Even the best, most proficient truck driver on the road today needs a little help from time to time, and he can get it from some of today’s top technologies.
BlueParrott’s B550-XT headset
BlueParrott in August introduced the B550-XT, saying it is “the world’s first 100 percent voice-controlled over-the-head headset to be IP54-rated.” The Bluetooth headset provides access to Google Assistant and Siri for all controls.
BlueParrott’s newest wireless headset features Voice Control Pro to control calls, access voice assistants and control apps, music and GPS directions. All a driver has to say is “Hello BlueParrott,” to make use of these and other features of the B550-XT.
It also boasts 24 hours of talk time, 500 hours of standby and 96 percent cancellation of background noise. It also lets you wander up to 300 feet from Class 1 paired Bluetooth devices, and its customizable Parrott Button provides one-touch access to favorite features.
LG’s HBS-835 Tone Ultra wireless headphones
LG’s HBS-835 Tone Ultra wireless in-ear headphones checks off all of the boxes for the sort of equipment required by the professional truck driver:
- Lightweight (1.4 oz.)
- High-quality audio with minimal distortion
- Dual MEMS microphones with noise-canceling technology
- Quick Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone, tablet or other in-cab device
- 33 feet of wireless range
Combined, these qualities mean a driver can wear the HBS-835 Tone Ultra around his neck all day, clearly hear incoming information and be heard when conversing with others. When it’s needed, just pull out the retractable earbuds for 13 hours of talk or 15 hours of music. The HBS-835 Tone Ultra also has 15 days of standby power, and it recharges in just two hours.
Rand McNally’s OverDryve Pro 8
When Rand McNally says its OverDryve Pro 8 is an all-in-one dashboard device, it truly means all-in-one.
The OverDryve Pro comes loaded with the sort of navigation tools needed by professional drivers. It’s also equipped to provide essential trucking business tools, as well as ones to keep a driver connected and entertained.
With the OverDryve Pro, you can receive real-time updates about weather, traffic and fuel prices specific to your route. It also provides advanced lane guidance, toll costs, warnings, fuel logs and points of interest, including truck stops and parking. All are displayed on an 8-inch screen.
The built-in Rand McNally DriverConnect app allows you to log your duty hours. OverDryve Pro is ELD-ready, allowing you to simply connect the app to the ELD 50 or DC 200 device for a complete electronic logging solution.
PowerDrive’s 1,000-watt inverter
PowerDrive delivers a variety of inverters, from large and powerful to ones modest enough to fit in your cab’s cup holder.
New from PowerDrive is a 1,000-watt Bluetooth-enabled inverter model that delivers pure sine wave power. This is pure, consistent, clean power that is especially important for some of your more sensitive devices, such as laptops, tablets, oxygen concentrators, gaming consoles, TVs, smartphones and CPAP units.
The juice delivered by the PDIPS 1000B is like that you’re used to in your home. This means your microwave cooks faster and more accurately, and your gear runs cooler. And that makes those devices last longer.
Carhartt’s Legacy tool bags
You’ve worn their clothes and now you can use their bag for a variety of purposes.
Carhartt now offers a Legacy line of tool bags. Treated with Rain Defender water repellent, and sewn together with triple needle-stitch construction for durability, the bags come in four sizes and are loaded with pockets.
The Legacy Tool Bags come in three sizes: 14″ ($49.99), 16″ ($69.99) and 18″ ($99.99).
