When holding cell phones to your ear while driving was banned in most states, I thought I had an easy solution: my bluetooth headset. But that headset becomes heavy on my ear. I don’t have it on me all the time. And…it’s a nuisance to pair it, wear it, unpair it every time I get in/out of my car (especially for short trips). I found two solutions, one inexpensive and the other a bit more of an investment, that solve this problem.
Motorola T505 In-Car SpeakerPhone
Bought this at Amazon here for $45. It’s about the size of a large garage door opener that clips onto my visor. There are no cords. I turn it on when I enter my car and it automatically pairs with my phone. When an incoming call arrives, it announces the phone number, I push the “talk” button and the built in speakerphone projects the caller’s voice and built in microphone (right in the visor near my mouth) transmits my voice. Callers tell me I sound better than my phone’s built in speaker phone, but not as good as my bluetooth headset, but I’ve never had any trouble carrying a conversation.
Pros: Inexpensive, good call quality, convenient (can be transferred to other cars quickly).
Cons: Must turn the device on and off every time you enter your car, must be charged weekly with the supplied 10 volt charger, relatively weak speakerphone.
Parrot CK 3000 Evolution Built-In Hands Free Kit
This will be my next bluetooth solution (see here) because, for $300, it integrates with my car’s stereo and power system. A microphone will be placed near my browser, and a small device placed at the base of my steering column. The system turns on when I start my car and turns off when I remove my key. When a call comes in, my stereo is interrupted it is broadcast clearly through my stereo speakers until the call ends. On the highway, at high speeds, you do need some extra volume to hear your caller’s voice.
Pros: Clear incoming voice quality, no need to turn on and off each time you start your car, no need for charging.
Cons: Cost, will have to pay installer to remove the system when you sell your car, cannot be easily transferred to other cars you drive.