you can get a better user experience and smoother performance from competing systems.
The bottom line: Sporting a sleeker design and interface, the affordable Magellan Maestro series offers drivers an accurate in-car GPS device with useful trip information, thanks to its partnership with AAA.
The bottom line: The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is a blast on the right kinds of roads, but gets tiresome on the daily commute. Music fans will be disappointed with the stereo.
The bottom line: With the exceptional Sync system as standard, the all-new Ford Focus SES has one of the highest tech-to-price ratios of any car we've seen.
Thanks,
The CNET TV Team
