Charging ahead
Designed for drivers of big rigs
Cobra’s big tease
Ten months after debuting at the Consumer Electronics Show, the Cobra Electronics’ JoyRide, a product dubbed “the smart charger for smart drivers,” is available. A 2.1amp rapid phone charger, the JoyRide plugs into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter adapter and quickly charges Android phones with a free downloadable app that provides carfriendly functions like automatically launching apps used most when driving, sending customized auto replies to received text messages and phone calls on behalf of drivers, as well as a car finder feature that offers GPS directions back to a parked car. $40; visit cobrajoyride.com
Good item, bad name
For drivers who operate big rigs comes Garmin’s deal 760LMT seven-inch GPS navigator designed for trucks and recreational vehicles. But how ridiculous to select a product name that requires advanced knowledge of alternate language keyboard shortcuts to type correctly. Who could have possibly come up with the name “deal” and what possible arguments could have been presented at the staff meeting to support its implementation? The 760LMT is very intuitive, feature-rich and worthwhile for its target market. It records fuel usage and other trip-related data, features an Active Lane Guidance mode that identifies the ideal lane in which to travel, offers specialized routing to support truck-related restrictions. $400; visit garmin.com.