Car Tech round-ups

  • Best racing games for those who need speed

    04 Dec 2009 3:37 PM

    Are you a demon behind the wheel who thinks too fast is never fast enough? Save yourself a speeding ticket by getting in the driver's seat with one of these racing titles.

  • Best large-screen GPS navigators

    13 Nov 2009 4:45 PM

    For the last several years, GPS units have come in two sizes: 3.5-inch and 4.3-inch. Fast forward to 2009 and larger sizes are now not only common, but affordable too.

  • Best in-car Bluetooth hands-free kits

    12 Nov 2009 4:43 PM

    It's illegal to hold a mobile phone and drive; we pick the best Bluetooth hands-free car kits, so you can inform friends that you'll be late or chat about what so-and-so is doing with you-know-who and not be nabbed by the boys and gals in blue.

  • Best FM transmitters for the car

    12 Nov 2009 10:39 AM

    Not all iPod FM transmitters are created equal — some have dodgy cradles that fling your iPod around the cabin, others roll over at the first sign of interference. We pick three of the best, so you have your tunes everywhere you drive.

  • Best budget GPS navigators

    09 Nov 2009 12:44 PM

    With the words crisis and meltdown being a regular feature in newspaper headlines, we investigate some of the cheaper GPS options out there.

  • Best portable GPS navigators

    06 Nov 2009 3:45 PM

    All brand name GPS units will get you safely from A to B, but some do it better than others. We nominate a clutch of navigators we'd junk our Gregory's or Melway for.

  • iPhone GPS navigation apps

    27 Oct 2009 5:32 PM

    We rank the GPS navigation apps available for the iPhone from best to worst.

  • GPS navigators for Father's Day

    25 Aug 2009 3:12 PM

    Is dad continually late because he's lost? Are mum and dad bickering constantly about whether she meant that left or the other left? If so, we think you know what you should get dad for Father's Day. And, no, we're not thinking about a new wife...

  • Electric car round-up

    12 Jun 2009 4:50 PM

    Years after GM killed off its EV1 electric car, car makers are finally rolling out electric cars again. We take a look at three EVs on sale overseas and one that's available locally.

  • Best fashionable and sexy tech

    04 May 2009 10:29 AM

    Back in the good ol' days the tech world was ruled by geeks, so for something to succeed it had to have the most megahertz and, well, that's about it. Now that tech toys are everywhere and are a part of our daily lives, not only does something techy have to work quickly and well, it has to have a modicum of style to it.

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Reviews

  • Garmin Nuvi 5000

    It might be perfect for truck drivers, but the 5.2-inch Garmin 5000 is a bit too big for us car-bound road denizens. And the lack of Bluetooth hands-free, lane guidance and junction view condemns it to also-ran status.

    Specs: 5.2 inch, No , Yes

    Where to buy? Check price listings

  • Navigon iPhone car kit

    It mightn't be the cheapest iPhone windshield mount out there, but it's compact, holds Steve's phone in place without a trace of shakes and looks good to boot.

    Where to buy? Check price listings

  • Garmin Nuvi 1390T

    There's nothing particularly flash about it, but the 1390T is a solid and dependable choice, with traffic, lane guidance, Aussie and NZ maps, and Bluetooth hands-free amongst its features.

    Specs: 4.3 inch, Bluetooth , Yes , Yes

    Where to buy? Check price listings