Recently NZ passed a hands-free driving law!!
With accidents occurring frequently due to distraction caused by cell phone use (either talking or texting), and with heavy fines and possible injury on the line, drivers can no longer ignore the need to make the switch to a hands-free Bluetooth car kit.
Bluetooth Car Kits: What to Look For
Compatibility
Phone compatibility is everything when finding the perfect Bluetooth kit for you. Most of our products have fantastic features like voice dialing, automatic phonebook synchronization and an FM transmitter. All of these features are wonderful, but may not be supported by your personal cell phone, thus making the list of extra features useless. Before purchasing any Bluetooth speakerphone, we suggest looking at your phone’s user manual and comparing the features it says you have with the features listed for any Bluetooth car kit. Your phone MUST be compatible with any Bluetooth device you are purchasing, it is crucial.
Ease of Use
Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing a product that will supposedly make your life easier and discovering that you have no idea how to use it or it simply cannot be used. And, of course, this problem seems to be prevalent with electronic devices. The Bluetooth car kit is one electronic gadget that must be easy to use, as your hands need to be on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
A Bluetooth hands-free car kit should have automatic features such as: pairing of the device to your cell phone, voice activated commands and text-to-speech options. These features will improve your overall driving and talking experience and allow you to focus on the road ahead. Pay special attention to the products we’ve noted as having HFP (hands-free) profile. If your phone is compatible with this feature, these devices will provide a much more hands-free experience.
Features
When visiting the manufacture’s website, a list of features will be prominently listed for each Bluetooth device. All of the features listed for the device are followed by an asterisk or two. If you scan down to the bottom of the page, you will see “contingent on phone.” For example, if you purchase the BlueAnt 4, you are promised a long list of features, the best being the text-to-message feature that will read any incoming messages and then allow you to send a message back via voice only. This feature is fantastic and will provide drivers with total hands-free driving. The catch? Well, this feature is an application that must be downloaded from the Android Market and is compatible only with your BlackBerry or Android 2.x smartphones.
While in the process of searching for the best Bluetooth car kit, remember: Do not fall in love with features alone. If you see an amazing feature on the Bluetooth speakerphone, like auto caller ID, but your phone does not support it, then that feature on your car kit will not function for you.
Design
Although not crucial, the design of the Bluetooth car kit is something to consider. All of our top Bluetooth car kits are easy to see, Because the Bluetooth car kit is in your direct line of vision, you want to look for a device that is small enough not to be distracting or obtrusive while you drive.
The operating range, according to many customer reviews we have read, is an issue. For example, if your cell phone is within 33 feet, then the Bluetooth device will answer the call instead of your phone. If you are on a call before you get out of the car and want to continue the conversation, it takes a while for the Bluetooth device to transfer that call to the cell phone due to the operating distance.
Help & Support
For some, using a car kit is the first experience with Bluetooth, so it is understandable that a five-page booklet of instructions is not enough to fully understand the Bluetooth process. Even for seasoned techies, something unexpected could go wrong or a question may need to be asked.
When it comes to a Bluetooth car kit and the laws that are enforcing hands-free driving, this purchase is definitely a need. Whether you are a business professional answering phone calls during your commute or a mom running errands and dropping kids off at school activities, having a Bluetooth car kit will not only provide convenience and focus, but it may literally be a life saver.