The concept is intriguing, but the execution is dubious. The Blaupunkt Los Angeles MP72 is an MP3- and CD-playing in-dash receiver that lets you plug in a 1GB IBM Microdrive, which holds about 17 MP3 CDs encoded at 128 Kbps. But the Microdrive doesn't slide into the receiver; instead, you need a 1- by 5- by 3-inch box (the MDP-01) that you attach to the dash, for which you pay an extra $450 (Check Prices), Microdrive included.

The receiver does have a flash memory slot, but it's for MultiMediaCard, a fading format that tops out at 128MB. Because of this, we were left unmoved by the MP72's terrific features, such as a microphone that shapes the MP72's equalizer to your car's acoustics.