GPS

I knew that Beverly Hills was a wealthy place with fancy schools, but I had no idea that they had amazing technology. . . for the Home Ec class! On the last episode of the new 90210 (no, it's still not as good as the original, in case you were wondering), the Home Ec (or is it Domestic Science?) teacher alleged that for the requisite teenagers-taking-care-of-fake-babies experiment, there was a "unique tracking device" in each baby doll, so that they'd know if the faux kid got left behind. Really?! Really. Each kid. Wow, 90210.

I mean, back when I was in high school, we got a sack of flour with an egg inserted in the top and if you screwed up, the egg broke. I mean, it was low budget, but it was effective. I think if West Bev High can afford technology so outlandish, they should probably be investing in programs that make the students smart enough to question a "unique tracking device" for baby dolls.

Home Ec. . . in the year two-thousaaaaaaaand. . . !

Photos courtesy of The CW

How in the world did we survive before GPS, seriously? Whenever I do get behind the wheel of a car, I am always dependent on TeleNav's GPS Navigator, which conveniently works with my BlackBerry so I don't have to lug around a huge device. But when I'm in a new city, it's always good to have something with a wider screen so I can follow my route a bit easier. Today, Sony debuts a 4.8-inch GPS navigation system called the NV-U94T ($400) and I was lucky enough to take it for a test drive this past week with a Sony expert — who showed me all of its bells and whistles.

With a wide anti-glare touchscreen display, integrated Bluetooth wireless hands-free calling, and one of my favorite features - the dual view capability, which shows you detailed route information and a zoomed-out map on one screen - the NV-U94T is at the top of its game in terms of features.

To find out the other reasons why this GPS device got my attention and to check out pics of it in action, just read more

It's not the plot of a movie, though it sure seems like one: wealthy Mexicans are implanting GPS chips under their skin as a means to protect themselves from the out-of control plague of kidnappings. Mexican President Felipe Calderón convened and emergency meeting yesterday to create a plan including 65 specific ways to stop the abductions.

This year alone, there have been 314 kidnappings, added to 700 last year. Calderon says, "The truth is we are all responsible. We must recognize the traditional way of combating crime has not been sufficient. We must act in a more coordinated and vigorous manner."

Sparked by the 40 percent between increase in kidnapping between 2004 and 2007 Mexicans, are seeking out a tiny chip that can be injected under their skin to protect them. To see how it works, read more

Bike riding isn't just a workout — it's an adventure. I'm so tempted to explore roads I've never been on, but I worry about getting lost. A regular ol' bike computer just won't cut it. That's why I really want this Garmin Edge 705 ($407.12). I know it's pricey but check out what it can do.

This device includes a bike mount that snaps easily to your handlebars. The full-color screen displays your heart rate, cadence, speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb, and descent. It records your data and even allows you to share your data wirelessly with other Edge 705 buddies after your ride. If you want road maps, you'll need to purchase data cards that contain maps of the areas you plan to ride in. They're around $100-200, but they'll enable you to go anywhere your feet can peddle. The display gives you turn-by-turn directions so you can travel where you want to easily, and it'll also show you the way back home. The satellite signal is strong enough to work under tall trees and buildings, and the screen can be seen clearly in bright sun. If I've piqued your interest, and you have a birthday coming up, you may want to hint about this Edge 705.

FYI: You don't need a GPS to follow cycling team Garmin / Chipotle in the Tour de France. You can follow the daily action at their website.

Because I don't have a car (public transportation all the way!), I haven't jumped on the GPS train as quickly as everyone else. But when I do get behind the wheel, there's nothing more satisfying than knowing there's a slim to nil chance I'm going to get lost. I've used GPS devices before, and I love them! If you've just picked up a new phone that doesn't have GPS or you don't plan on getting an iPhone 3G, here's a great option — the TeleNav GPS Navigator. After a quick install of the TeleNav software, enabling Bluetooth on my BlackBerry Curve, and making sure the pocket-sized Navigator receiver was juiced-up, I was ready to put it to the test.

If you've used a GPS device before, you'll find TeleNav's Navigator a breeze to use. Input an address for driving directions, or use it to get traffic and gas price info, or to find shops, WiFi hotspots, restaurants and hotels. The Navigator provides directions by both voice and with colored maps on your phone's screen.

To see what I liked about it and to find out pricing info, just read more

The best of us geeks can be a little wary about GPS. Though common sense dictates that you shouldn't drive your car directly into a solid object, no matter how nice the voice telling you to do it is, some people are so trusting of tech that stuff happens.

You know what never directed anyone into a bridge? The original Global Positioning System: the handwritten note. The GPS notepad is a gag for anyone who remembers simpler times of drawing a map for your friends and hoping they can follow your instructions. It's also a lot cheaper!

If you've been spending excessive amounts of time playing GTA IV this week, (and who hasn't — it has racked up $500 million and sold six million copies already), then you have come to know and love the GPS system that not only tells you where you are going, but tells you where the cops are once you've committed a crime! I, myself, have been known to shout out loud at my BF to "go the other way!" because of the 5-0 is on his tail.

So what if we could take the best part about Nico's GPS system and use it for ourselves before we get caught breaking the law? That's exactly what Speed Trap is for. To hear more about Speed Trap, read more

I couldn't resist posting this funny video after all the comments on the "When GPS Leads You Astray" story — thanks for the heads up Looseseal! Thankfully Michael and Dwight don't drive into a bridge like the unfortunate bus driver, but they do . . . well . . . take a wrong turn thanks to their GPS device. How priceless is "The machine knows, stop yelling at me!" line? Love it!