September 08 - Pacific San Diego Magazine

PARTS
look ma,
No Hands
Put down your cell phone and pick up an Ego
EGO Bluetooth Cup
Manufactured by Funkwerk
egohandsfree.com
By Carissa Casares
Mom always said not to put anything in my ear that’s smaller than my elbow.
Now, California’s new cell phone law has me considering jamming a Bluetooth
headset into the side of my head. Wireless technology is great, but I’m not
ready to look like a cyborg just yet. And if cell phones cause brain tumors, the
last thing I need is gamma waves in my ear hole.
Funkwerk to the rescue. The German-based manufacturer of Bluetoothenabled
products, whose headquarters for the Americas is located at the
epicenter of cutting-edge technology (kidding, it’s in Clairemont), recently
unveiled Ego, a new line of sleek devices that help drivers avoid sticking it in
their ears.
Egos do a lot more than just facilitate phone calls. In addition to voice-activated
dialing, some models enable users to stream MP3s from their cell phones to
their car stereos, provide turn-by-turn audible directions to any destination and
even display videos. (Better keep your hands at ten and two, because keeping
your eyes on the road just got harder.)
For just over $100, the Ego Cup provides a simple plug-and-play solution.
Named for its ability to fit in just about any cup-holder, the Cup draws power
from a cigarette lighter and boasts superior speaker-phone functionality, which
is enhanced by noise-cancelling technology that helps the person on the other
end of the line to hear you instead of the Harley roaring by.
“The Cup is a user-friendly, quick solution to dealing with California’s new
law,” says Courtney Berg, Funkwerk’s public relations representative for the
Americas.
Ego’s most popular model, the feature-packed Flash, requires a more
expensive hard-wired installation. However, with the increased cost comes
additional capabilities, including caller ID, storage for up to 10,000 phonebook
entries and a text-to-speech function that reads your text messages aloud.
Now that’s music to the ears—and a whole lot easier than trying to get your
elbow to fit inside.
what a
gas!
Ten small ways to save big bucks at the pump
By Derek Shaw
While biofuels and hybrids allow some car owners to take a step in the right direction,
it’s wishful thinking to expect all Americans to afford the premium sticker
price for either. Realistically speaking, immediate relief to painful gas prices lies
in the garage. There are dozens of ways to make your car less wasteful and more
earth-friendly. Here are ten easy ones:
1. Not so fast. Driving at a slower, steadier pace conserves a lot more fuel than
you might think. Gunning it is the fastest way to end up with an empty tank. Cruise
in the highest gear possible without straining your engine.
2. How low can you go? Unless your car requires premium gasoline, skip it.
Higher octane means more money but doesn’t necessarily translate to improved mileage
or performance. Your car will likely run just fine on the cheaper stuff, but it’s best to
consult your owner’s manual for minimum gasoline grade requirements.
3. American idle. Most cars don’t need to warm up anymore. The longer you
sit in the driveway, the more gas you’re burning. Don’t leave your car running when
it’s unnecessary and avoid idling for more than a few minutes.
4. Excess baggage. A heavily loaded roof rack can reduce your fuel economy
by five percent. Filling up your backseat and trunk means that you’re carrying excess
weight. Improve gas mileage by leaving the heavy stuff at home. Your passengers
will appreciate the legroom.
5. Under pressure. Half of the cars on the road are riding on under-inflated
tires, which leads to worn treads and wasted fuel. Check your tire pressure at the gas
station regularly. It’s fast and often free.
6. Bust a cap. Tightening your gas cap prevents fuel from evaporating. According
to the Car Care Council, nearly 20 percent of vehicles have gas caps that are
damaged, loose or missing, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize annually.
7. Chill on the A/C. You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s easy to forget
during summertime. Take advantage of that beach breeze—crack the windows
and open the vents. Air conditioning can diminish your fuel economy by up to 20
percent.
8. Cover up. While your vehicle bakes in the summer sun, fuel is evaporating from
the tank. Parking in a garage minimizes the problem and helps your car endure the
elements. Try a windshield shade to block the sun, protect your interior and reduce
suffocating heat and the consequent need for more A/C.
9. Running on Fumes. When your fuel runs low, your tank stops receiving a
steady supply of gas, which makes your engine run much less efficiently. While increasing
time between visits to the pump may seem less painful to your wallet, you’ll
wind up wasting more money if you don’t keep your tank above one-third full.
10. Freshen up. Clogged air filters can reduce gas mileage by up to ten percent.
Experts recommend changing air filters as often as you change your oil—every three
months or 3,000 miles.
30 | SEPTEMBER 2008 « PACIFICsandiego.com