GetItNext Blog

I was sure I parked my car RIGHT HERE!

Having a GPS car homing device on your key chain is handy in many ways. From time to time you may forget where you parked your car while at the mall or in an unfamiliar location. Having a pocket GPS locator may be the tool for you if you sometimes find yourself wandering the parking lot looking for your wheels more often than not! These devices are inexpensive and can be used to help you find just about anything! Just have your pocket GPS locator on your person and set your position. Once set, the device will direct you back to your original location. Because the pocket size locator utilizes GPS technology, it is able to be used globally.

GPS locator devices cost anywhere from $40 to $400 depending on the type of unit you are looking for. A simple version such as the Audiovox ECCO Personal Pocket GPS Locator will run you around $40. This device attaches to your key-chain and is battery operated. The built-in battery is charged via USB and lasts 10 hours a charge on full use.

The more expensive GPS locators have the intelligent software to communicate back and forth with the car. These devices have two separate GPS receivers. One is located on the car and the other is pocket sized and can be linked to your key-chain. Popular brands for this include LoJack, Zoombak, Trackstick, Viper, etc. The technology is getting smaller and now many of of the key-chain models can work with the two-way systems attached to your car, truck, motorcycle, or boat. For example the Viper SmartSmart Module with GPS Tracking VSM250 can track your vehicle via satellite on your iPhone or Android device. This particular unit will cost you around $250.

 

Find Great Deals on Remote Car Starters!

Having a remote car starter is great for those cold mornings when you want to have a warm car without ahaving to leave the warm confines of your home. Some different models can start your car from long distances, some can start your car with a synchronized scheduled start time, and there are even some remote car starters that will start your car from anywhere in the world with the use of GPS satellites. Viper car starters are very popular systems that can also be synchronized with your car's internal alarm system to not only remote start your car, but to lock/unlock and alarm your vehicle.

Audiovox Prestige car starters provide the same function at a smaller cost versus a higher-end unit like the Python Responder models. Some units such as the Python Respinder 592 HD have an LCD screen, one-mile range of operation, and the ability to charger itself through a mini-USB charging port. Since there are many different brands out there providing the same relative functionality, it is important to make sure the device you choose will function with your particular vehicle's security alarming computer. It is also important to try and stick with a brand name in this case. There are many knock-off remote starters that do not provide adequate reliability for some car alarm systems.

 

The Coolest Toy You Can Buy Your Child...their own ride.

To this day, I still remember what my favorite gift of all time was. I was five, and like any other kid that age, I couldn’t sleep at all the night before Christmas. The anticipation and excitement my brother and I had for the morning to come was so overwhelming, we made our parents wake up at 5:30 am to open up gifts. The second my brother and I got downstairs, we saw a massive box right by the Christmas tree. It must have been 5 feet tall and 6 feet across! I thought it might have been all of my presents in one box, but I was wrong. My parents had told us to “save the big box for last.” So I went through my stocking stuffers and other gifts; a cd player, mighty duck movies on vhs, clothes, board games, and a gameboy if I remember correctly. Then came the time for the big box. Ripping through it like a mad man, I soon realized what was in that box - my very own Jeep Electric Car. Elated, I took that bad boy straight to the streets! Those tiny metal toy cars were definitely in my rear view mirror now! This thing was IT! all the kids on the block asking me for a ride, it was great!

Many years ago when I was five, there was a limited amount of electric car designs. Now, you can purchase all different types of electric cars. Listed are the two most popular models you can purchase for your kids!

1. The Lambo

2. Ferrari

Just dont tell them how much these cars cost in real life!

 

 

The Next Best Option - The Personal Breathalyzer

As we talked about in the previous post, this is not a black and white world. The path chosen is not always the correct path, but rather, the path of least resistance or a path muddled by factors outside the confines of clear thinking, common sense, or right versus wrong. We all know what the right answer is – if you drink, don’t drive. This is not a new concept, nor is it a difficult one to understand. Enter the shades of gray.

Inevitably, there will be occasions where an alcoholic beverage and a set of car keys cross paths. In these moderate cases, the next level of good judgment after abstinence is the use of a personal breathalyzer as a safety device. Keep one in your car glove box to avoid guessing at your sobriety level. They offer accurate readings on whether or not you are below, near, or over the legal blood/alcohol limit. Better to find out using your device instead of taking the police model out for a test drive at a DUI checkpoint.

The AlcoHawk Breathalyzer models are a convenient option to keep in your pocket or the car just in case you need to check your BAC (Blood Alcohol Content), or perhaps a friend's. With impaired judgment come impaired decisions, and real friends look out for one another. Breathalyzers have two different technologies that can give the device a BAC reading - a fuel cell technology, or a more expensive semiconductor technology.  The less expensive models tend to have the cheaper fuel cell technology in them for product cost effeciency. 

The BACtrack S80 Breathalyzer, BACtrack S75 Pro, BACtrack Element, and the Lifeloc FC10 Alcohol Tester are among the most popular and affordable fuel cell alcohol breathalyzers.

Please remember the BAC laws are set for a reason, and the number is the number. No one is above the law,  and it is all our responsibility to ensure everyone gets home this holiday season in one piece. No family deserves the alternative based on a senseless and selfish act. Be safe.

 

Too Many Speeding Tickets?

Of course, the simple and correct answer is to obey the letter of the traffic law, but the world isn't always as black and white as the police car pictured. Enter the radar detector.  Used in the right fashion, this can simply be a great piece of insurance to avoid minor indiscretions. 

Escort radar detectors, Valentine radar detectors and Cobra radar detectors are some of the most common radar detectors in people's cars today. 

Models such as the Valentine V1 and Escort Passport 9500ix are top of the line models that provide a variety of technologies, some of which include laser reading capabilities, gps speed readings, and long distance warning ranges.  The Passport 9500ix is virtually immune to false alarms, and with the use of the built-in gps technology, it can warn you when red light and speed cameras are in use. 

There are also more common types of radar detectors on the market such as the Cobra XRS series radar detectors that have many of the same technologies in their radar detectors, minus the price.  Cobra radar detectors also happen to be a lot less expensive too!  These may not give you the best warning response but will get the job done while staying on budget.  

 

Looking to Upgrade Your Car Stereo System?

Stock car audio systems may not to have the power and range that an avid music listener enjoys, and it is an easy upgrade to make considering the alternative is to buy a high end car! Before you purchase a car stereo it is important to understand that there are many different options out there regarding types of stereos. For example, regular car receivers, in-dash DVD receivers and in-dash GPS receivers can fit just about any audio upgrade.  Kenwood car audio receivers have many different models such as the Kenwood KDC-108, a budget friendly upgrade that has a front AUX input option and CD/Radio playback.  Kenwood KDC car audio receivers are popular because their ability to fit many universal applications.  Kenwood makes stereos that will provide GPS capabilities and DVD playback, as does many other car audio manufacturers.

Sony's most popular series, Xplod car audio receivers, are high quality receivers that tend to be a higher end option for enthusiasts.  Sony also has all the fancy options such as the Navigation option and DVD playback option. Depending on the type of technologies you want included, the price will obviously vary.  The power required for these receivers tend to be all roughly the same as long as the receivers do not require an independent power source such as an amplifier. Car stereos have the capability to sync your Bluetooth cell phone or audio device, charge your iPod/iPhone/iPad or cell phone, play movies, and even tell you where the nearest rest stop is with the use of a GPS navigation system. Have fun!         

 

Car Audio - FM Transmitters

if your car doesn't have a direct plug-in for your cell phone or Ipod/MP3 player to play music, you will most likely need a FM Transmitter.  All FM Transmitters serve the same base purpose, but some have some nifty features that can make the car audio experience easier.  Belkin FM Transmitters provide a high quality product built to last.  Belkin makes a variety of FM Transmitters such as their Tunebase and TrueFM models.  Monster Audio also makes a high quality product, with its name speaking for itself.  Monster iCarPlay FM Transmitters are great for your Iphone/Ipod/Ipad and the RadioPlay version is also great if you want to hookup your MP3 player or Cell Phone to your car's audio.   Monster's iCarPlay FM Transmitters will also charge your media device, adding an extra convenience. 

Great for when you're on the road and need to charge up.  Belkin's TuneBass and TrueCast models for Iphone/Ipod/Ipad can charge your devices while on the go.  There are many different brand in audio FM Transmitters out there, but it is best to avoid off brands as you risk losing audio and signal quality. 

Ken Block and his latest Gymkhana video

 

The other day I was browsing through Youtube videos before class and stumbled upon this amazing clip featuring professional drift car driver Ken Block. I’ve never seen anything like this where someone can go so fast and drift in a fashion that just makes your jaw drop. Ken Block who’s sponsored by Monster Energy Drink and is Co-Owner of DC Shoes has gotten millions upon millions of hits for his insane gymkhana driving videos.

What’s even more impressive though is the car that Mr. Block drives, a two-door Ford Fiesta. Yea a stock Ford Fiesta doesn’t seem to impressive but what about a Fiesta that’s pushing 600 horsepower and can go from 0-60 in just 2 seconds. Now were talking! Ken Block has gotten so much exposure after his gymkhana videos that you can virtually find any type of memorabilia ranging from;

-       T-shirts

-       Posters

-       Hats

-       Shoes

Have we gotten you hooked yet? You can find great deals on Ken Block memorabilia here with GetItNext!

 

An inexpensive tool that could get you out of a deadly situation!

Last week a friend of mine was in a serious car accident. While driving on the highway, his vehicle’s tire exploded and it veered off to the side of the road into an embankment. If it wasn’t for the res-q-me device he bought weeks before the accident, he would have been trapped inside the overturned car, awaiting assistance that could be some time in receiving. But because of the res-q-me device he had at arms-reach, he was able to cut off the seatbelt with the tool’s blade, along with being able to break the window the device is equipped to handle as well. You can find this potentially life saving tool for less then $20 through GetItNext!

Super Snake Auction, Shelby 427 GT500 to Benefit Carroll Shelby Foundation

The Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation listed the Ultimate Shelby 427 GT500 package on eBay.  The auction is set to run until 2/19 and includes a red hot 2009 Shelby GT500 upgraded with a Super Snake package and No 427 of the Limited edition 427 packages.  The auction winner will also receive a VIP weekend at the Shelby 427 race including 2 private Shelby suite tickets to enjoy the race.  The super snake produces 605 hp for all you pony car fanatics. 

The auction proceeds from the Super Snake benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation which helps children battle life threatening illnesses and promotes organ and tissue donations.  To check out the bidding action here is a link to the Shelby Super Snake 427 GT500