Gadgets and gizmos.

Not too long ago, a car "loaded with options" had a radio, a heater and whitewall tires. Today, the list of options is much longer and certainly more expensive. Here is a clutch of options--some for convenience and others for safety. All are available at auto dealers or at auto supply stores.

Cellular phones. For many CPAs, such phones are necessities. While some CPAs use their portable cellular phones in their cars, many prefer built-in phones because they have more powerful antennas that provide better reception.

For those who don't want to invest in permanent car phone installations, there are antennas that clip to car windows to boost portable cellular phone signals. Another advantage of such devices: They don't have to be connected physically to a phone--as long as they're adjacent to one, no permanent wires need to be installed.

Keyless locks. Those funny beeps you often hear in parking lots are remote controls that emit infrared beams to unlock car doors. While they may seem to be wasteful luxuries, consider the convenience such devices offer when your arms are loaded with a briefcase and other packages.

Push-button combination locks are not as popular as remote control devices. Although they solve the "Oh-my-God I locked the keys in the car" problem, they still require a free hand and some dexterity to punch in the right numbers.

Trip computers. These devices perform a wide assortment of handy tasks: They keep track of miles traveled, estimate arrival times and calculate gas consumption. Some of the more sophisticated types also generate maps of preprogrammed locales and diagnose cars' mechanical problems. In California, a test is under way linking trip computers to special radio stations, allowing the computers to receive broadcast advisories on local traffic conditions.

CD players. Compact disc players allow drivers to program their own music selections. The least expensive are portable units that plug into car radios; medium-priced units fit in dashboards; and the most expensive models play multiple CDs and are so large they must be stored in the trunk.

If you want to use a less expensive portable CD player, there are devices costing under $50 that allow you to plug your portable player into the car's stereo system: The portable's sound is relayed through the car stereo.

Compasses. For those who travel off the beaten path or to unfamiliar locations, a compass mounted on the dashboard is a solid investment. An even better investment is the new type of auto compass that monitors the direction in which you're traveling and, if you're lost, helps you reorient yourself.

Flat-proof tires. Goodyear and Bridgestone sell tires guaranteed not to go flat even if they lose air. Although such tires are pretty expensive (a set of four ranges from $1,700 to $5,000) and are not yet offered for many car models, it's likely that by next year their prices will drop and they will become available for a wider assortment of vehicles.

"Fool-a-thief" devices. These theft-prevention devices are mounted on dashboards and require entry of four-digit codes before allowing the car to start. They cost about $200. For about $30, you can buy an imitation keypad that has the more expensive devices' blinking red or green lights to fool potential thieves. Caution: While the imitations usually fool amateurs, professional car thieves can spot the fakes instantly.

Portable alarms. For less than a quarter of the cost of a built-in car alarm you can buy a portable alarm, which can be left on or under the car seat. Caveat: There's nothing to stop a thief from simply breaking the portable device after it sounds the alarm. An alternative is a portable device that locks into a cassette tape slot and is triggered by car movements. A benefit: A high-decibel alarm sounds inside the car, not outside, so your neighbors aren't disturbed if the alarm goes off by accident.

Multiple 12-volt accessory jacks. For CPAs who like to play tape recorders or other devices while charging their laptop computers as they drive, the tandem jack is made to order: One end plugs into a cigarette lighter, allowing two other 12-volt devices to be plugged into the other.