Tech Time: Vehicle Tracking

As we continue to look at technology from the Consumer Electronics Expo, the next big thing was vehicle tracking.

Utilizing GPS technology, originally developed by the US Defence Department, local companies can install a device in your car to let you know where it is, 24 hours a day. The service is offered by a number of local security companies and comes with a wide range of features including:

· Online monitoring
· Limited remote control

In business, vehicle tracking is commonly used for fleet management. In private applications, usually used to monitor the driving habits of a teen. In all cases, vehicle tracking can be used to help facilitate recovery of a stolen vehicle.

Costs include a onetime installation cost and then a monthly monitoring fee, which can be quite high.

There are some disadvantages too, like black spots, warranty voiding and tampering.

And then, there is the concern of the security of the security. If you can track you vehicle online, what stops the criminals from doing the same. Local security companies offer different solution to this problem. Most provide a password protected website through which you can track the vehicle. Notably, one company tracks the vehicle at their secure monitoring centre and then feeds the information to you or the police as appropriate.

There are vehicle tracking systems that you can install and monitor yourself, using GPRS technology. Basically a specialised phone with a GPS device.


Would you want a tracking device in your car?


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Next on Tech Time ... Personal Entertainment

IP Cameras

The Digital Consumer Electronics Expo at the Hilton Hotel last weekend was fun. Lots of booths made the event a feast on the eyes and ears. Some booths were truly dynamic while others stuck to presenting the bare facts. Information was available everywhere, not just in the booths. There were countless Expo only or “while stocks last” offers. And, there were cars (yes, cars with an s) in the ballroom!

Before we explore all the good in greater detail, two quick bad things I feel compelled to mention. First, they only accepted cash at an electronic expo and second, too many booth holders were lazy, letting interested customers walk by without at pitch.

That said, special shout outs go to these outstanding reps:
· Dave Hardy, Sound City
· Mark Miller, Digi View
· Warren Sherman, King Alarm
· Douglas James, Guardsman

Many booths covered similar technologies including:
· Personal surveillance, vehicle tracking and security
· Personal entertainment (home, car, boat audio and theatre systems)
· Gaming
· Gadgets

Most popular, IP cameras. In simple terms, IP cameras are CCTV cameras that use the internet to transmit the images to you. Significant benefits include:
· Cheaper than traditional CCTV camera overall and much more flexible
· Many have digital zoom and progressive scan capabilities
· Easy to record and transfer recordings
· Some can use “power of Ethernet” so no additional power required
· Some have wireless capabilities
· Motion sensors make camera record only when necessary
· Can transmit signals to you anywhere there is an internet connection; that means computer at the office, in your hotel room on vacation and in some cases to your phone

How would you use your IP camera?

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Shop Jamaica

Continuing in our series on cool websites, here are some sites to shop in Jamaica or for Jamaican products.

www.creativetvjamaica.com
CPTC online store
Sells DVD’s with Jamaican content, a celebration of culture
Ships around Jamaican and to the US, Canada and UK

www.virtualmalljamaica.com
Provides turnkey solutions for local businesses to get online
Host of stores in one location, craft, health and beauty, home and garden and more

www.petsuppliesjamaica.com
Cool, clean interface with nice colours
Has bulletin board to help you advertise or find lost animals
Free delivery in Kingston, delivery island wide
Prices quoted in Jamaican Dollars
Pay with credit card or PayPal

www.superplus.com
Buy vouchers redeemable for anything (but cash) or specific grocery items
Prices quoted in US dollars
Assign a recipient

www.shoptvcarib.com
Anyone can place ads online, FREE
You state your price and location
Locally based interested buyers contact you by email
You can just have small classified listing or a whole store
Lots of categories
But, must have an account to list

www.eshopjamaica.com
Really cool Jamaican products like tams, flags and cups
Personal favourites flag bikini and 3 star ratchet knife
Requires you to sign up
Very little customer support, but nice product line

www.jamaicathings.com
Food, coffee, craft, music even Ting
Can pay by credit card or PayPal
Nice interface and good support
Shipping only to US and must register

www.shopusfromja.com
Will source anything
Allows you to pay online or at specified location


www.jamaicanautoshop.com
Allows you to buy or sell a car, find a dealer, parts, loans or insurance
Had car reviews
But under construction

Tell us about it using the internet:
Interface with us:
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