Prius joins topics that move readers

Prius joins topics that move readers

If there's one thing more important to a technology columnist than technology, it's the technology reader.

Nothing provoked readers more, though, than a column I would otherwise have passed off as a mere diversion from my normal technology pursuits. Seven weeks ago I wrote about our new car, a Toyota Prius, and how it wasn't really as "smart" as it fancied itself.

I cited a number of user-interface examples, mentioning in passing how I wished an annoying beeping when the car was in reverse could be disabled. I had inquired at four Toyota dealerships and been told it could not be done.

Bam! Dozens of responses, divided neatly between the graciously cordial and the terminally annoyed, choked my inbox. Many noted that disabling the beeper was a simple matter of setting the trip odometer to ODO, powering off, powering on, holding the ODO switch for at least 10 seconds, shifting from park to reverse, then back to park, releasing the ODO switch, toggling to "b off" and powering off.

Now that's what you call "smart"!

Scores of readers suggested the procedure, but there were two problems. First, they were cutting and pasting from an Internet guide unauthorized or approved by Toyota. Second, it didn't work. In fact, several online posters had noted that it didn't work.

Further inquiries uncovered several variations, none of which worked either. Finally, with a little experimentation, I managed to get the routine right. Although I still think the solution could be "smarter" — an on-off switch would be nice — I must thank my readers for steering me in the right direction.

And for those tempted to further respond, please remember one thing. I love my Prius like a Mac.

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