Electricpig: They’ve been out on the market for a few weeks now, but Pioneer’s been keeping very quiet about its latest range of NavGate satnavs cum-in-car-entertainment centres.

If you want a device that’ll get you from A to B without too much difficulty, buy a TomTom. But if you want a system that’ll keep keep the kids quiet in the back, not get stolen when you leave it in the car and tell you where your favourite shops are enroute as well, you need a NavGate installed.

There are three models in the range, the AVIC-F500BT, 700BT and 900BT. All pack European maps on the flash memory inside, grab tunes from an iPod and adjust sound levels on their 5.8 inch touch screens, while the high end models pack DVD playback support and the entry-level, the 500BT, can be taken out of the car and carried around.

All boast Bluetooth to automatically sync your car stereo with your phone for the ultimate hands-free kit. Add a USB and SD card slot for extra memory and you’ve got an impressive entertainment unit with satnav thrown in.

700BT 900BT AVIC F500BT car entertainment gps NavGate pioneer satnav

CarJunky: For many people, in-car entertainment doesn’t have to be more than a decent head unit to pick up the local radio station.

Even today, just being able to listen to your favorite song or listen to the news on the way to work can be enough.

However, if you’re into auto electronics and a one-channel radio is prehistory itself, then you’ll know that car video and audio technology have come a long way since the radio/tape combo.

From flip-up screens to Playstation 3 consoles in the glove compartment, things have been taken to incredible places in the last few years.

Pioneer has been at the forefront in the development of high-tech car entertainment, and this year they’ve delivered yet another little toy that’s sure to have the tech-heads bouncing off the walls.

This time they’re introducing the AVIC-F500BT LINC (Lifestyle Innovation Network Console), or just the LINC.

This nifty piece of technology is a lot more than just the screen it resembles. This is what’s known as “hybrid” device: it’s a navigation device you can carry around with you as well as an in-dash audio-visual control centre.

AVIC F500BT LINC pioneer