Gadget Gurus - Car MD Improves Used Car Buying Experience

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Car MD Improves Used Car Buying Experience

Written by Rich McComas

The CarMD device plugs into your car's OBD port and reads diagnostic information from the car's computer, immediately indicating the diagnostic status with a red-yellow-green light, and then downloading ALL of the computer information so that a more detailed analysis can be created after gathering code data from the web.

Since 1996, the federal government has mandated a standardized OBD port be placed on each foreign or domestic vehicle sold in the United States which allows simple testing of vehicle emissions diagnostics. The CarMD device works with all vehicles 1996 and newer, and also works with the even newer OBD2 cars.

After you plugin the CarMD into the OBD port (a video shows you where the port is located on various cars), codes are downloaded into the device and an initial assessment is made. Then, take the car to your computer and plug it in via a USB port, and the information is compared to a comprehensive database of codes on the internet and an easy-to-understand automotive diagnostic report is created, including estimated repair costs.

In the current economic climate, more people are choosing to buy used cars or keep their current vehicles instead of purchasing new ones, so we think that the CarMD device could be an essential tool, especially for someone shopping for a used vehicle, but also for anyone trying to maintain family cars and wanting to insure that repairs are made early and appropriately.

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TECH2 LAKE HOUSE

UPDATE - The exterior of the Technology Lake House is complete and we are now working on interior finishing and electronics. Last year, San Francisco's Channel 7 ABC News ran a special video report on the construction progress of the Technology Lake House, and we expect them back for a follow-up soon. Click HERE for a DLINK Live Video Feed with pan and zoom features (userid=user, no password, daylight hours only).

Ron Rosberg's current project home, the Technology Lake House, is currently under construction on the shores of Clearlake in Northern California. Even though the house is a wireless demo house, we have installed more than seven miles of wires in the walls for dozens of flat panel TVs, speakers, control panels, and sophisticated lighting. So far, more than a dozen technology and fixture manufacturers have agreed to sponsor this project, which has been simmering in Ron's head since he attended the first CES show in New York in 1967. The 7,500 square foot project (plus three existing rustic cabin guest houses) is being built on a five-acre Honeymoon Cove resort with 500 feet of beach directly across from Konocti Harbor Resort. This summer retreat will host technology gatherings annually, inviting Western states home builders, contractors, and technology consultants for a live open house showcasing the latest in home technologies. There is room to park plenty of boats, so plan on coming up for some lake fun after the project is complete. For more info, send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 707-995-2683. To see the latest photos, visit Ron's Flickr gallery.

We are currently looking for products to evaluate in these areas:

Home automation: lighting, security, and entertainment
A/V technology for the 500 SF home theater media demo room

Hot News on Cool New Features: The ENTIRE front of the home is made of 21 sliding NanaWall glass panels that fold into the walls, opening the entire home up to the lake during demo days.

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