Way, way back in the 80's (remember them?) I was associate creative director of Trans Global Films, the first company to produce advertising-based inflight videos. hertz was one of our clients and it was boasting of a new service where, if you provided a destination prior to leaving the airport, it could print instructions on how to get there. An early example of computer navigation, you might say.

Now Hertz and other rental car firms are offering GPS maps. Assuming you can figure out how to program the system a digitalised voice will direct you to the hotel door with no need to take your eyes off the road (Ford system illustrated.) These same companies are also willing to include satellite radio so you can find the sounds you want without depending on local stations. Best of all, from the aspect of one who is fussy about what he drives, it is now possible to choose from a menu of interesting autos including a Mazda Miata, Audi A6, Mustang, or PT Cruiser. A feature article in the New York Times travel site has the details on prices and availability.

Trans Global was a relatively short-lived enterprise, though it was the most-fun job of the 48 I had in my career. Our boss often called it "an idea whose time has passed." But at least this once we were dealing with an idea whose time had yet to come.