2003 ``Top-Ten Must-Have Mobile Electronics''

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--Nov. 3, 2003--

Leading Southern California Retailer Celebrates Southern California Car Culture as It Showcased the Latest and Greatest Car Gadgets, Just in Time for the Holidays

Ten cars equipped with the latest, trendiest, hottest, and most envied mobile electronics products were all lined up at a press preview today, unveiling Mr. Mobile Electronics' choices for the List -- the "Top-Ten 'Must-Have' Mobile Electronics for 2003" -- just in time for the holiday shopping season. What's more, the preview offered a sneak peek of what's to come at the automobile industry trade show, SEMA in Las Vegas on November 4th. The list was unveiled at Al & Ed's Autosound location at a corner along the famed Route 66 -- at Santa Monica Blvd. and La Cienega.

"In selecting the items for the top-ten 'must-have' items, the list had to be inclusive of anyone that spends time in a car from soccer moms to commuters to car fanatics," said Mr. Mobile Electronics, AKA John Haynes, Al & Ed's Autosound's chief technology buyer. "Mobile electronic gadgets don't get much hotter than what we unveiled today."

Haynes, the alter ego of "Mr. Mobile Electronics" must know, almost 14 years ago, way before mobile electronics became the hot industry that it is today, began developing extensive knowledge and expertise in various facets of mobile electronic equipment and installations and, over the years, became the go-to-guy for consumers, industry professionals and the media when in need of information on the newest and greatest innovations in mobile electronics.

The 2003 "must-have" list includes cool gadgets featured in equally cool cars, from a Chevy Tahoe to a Ferrari 465.

Seen on the "List"...

KVH TracVision A5

This low-profile device mounts on the roof-rack of any SUV to track DirecTV satellites on the road. Rear-seat passengers can enjoy the hundreds of crystal-clear, digital television and music channels that home viewers receive. A DirecTV subscription is required, although consumers who already have a DirecTV account can simply "add a room" to their existing account. The system includes the receiver, secure mounting device and DirecTV receiver. KVH TracVision A5 has an MSRP of $3,499 to $3,999 plus installation.

Clifford 200C GPS Locater

The Clifford 200C GPS Locator allows vehicle owners to use the internet to track and locate their car. In case of theft the owner can easily locate the vehicle via the internet, contact the local authorities and notify them exactly where it is. Other features include: an arm or disarm installed security systems, the ability to unlock doors via internet or telephone, the option for owners to be notified by fax, email or phone call if the vehicle exceeds preset speeds, or strays from an assigned area. The installed cost for most vehicles is approximately $799 and includes the first year of basic recovery service.

Clifford Matrix 3.5 Security/Convenience System (remote start)

A two-way remote technology that allows drivers to be connected to their vehicle at all times. A simple touch of a button arms the security system and locks the vehicle's doors, or disarms and unlocks the doors. The remote start feature allows the vehicle to be pre-warmed and defrosted on cold days, or pre-cooled on hot days using the remote control. An easy-to-use LCD screen on the remote informs you of the vehicle status at a glance. If installed with the Clifford 200C, the Matrix 3.5 can execute commands such as arming, disarming, locking and unlocking doors through the telephone or internet commands given to the 200C. The basic installed cost for most vehicles is approximately $599.

K40 Undetectable Radar/Laser Systems

The K40 Undetectable Radar/Laser(TM) allows drivers to be alerted instantly to radar or laser speed detection without the high-visibility and dangling wires typical of all other radar detectors. The K40 system provides both front and rear protection, and the factory-like installation leaves the interior clear and uncluttered and can be installed to be hidden from view, discouraging possible theft. By adding the LaserDiffuserPlus(TM) to the system, laser speed detectors are rendered incapable of getting speed information. Depending upon configuration, the cost of an installed system for most vehicles ranges from $1,299 to $1,999.

Terk Commander XM System

The Terk Commander XM System adds coast-to-coast, uninterrupted, CD-quality satellite radio to your car, truck, RV or boat. The complete kit contains the XM receiver, control module and antenna. The cost of installation for most vehicles ranges from $199 to $249 and an XM subscription of $9.95 per month is required for operation.

Reversing Security Devices

Small reverse sensing device discs are mounted in the rear bumper and accurately measure the distance between the bumper's surface and objects that the vehicle is approaching. Inside the vehicle, a small speaker emits beeps that alert the driver to approaching objects. The beeping rate increases as the object gets closer to the bumper, giving the driver good indication of how close he or she is to an impact. The installed cost for most reverse sensors range from $599 to $799, depending upon the number of sensors and the type of installation required.

Another option are reverse cameras that switch on automatically when the vehicle is placed into reverse, giving the driver a view of what's directly behind the car, to the sides, even at night. The camera is about the size of a quarter, and can be discreetly mounted in several locations. Various types of monitors can be installed, including a unit that replaces the factory rear-view mirror with a rear-view mirror/monitor combination. The installed cost for most rear-view camera systems range from $699 to $999.

Touch-Screen Navigation

These DVD-based navigation systems provide mapping for the 48 contiguous states, and feature over 11 million points-of-interest, such as restaurants, gas stations, attractions and more. In addition, personal address information can be stored and retrieved. Touch-screen monitors allow safe, intuitive operation, making the system even easier to use. Navigation systems have a suggested retail price range of $1,999 to $3,499, not including installation.

Video Systems

The two most commonly installed entertainment systems are overhead systems and headrest systems. All-in-one overhead systems incorporate a 7" or 9" widescreen monitor with a DVD player, all conveniently mounted in the roof of the vehicle. Installed costs range from under $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the screen size and manufacturer.

Headrest systems, on the other hand, replace the factory headrests with ones incorporating an LCD monitor. Headrest monitors provide the perfect viewing angle and allow each passenger to look at different programming, such as DVD on one and TV on the other. And for those who lease vehicles, the system comes complete with matching headrests, so there are no charge-backs for altering the interior of the car. Headrest entertainment systems have a suggested retail price of $1,499, plus installation, for two headrests, monitors and remotes.

Magellan RoadMate 700 Portable GPS

Magellan RoadMate 700 portable GPS Auto Navigation System guides drivers turn by turn, with a friendly voice and visual signals. With a built-in map database of the 48 contiguous states and major metro areas and highways of Canada, there's no need to download mapping information from your computer. The Magellan RoadMate 700 is ready-to-go, right out of the box, putting the convenience of a personal assistant and the accuracy of global satellite navigation literally at the user's fingertips. Simply turn it on, select a destination using the latest in full-color, touch-screen technology or the dynamic backlit keypad and within seconds the driver can be on their way. The cost for this system is approximately $1,100.

Nextel BlackBerry 6510

The BlackBerry 6510(TM) is the first data and voice-enabled BlackBerry handheld to integrate Nextel's push-to-talk 'walkie-talkie' feature and offers email, phone, Direct Connect(R), SMS, browser and organizer applications in a single wireless handheld. The 6510 also supports open standards and incorporates Java(TM) 2 Micro Edition (J2ME), providing the ability to support a variety of applications targeted to key vertical market segments including financial, government, distribution, professional services, real estate, field sales and service, construction and manufacturing. The cost for this device is $349 with most activation.

About Al & Ed's Autosound

Founded in 1954, Al & Ed's Autosound has grown to become the largest mobile electronics and communications specialist with more than 30 Southern California stores. As a recognized leader in the mobile electronics industry, Al & Ed's Autosound has been an instrumental partner in the pioneering of innovations such as FM radio for cars, cassette players for cars and the first car alarms, and is viewed within the mobile electronics industry as a barometer for the industry in Southern California. For more information, visit www.al-eds.com.