Gadgets that Accommodate Life on the Road

Gadgets that Accommodate Life on the Road

Plenty of inexpensive gadgets are available to make even a thrifty entrepreneur's driving life easier. So let's go on a shopping spree.

Comfort
First on the must-have list is a comfortable seat. If yours is lacking, you can investigate orthopedic and air-circulating seat cushions. Air-circulating cushions range from about $25 to $50. Other choices include a back support wedge, such as the Allison "Comfort Series" Orthopedic Back Support, $12.95 atautobarn.com.

If you're a road warrior and don't always have time to press your wrinkled garments at your destination, consider a full-size traveling clothes closet.The 1st Class Trav'l Bar is an adjustable, T-shaped metal bar with a round base that fits into the back seat of a sedan or the cargo area of an SUV or minivan.

Another must is driving shoes to wear in the car after removing those high heels. Take a ride on the internet and find the right shoes atnextag.com orautosportcatalog.com.

Organizers
Cargo nets, dividers and bins can keep items in the trunk from rolling around, and organizers with pockets and pouches for notepads and other small items come in a variety of styles. Some caddies hang over the back of the passenger seat; The Driver Pocket by Talus hooks up to the front air vent. It's $6.99 atorganize.com.

A portable console that sits between the front seats can hold your files, laptop and other office necessities. Some consoles, such as the 16-gauge steel security console insert fromtuffyproducts.com, have a security lock. And if you need to work on your laptop between sales calls, the DeskDrive Plus notebook platform  froma2zsolutions.com hooks onto the steering wheel to hold your PC. By contrast, the Kar Kaddy sits on the passenger seat. It can serve as a tray or a desk and has holders for drinks or pens. It's also inexpensive at $20 for two of them.

Technology
Cell phones, iPods and other electronic devices need to be hands-free in some states. So hang up--and attach them to the dashboard. Holders and cradles, such as those at cellphoneshop.net, mount easily onto various parts of the dash. Most cost less than $10.

Make sure the holder is sturdy and attached properly. Some holders are standardized for specific makes and models. TheCarcomm Mobile PDA/Smartphone Cradle with a built-in charger can be permanently mounted, but it also comes with a window mount and a dashboard suction cup for immediate plug-and-play use. You can also buy mounts for your portable navigation system, complete with charging circuits.

If you're going to be eating in the car, you can stock a plug-in heating element for your beverages and a 12-volt sandwich maker. You can even accommodate multiple outlets. The 12-volt accessories multiplier, a three-outlet power strip, has a 5-AMP fuse to avoid damage to products being used and a lighted on/off switch. It can also be mounted. All three items are available atpreparedness.com.

AutoNet's Mobile WiFi gadget is a little pricey at $595, plus $39 a month, but it brings the ultimate mobile office into your car. Simply plug it into the cigarette lighter. Avis provides this add-on for $10.95 a day to its customers at some major airports. Small and lightweight, it can connect everyone riding in the car at the same time.

More mobile portability will be available with Pioneers new navigation system, AVIC-F500BT, debuting in June. It will offer Bluetooth hands-free phone operation and audio traffic directions. It also has backup camera capability. The system can be mounted on your dashboard and will operate by battery when removed from the vehicle.

Emergency Items
There's nothing more annoying than a flat tire on your way to an important meeting. But dressed in your business best, who wants to drag out the jack and spare tire? Instead, keep a can of tire sealer, such asFix-a-Flat, in your trunk. It can seal and inflate your flat in minutes. All you do is shake the can, connect the hose and press a button. No tools needed, its nonflammable, and the rubber compound provides just enough emergency seal to get you to the nearest gas station.

Sandras vehicle was rear-ended at a stop light during her morning commute. Unhurt but upset, she neglected to obtain a few crucial details from the man who caused the collision.

Keeping a specialized "witness" kit in the glove compartment would have solved that problem, including getting photos of the damage to both vehicles. One such kit, the DocuDent, is a roll-up waterproof pouch that contains an instant flash camera and an accident report form that prompts you to get appropriate details and also sketch the accident scene. Also included are a tiny torch, a measuring tape, a pen, Band-aids, a whistle and a slot for your insurance and registration card. At only $14.99, you can afford to give one to every employee who drives a company vehicle.