Consumer Electronics Show 2009 Top 20 Gadgets

Even in a slow year there is still a plethora of really cool products that you'll find a good reason to spend your precious money on. Some are just fun, like the portable DJ system; others are practically essential, like the Cobra radar detector or an in-dash nav unit. Walking the floor of the latest Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, we began to realize that manufacturers not only continued to add better features to new products, they actually were able to do so without adding to the price tag. A DVD source unit from Pioneer retails for an MSRP of $580-the street price on that is probably even lower. If speakers are what you need then the EFX convertible components are a great value for the money. JL Audio has a terrific new subwoofer for around $130. One of my favorite products from the show was the new miRoamer Internet radio receiver. Use your phone to get connected and listen to any station that's online. Put it all together and you have a system for your car without breaking the bank.