The Gadget Column: The Garmin Dash Cam rocked my world
GPS devices are pretty common, especially with the success of mapping in smartphones, but the Garmin Dash Cam 35 takes the technology to a whole new level.
The list of features is amazing, all viewed on a 3-inch LCD display.
The Dash Cam 35 ($199.99) offers drivers a high-definition recorder that easily attaches to the windshield with the included suction cup.
You might not think an accessory like this is useful, but imagine what a great asset it would be if you were in an accident. And I couldn't agree more with Garmin's calling it the "Eyewitness That Never Blinks."
The video is recorded with HD rates of 720 or 1080p and does a great job in daylight as well as nighttime. The files are recorded onto the included microSD card, which you can upgrade up to a 64GB class 4 card.
In addition to the video clips, it embeds GPS data with your location, name of the road, date and time of video being captured. You can play the files right on the GPS display or a computer.
Another feature Garmin added are driver alerts. This includes a collision warning, which alerts you that you might be just a little too close to the vehicle in front of you. Also speed limit alerts and warnings of those dreaded red light cameras ahead.
A smaller -- at 1.4-inches -- and less expensive version ($169.99), the Garmin Dash Cam 30, has many of the same video features, without the GPS data. You can enter the GPS information manually.
A vehicle power cable is included.
www.garmin.com
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I never reviewed a can opener until I tried the hands-free TouCan.
The can opener has internal blade clamps to open the can and a magnet to hold onto the opened lid so it can be trashed safely.
To use it, just align the blades on top of the can to be opened and press a button. I didn't go can crazy and open every one in my pantry, but it worked like a champ opening the can of tuna I had for lunch.
The TouCan is also dishwasher safe and is pretty much indestructible.
www.buytoucan.com $19.99
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The Gogroove SonaVERSE UBR is a nice addition to get better sound from a computer or TV.
It measures just 16.5-by-2.8-by-2.2-inches and is designed with an angled casing to get great sound projection. The size lets you tuck it under a monitor or just leave it on a desktop or shelf and still get the sound in the right direction.
The internal dual premium drivers and a passive subwoofer are the key to producing clear, crisp sound.
There's a single control dial for the speaker after a USB connection is made for power and a 3.5mm speaker connection to your computer.
The 3.5mm connection port and the internal microphone are on the front of the soundbar. Both cables are included.
Plug-n-play and listen, nothing more, nothing less.
www.gogroove.com $29.99
Gregg Ellman, gadget guru, can be reached at greggellman@mac.com. Follow him on Twitter@greggellman.
This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 3:26 PM with the headline "The Gadget Column: The Garmin Dash Cam rocked my world ."