'Tis the season to be jolly and avoid the hustle and bustle when looking for that special gift at the mall this year, so try your local car audio retailer. Before doling out the dough or whipping out that credit card, the consumer electronics product you are considering to buy for that perfect unique gift should shine in performance, features, and price. We have made it easy to determine the right gift with top picks in the following pages, offering it's-the-thought-that-counts items to high-end, expensive luxuries, and something for every size budget. 8-Lug magazine gathered a list of great consumer electronics products-ideal gifts to make lasting holiday memories.
Route Guidance And Entertainment All The Way To Grandma's House
Alpine
iXA-W407 + NVE-M300 Digital Media Station with Navigation
$1,100.00
The iXA-W407 plus NVE-M300 GPS Navigation Drive is Alpine's 2-DIN, mech-less audio/video/navigation system complete with fully supported iPod/iPhone playback, QVGA 7-inch touch screen, and built-in Bluetooth. The graphical user interface (GUI) allows users to choose sources and make menu selections via a simple slide-and-touch motion across the screen's display.
Mobile Computing For The Holidays
Apple - iphone 3GS
$299.00 32GB model, $199.00 16GB model, and $99 8GB model
The new iPhone 3GS is the fastest, most powerful iPhone, packed with incredible new features, including improved speed and performance, longer battery life, a high-quality three-megapixel autofocus camera, video recording, and hands-free voice control. iPhone 3GS includes the new iPhone OS 3.0, the most advanced mobile operating system with more than 100 new features.
Play Holiday Music From Ipod/Iphone Through Radio
Alpine
DPR-RDS1 Factory Radio Interface for iPod/iPhone
$120.00
Alpine's new DPR-RDS1 Factory Radio Interface for iPod and iPhone makes it possible to play songs from an iPod or iPhone through any factory radio with FM-quality sound. If the factory radio is equipped with RDS (radio data system) functionality, song, artist, and album information will also be displayed on the factory radio's screen.
iPOD Docks Jingle Bell Rocks
Boss Audio
755DBI with iPod Docking Station
$259.00
The iPod has revolutionized the way we listen to music and BOSS AUDIO has revolutionized the way to adapt it in your ride. The incredible patent-pending 755DBI with iPod docking station is a Bluetooth-enabled, MP3-compatible, in-dash CD receiver with USB, memory card, and a front-panel Aux input. Just push a button, slide it in, and hit the road.
Sleigh's Security And Remote Start
Clifford
Responder HD
$799.00
Responder HD features DirectEd's most advanced color remote and operates within a one-mile range. The unit has two-way security and incorporates a remote start system. Responder HD has an upgraded user interface, mini-USB charging port, and a patented menu wheel. The intended use and user value of Clifford Responder HD constitute nothing less than a new, higher level of connection between drivers and their vehicles.
Sleigh's Direction And Information Finder To Go
Garmin
nüvi 1690 - $499.99
The nüvi 1690 is a portable navigation device with a built-in wireless module that lets customers tap into Garmin's nüLink! service that provides direct links to certain online information like Google local search, traffic, weather, fuel prices, movie listings, flight status, local events, white page telephone listings, and Ciao!, Garmin's exclusive location-based social networking system that connects multiple networks to a single portal for Garmin users.
Multimedia System Delivers Holiday Cheer
Jensen
VM9413 - 1-DIN 7-inch Touch Screen Multimedia System
$549.99
Navigation, Bluetooth, and satellite radio-ready, Jensen's 1-DIN multimedia system features a smart and convenient swivel screen with a 7-inch touch screen, HD radio tuner, and offers iTunes tagging, plus out-of-the-box connectivity via a 3.5mm A/V media adapter cable and MediaLink4 for iPod and other personal media devices.