Tech Roundup: Things for making life on the road easier

Truck driving can be a demanding job, but good devices can make it easier to stay safe, comfortable and connected while on the road. Here’s some of the new technology available to drivers.

It’s possible to have one of these items in your cab without making a purchase. All you have to do is vote for which of these items is your favorite at RoadPro’s Top Ten Tech Wish List Giveaway.

BlueParrott B450-XT Premium Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headset: BlueParrott’s newest headset offers noise-canceling capability to ensure your communications are clear. It offers a 300-foot wireless range and 30 hours or more of talk on a single charge, which can be done with a micro USB. Can be configured to mute, speed dial and more with the touch of a button.

Garmin dēzl™ 770HD Series GPS: Hours of service regulations and tight deadlines leave no time for getting lost or traffic delays. With its 7-inch glass display, North American maps and lifetime HD Digital Traffic, this Garmin GPS helps get you where you’re going on time. It includes custom truck routing, truck and trailer services directory, road warnings and points of interests highly rated by truckers.

Rand McNally TND Tablet 80: Cab space is at a premium and if a device can perform double duty, that’s the one you want. The TND Tablet 80 is a GPS with an 8-inch screen and an Android tablet. It includes IntelliRoute TND navigation, an onboard dash cam and preloaded trucking apps for managing fuel and document imaging. When you’re parked, you can check email, play games and stream movies on the tablet.

Plantronics Voyager 5200 Series Mono Bluetooth Headset: Making and receiving calls outdoors can be a problem on windy days and at crowded truck stops and terminals. Plantronics’ exclusive WindSmart technology and adaptive noise-canceling technology deliver clear sound even in challenging conditions.

PowerDrive PD3000 Power Inverter: You rely on your devices and appliances being charged and ready when you need them. The PD 3000 supports devices rated up to 3,000 watts of AC power. That includes in-cab fridges, TVs, coffeemakers and more. Includes four AC outlets, two USB ports and an app that pairs with your smart phone for remote control.

LG TONE ULTRA Premium Wireless Stereo Headset: You demand excellent sound, a comfortable fit and easy operation from a mobile headset and the TONE Ultra model delivers. The JBL Signature Sound and Quad-Layer Speaker Technology deliver high-level acoustics controlled by fluid volume and music controls. The silicone foam ear gels block unwanted noise and the earbuds retract for out-of-the-way storage.

Uniden Bearcat 880 40-Channel CB Radio: Knowing what lies ahead is vital for drivers and a CB radio is like having a set of eyes down the road. The Bearcat 880 has a noise-canceling mic; clear, colorful display; integrated SWR meter and diagnostics. It also comes with NOAA weather channel access so you can stay on top of changing weather conditions and receive weather alerts.

Skyworth 19-inch LED TV/DVD Combo: This in-sleeper, 12-volt TV is a triple threat. Not only does it offer a clear, HD-compatible TV and built-in DVD, it also serves as a computer monitor. The slim design and LED backlight make it an ideal fit even for the tightest of sleepers.

myKronoz ZeRound Smartwatch: This smartwatch lets you handle a range of activities quickly and easily. You can answer or reject calls with a flick of your wrist, track sleep and exercise, receive notification of SMS, email, texts and social media updates. It features a customizable, circular touchscreen.

Trucker Tough Gear Rack: It’s your cab and you need your devices at your fingertips. This electronics mounting system works in big rigs, delivery trucks and pickup trucks. The 18-inch, flexible bar comes with two device holder arms, a magnetic phone holder and a GPS holder with adapter brackets for Rand McNally, TomTom/Magellan and Garmin GPS. The bar fits almost any dash.

You can vote for your favorite daily at RoadPro’s Top Ten Tech Wish List Giveaway.