Driver Lifestyles
An Expediter's Christmas Wish List
Let's face it. The expedited trucker wants and needs technology! There is a wide variety of tools and toys that makes life in the cab easier and more enjoyable and what better time to load up on those gadgets than during the holiday season?
Just in case the expediter on your Christmas list hasn't given you any gift ideas, here is a selection of nifty items any professional driver would enjoy!
Or, maybe you're doing some gift-buying for yourself and you're stuck for ideas. Just peruse this list and treat yourself to a great Christmas this year. You deserve it!
The Digital Hotspotter
Price: $59.95
On the road and signal searching? The Digital Hotspotter is the world's first LCD Wi-Fi detector.
The Digital Hotspotter Model #HS10 is a full-featured Wi-Fi detection and analysis device. The HS10 provides information on signal availability and
strength as well as essential network information, including ID, security status and channel for most 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi networks.
The manufacturer says, "It's perfect for travelers, students and techies."
www.canarywireless.com
Laptop Computers
OK, once you've found that Wi-Fi signal, it's time to pull out the laptop and go to work. Or, just play some games. Or, surf over to EO. Or, send some emails.
Here are a couple of notebooks that have been highly rated by ZDnet.com
*HP Pavilion dv5000z Turion 64 (2.2GHz)
Price: $799.00
ZDnet says of the HP, "Attractive design; big, comfortable keyboard; decent display; good multimedia features, including a double-layer DVD burner; plays discs and music without booting the OS."
"With the Pavilion dv5000z series, HP delivers a well-designed and versatile multimedia laptop that starts at a highly affordable price point."
"We think it's a very good choice for any student, home, or small-office user."
www.hp.com
And, for a few dollars more...
*Dell Inspiron E1705 Laptop Computer
Price: $1,258.00
ZDnet: "Excellent overall performance and competent gaming performance; complete set of multimedia controls and connections; quality speakers; runs Windows XP Media Center; features double-layer DVD burner."
"The Dell Inspiron E1705 packs a solid set of multimedia features, and when configured with Intel's Core Duo processor, it has enough power to speed through virtually any task, from editing video to playing games."
www.dell.com
Speedco Gift Card
Price: $25.00 and up
A great gift idea to the driver in the family or a great one to give yourself! A happy truck depends on regular preventive maintenance and don't forget the all-important oil analysis.
Available at over 35 Speedco locations nationwide.
www.speedco.com
Brookstone's Sound Therapy Eye Mask
Price: $40.00
The perfect device to block out the noise of the reefer that just pulled intothe slot next to yours at 3:00 am.
It not only blocks the light with velour-covered eye cushions, but allows you to plug a portable CD or MP3 player into its built-in headset. Or you can opt for one of five built-in sounds as the Sandman pays a visit.
www.brookstone.com or (800) 846-3000
Espar of Michigan
To keep those loved ones on the road warm and happy, Ray Lawrence of Espar of Michigan has these two gift suggestions.
*Espar D2 Bunk Heater - $1,500.00 installed
*Rigmaster Genset - $7,500.00 installed
www.esparofmichigan.com
Leadsinger All-in-one Karaoke System
Price: $139.00
Just plug it in and start singing along! Choose a song from the extensive 300-hit list and as the music plays, lyrics scroll across your TV for you to follow along. This all-in-one system has all the controls right on the mic so you can change key, tempo and volume with running back and forth to your TV or to a machine.
Come on... step up to the mic! Includes LS3700W karaoke mic with 300 songs built in, 16" cord, AC adapter and user manual/songlist binder.
Product Features
• Includes music and lyrics for 300 songs
• CD quality digital music
• Built in voice enhancer
• Optional duet mic available (not included)
• Additional song chips avaiable separtately
www.extremegeek.com
Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Wireless Headset
Price: $99.00
Even if your cell phone is cool, you may not look cool using it especially if you're holding it while driving. You need a Bluetooth wireless headset, like the
Plantronics Voyager 510. While true geeks might use it to pick up chicks at Star Trek conventions, you know the real reasons to own one. Besides, it just looks cool!
•Lightweight design for all-day wearing comfort
•Noise-Canceling microphone
•WindSmart provides wind-noise reduction technology
•Versatile headset for multiple Bluetooth® devices
•Headset folds for easy storage
•One-touch call control buttons
www.plantronics.com or (800) 544-4660
The Illuminator, LED Windup Flashlight
rice: $19.95
Never get caught in the dark again! Turn the crank for one minute and at a push of a button, you will have up to 1 hour of light. Reliable and durable, the Illuminator wind-up flashlight provides two levels of brightness with its three ultra bright white LEDs. Ideal for emergency, home, auto, boat, camping, fishing and more.
Product Features
• Two levels of brightness with the touch of a button
• Ideal for emergency, home, auto, camping, fishing, and more
• Three Ultra Bright LEDs
• Includes rechargeable lithium battery
• Easy to use: just wind the integrated handle
• Never replace a battery or bulb again!
• Crank for 1 minute for 1 hour of light!
• Dimensions: 5.5"L x 2"W x 1.875"H
• Three ultra bright LEDs
www.extremegeek.com
Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP)
Price: $199.00
If you're a gamer, this unit will fill many empty hours while waiting for the Qualcomm to beep. Featuring an ergonomic design, shiny black finish and full-motion video capabilities It even has Wi-Fi network capabilities and USB and memory stick input. It will play movies, music videos and even sports programs.
Includes:
• The PSP™ system
• AC Adaptor
• Battery Pack
www.us.playstation.com or (800) 345-7669
Smart Mug W/ Temp Control, 16oz, Aluminum
Price: $24.95
A commuter’s best friend, the 16 oz. Smart Mug has a thermostat that lets you set your desired drink temperature from 86 degreesF - 160 degreesF. Plug the Smart Mug’s 12VDC adapter into your cigarette lighter socket, select your preset temperature and an audible alert will sound when your beverage is hot!
Product Features
• Electric mug holds 16 oz
• Select the temperature of your beverage
• Digital LCD displays temp
• Audio alert for preset temperature
• Celsius or Fahrenheit
4 LED temperature indicators: Very hot, Hot, Lukewarm & Room Temperature
www.extremegeek.com
SKYFi3 XM Satellite Radio for Bose Wave Radio System (Bose Wave Radio not included)
Price: $199.99 with FREE shipping
The best way to integrate XM® Satellite Radio and your Bose® Wave® System.
If you own a Bose Wave System — or have been thinking about buying one, you can now add more than 170 digital channels of XM programming to your system with the new SKYFi3® Kit for the Bose System.
The Kit includes Delphi's new SKYFi3 XM Satellite Radio, universal remote control (that controls both systems), home docking station, antenna and wire management hub — everything you need to perfectly integrate digital XM Satellite Radio into the Bose Wave Music System, Bose Wave Radio/CD and Multi-CD Changer.
SKYFi3 Kit for Bose System. Impressive satellite receiver features. Built to integrate with the legendary sound of Bose.
www.shopdelphicatalog.com