Mar 28, 2013

Modern cars have entertainment systems that rival those found in our homes!  At our Florida Audi dealership, we know that the entertainment options of a vehicle are just as important as the performance, power, fuel economy and style when it comes to choosing a new car.  Here are some things to consider when thinking about a car entertainment system for your next Pinellas Park area Audi purchase:

 

Entertainment Features You May Not Find Anymore

As new technology is developed, you may find that some entertainment features you’ve come to expect in cars will no longer be available.  There are many features found in older cars that are quickly becoming outdated, so if you’re considering entertainment features in your next car, you may want to avoid technology that may be gone tomorrow, including:

  • DVD systems- having cars with built-in DVD players used to be one of the most desired entertainment options, but passengers aren’t looking to watch DVDs in the car, anymore.  Most passengers, including children, are now traveling with small handheld devices like iPads, Kindle readers, video games, or laptops.  Instead of DVD players, vehicles are coming with USB ports and charging outlets so people can charge their portable electronics.
  • Knobs– Twist knobs are rarely used in new cars anymore, now that touchscreens have become more common.  A touchscreen allows the driver to control all of the aspects of the car from heat to air conditioning to navigation to the radio.
  • CD players– since most people have moved on to mp3 players, very few cars come equipped with cd players, anymore.  Most are now including iPod or auxiliary jacks so you can plug in your mp3 players.

Entertainment System Considerations

 

Before you go car shopping, spend some time thinking about what you want in your entertainment system.  It may help you narrow down your choices if there are multiple vehicles you like that have different entertainment systems included.  Ask yourself the following questions to help you determine which options and features are important to you and which are not as important:

 

  • Are you satisfied with the standard audio speakers or do you prefer upgraded sound quality?
  • Do you want a touchscreen to operate all of the car’s entertainment features and controls?
  • Do you need a GPS/Navigation system as part of the car or can you use your phone or portable navigational device?
  • Can you connect your phone for hands free use or voice activated controls through the radio of your car?
  • Are there USB ports for your electronics and are they located in convenient places?
  • Does the radio include Satellite radio?