|
Consumer Reports tests two devices that monitor teen driving habits |
|
|
|
|
Written by Consumer Reports
|
|
May 13, 2007 at 06:01 PM |
|
Page 4 of 5 Users can also monitor any four of 23 different vehicle performance parameters. However, much of that data, such as intake manifold pressure or fuel system status, might be of little use to anyone other than a professional mechanic. The RS-1000 offers more features to make it useful to concerned parents, and its software is easier to use. As mentioned, however, it is bulkier than the CarChipE/X, partly due to the fact that it contains a built-in accelerometer. This feature helps this device be a better instructional aid, enabling the RS-1000 to provide instantaneous feedback to the driver. The CarChipE/X relies strictly on information provided by the vehicle's computer systems and must perform continuous calculations to determine if a driver is exceeding acceleration and deceleration limits. This method results in a slight lag time before an acceleration warning is issued, creating potential confusion as to which action triggered the alert. The internal accelerometer in the RS-1000 also allows that device to measure cornering forces, while the CarChipE/X can only measure straight-line acceleration and braking. The alarm in the RS-1000 also grows progressively more urgent as a driver nears the limits, where the CarChipE/X simply sounds once an infraction is detected.
|
|
Last Updated ( Aug 18, 2007 at 03:17 PM )
|