If you are getting ready for a long road trip, there are some technology toys that will help you pass the time and keep everyone sane. Here are some products recommended by technology reporter Kris Abel.

1. Kensington FM Transmitters

$50 - $130

While most FM transmitters have proven to be spotty in sound quality and reception, Kensington's line of adaptors (for iPod or for non-iPods, CD players, etc.) has proven to be the ones that actually work and cut through all the static. While nothing beats a direct line-in connection, if you're going to connect your MP3 player to your car stereos, this is your best bet. If you're willing to spend more money, Kensington has a version that also works as a charger.

Tip: Instead of arguing over which tunes should be played for the car, try loading up on audiobooks from Audible.com or even better, for free, at http://www.freeclassicaudiobooks.com/

2. Sirius Satellite Stiletto 100 W/ Car Kit

$400 (optional boom box $200)

This iPod-styled portable player includes a slick car kit and offers an impressive list of neat features.

  • Alert Mode lets you know when your favorite sport game begins
  • Scan-S mode identifies when one of your favorite artists is playing on another channel and lets you switch over to it.

The Stiletto can also record live music for playback later, play MP3s and WMAs from your home computer, and includes a Wi-Fi connection so you can access SIRIUS from over the internet when you're indoors.

3. 'Scene it?' Travel and Car Go DVD Games

$30

Compact versions of the popular 'Scene It?' Trivia game includes versions for kids, televisions shows, sports, and movie trivia. The Car Go series featuring Sponge Bob and Dora is for smaller children.

4. Nintendo DS Games

$45 each

The Nintendo DS is the best travel game system. Here are two titles that offer real substance for both parents and kids:

Animal Crossing Wild World.

  • Explore the world of Animal Crossing where you can settle in create a house, get a job, and start a virtual life.

Planet Puzzle League

  • Addictive puzzle game designed around touch-screen controls where you slide tiles around the screen.

5. Canon Powershot SD800 IS

$450

Small and compact for travel, but it offers powerful features:

  • 7.1 Megapixel camera with 3.8x optical zoom
  • A host of friendly shooting modes,
  • And most importantly for the bumpy ride in the car is image stabilization - go ahead and take pics while the car is moving.