Bluetooth technology opens up a whole new world for cell phone users, especially those behind the wheel. Using a short-range wireless signal, Bluetooth phones can be used with Bluetooth-enabled cars to allow drivers to select contacts and dial using either voice recognition or controls mounted on the steering wheel and to carry out their conversations hands-free.
More than 30 automotive brands worldwide, including Audi and Land Rover, offer Bluetooth-compatible cars. Systems vary from car to car, so be sure to check how it operates before making your choice. Some cars come with Bluetooth systems as standard equipment; when available as an option, they usually cost about $300. Chrysler's system, called UConnect, includes a rearview-mirror-mounted microphone, a dash-mounted control pad and a hidden Bluetooth receiver. Ford's system, called Sync, allows drivers to bring almost any mobile phone or digital media player into their vehicles and operate them using voice commands or by the car's steering wheel or radio controls. Acura's system, called HandsFreeLink, is voice-activated, and caller, signal and battery strength information display on the instrument panel. Aftermarket car kits range in price — starting at around $50 — and complexity. Some require professional installation, while some can simply be plugged into a car's cigarette lighter.
I came up with two of the best plug-and-play car bluetooth kits. The Jabra SP700 and Motorola T305.
Jabra SP700 Review
Most Bluetooth speakerphones for the car are meant for hands-free calls and that's it. The Jabra SP700, however, is one in-car speakerphone that is also compatible with stereo Bluetooth. This means you can stream music wirelessly from a stereo Bluetooth-capable phone to the SP700. And if you want better sound quality, the SP700 even has an FM transmitter that lets you pipe in the audio via your car's stereo. The Jabra SP700 has a retail price of $90 but can be found online for around $50.
The Jabra SP700 follows in the footsteps of Jabra's previous speakerphone, the Jabra SP5050, in terms of minimalist style. Measuring 3.3 inches long by 2.12 inch wide by 1.2 inch thick, the SP700 is one of the slimmest speakerphones we've seen. It has a pretty flat shape, with an oval, egg-like appearance when viewed from the front. Dominating about three-fourths of the surface is a large oval speaker grille. Above it are four LED indicators that show battery status, call status, Bluetooth status, and FM transmitter status.
If you're wondering where the power switch is, the entire top part of the speakerphone actually presses down to act as the multifunction call button. You hold down the button for two seconds to power the SP700 on, and hold it down for four seconds to shut it off. For answering or ending calls, you just need to tap it briefly. On the left spine is the FM button, which you use to transmit the audio to your car's stereo. The volume rocker is on the right spine, as well as the charger jack. All buttons felt easy to find and press.
On the back of the SP700 is a large metal clip that you use to attach to your car's visor. We should note that even though the SP700 can stream music, there aren't any music controls on the device itself - you'll have to manage that from the phone.
Aside from the stereo Bluetooth capability and the FM transmitter, you get some basic features. They include answering, ending, and rejecting calls, last number redial, voice dialing if your phone supports it, and call mute. It also has night driving mode that senses the lack of sunlight, and will shut off the LED indicators so there are no interfering lights when driving at night.
One of the better features of the SP700 is that it gives out voice announcements to tell you the speakerphone's status. It'll let you know when it's powered on, when it's powering down, when it's paired, and when the FM is enabled. It will also announce the incoming caller ID, which we liked quite a bit. If you have FM transmission enabled at the time of an incoming call, the caller's number is actually displayed on your radio using RDS (Radio Data System)--another nice bonus. The Jabra SP700 can provide voice announcements in up to 10 different languages.
Please find this demonstration video:
Motorola T305 Review
Motorola's stylish T305 portable Bluetooth car kit offer users a simple and inexpensive wireless hands-free solution for using a mobile phone whilst driving. Rather than installing an expensive Bluetooth kit inside your car, the portable T305 offers much of the same functionally, but can be moved from one vehicle to another.
DesignThe T305's sleek design features a plain black plastic outer shell, highlighted by a faux carbon-fibre front panel that actually looks quite cool. Located on the sides are separate buttons for adjusting the volume, while a backlit multi-purpose button on the front flashes red when there's an incoming call. Pressing it answers incoming calls with the conversation directed though the powerful 1-watt speakerphone. Otherwise, the button can be used to activate voice dialing.
A small clip that attaches to the back of the device allows you to mount the T305 on your car's sun visor, which allows for easy access. The T305 also has a mini-USB port at the base of the unit for charging in home as well as a vehicle power adaptor that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter for in-car charging. However, the 12 hours of talk time and 200 hours standby should be more than adequate for most trips.
FeaturesOne of the major benefits of the device is that you don't have to wear any annoying headsets for hands-free conservations. Mounting the T305 on the sun-visor is the most practical location, as it's easily in reach for you to answer a call. The device also worked well when placed in the car's coin holder or storage bin.
The inbuilt speaker and microphone are enhanced with echo and noise reduction technology that help to minimise any loss of quality during conversations, and the addition of Bluetooth 2.0 plus the EasyPair feature make connection with you mobile phone easy.
PerformanceSetting up the T305 is a very simple process. Once paired with our Nokia phone, which was very quick, we were ready to test it while out on the road.
Volume from the 1-watt speakerphone is very loud, even at medium settings. Our ringtone was easily heard even with the car's stereo turned up high and the windows down. Activating the call does require you to take one hand off the steering wheel for a short moment, but then everything is hands-free.
Echo and noise reduction technology worked well, with respondents mentioning that voices were crisp and clear. However, audio from the speaker, though loud, didn't feature the same level of quality.
DesignThe T305's sleek design features a plain black plastic outer shell, highlighted by a faux carbon-fibre front panel that actually looks quite cool. Located on the sides are separate buttons for adjusting the volume, while a backlit multi-purpose button on the front flashes red when there's an incoming call. Pressing it answers incoming calls with the conversation directed though the powerful 1-watt speakerphone. Otherwise, the button can be used to activate voice dialing.
A small clip that attaches to the back of the device allows you to mount the T305 on your car's sun visor, which allows for easy access. The T305 also has a mini-USB port at the base of the unit for charging in home as well as a vehicle power adaptor that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter for in-car charging. However, the 12 hours of talk time and 200 hours standby should be more than adequate for most trips.
FeaturesOne of the major benefits of the device is that you don't have to wear any annoying headsets for hands-free conservations. Mounting the T305 on the sun-visor is the most practical location, as it's easily in reach for you to answer a call. The device also worked well when placed in the car's coin holder or storage bin.
The inbuilt speaker and microphone are enhanced with echo and noise reduction technology that help to minimise any loss of quality during conversations, and the addition of Bluetooth 2.0 plus the EasyPair feature make connection with you mobile phone easy.
PerformanceSetting up the T305 is a very simple process. Once paired with our Nokia phone, which was very quick, we were ready to test it while out on the road.
Volume from the 1-watt speakerphone is very loud, even at medium settings. Our ringtone was easily heard even with the car's stereo turned up high and the windows down. Activating the call does require you to take one hand off the steering wheel for a short moment, but then everything is hands-free.
Echo and noise reduction technology worked well, with respondents mentioning that voices were crisp and clear. However, audio from the speaker, though loud, didn't feature the same level of quality.
Please find this demonstration video:
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