Did you know that California will be the fifth state (if it includes the District of Columbia) to pass the cell phone law? This will pose a problem for most of us in California, as we are so dependent on it. The law was passed in the fall of 2006 and will take effect on July 1, 2008. What exactly does the legislation entail? Prohibit the use of any handheld mobile phone while driving. Drivers caught chatting on their cell phones will be fined $ 20 for the first offense and will be fined $ 50 for any subsequent offense.
So what is the solution? Well, the law gives space for mobile phone users to use hands-free kits when talking on the phone. However, older cell phones tend to lack Bluetooth technology and therefore rely primarily on the wired hands-free kits that come standard with the purchase of most phones.
Bluetooth earphone
This is probably the cheapest solution for most people. The headset is a simple headset that is usually worn over one ear and consists of both the microphone and the headset. It allows you to use it in and out of the vehicle, so you can go wherever you want while talking wirelessly on the phone. Depending on its features and quality, you can find Bluetooth headphones for as little as $ 40 and as expensive as $ 200. The good news is its function as a separate accessory. All you have to do is connect (also known as “pair”) with your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.
This hands-free device has some disadvantages. These units contain small power cells that should charge after approximately 6 to 8 hours of talk time. Also, some users complain that headphones tend to be more uncomfortable for an extended period of time. Some headphones even emit a kind of echo effect and can be hypersensitive to noise in certain road conditions. Of course, these complaints can vary by make and model, so be sure to give each one a try, especially since there are a ton of companies that make them.
Plug-N-Play Hands-free Bluetooth Car Kit
These kits simply stick to the top of your dash, an air conditioning vent, or sometimes even your windshield. The plug’n’play Bluetooth kit is a device the size of the palm of your hand and is usually powered by the cigarette lighter. The palm-sized kit contains the microphone and a small speaker. With this, you don’t have to put anything on your ear and it is often loud enough to hear, even through traffic noise.
The price range of these remains fairly constant since there are not so many variations of this type of Bluetooth interface. At the beginning of 2008, they cost between $ 55 and $ 125. However, the downside of plug and play kits is their volume. Although they can be noisy, there is no sense of privacy if you have other passengers in the vehicle. Another thing to keep in mind is the quality of the speaker built into the assembled kit. Some speakers tend to noise instead of sounding clear. This happens when you overload a small speaker with a lot of volume, and this is quite common with these types of devices.
Some companies that sell plug-n-play Bluetooth car kits include Parrot, Clarion, and Raytel.
In-dash receiver with Bluetooth
Due to advances in Bluetooth technology, car audio companies began to integrate Bluetooth technology into standard head units. This allows Bluetooth mobile phones to be paired with the Bluetooth ready main unit. A phone call would mute whatever music or radio is playing and route the call through your vehicle’s sound system, resulting in the clearest sound from your phone. Depending on the kit, the microphone could be integrated into the main unit or wired (with concealed installation, of course) to the visor. But like plug-n-play units, it offers no privacy, since anyone in the vehicle can hear it.
This is probably the best solution for you if you are looking for a clean installation without messy cables and if you feel uncomfortable putting something on your ear. It would also offer you the best solution if you are looking for the best sound quality for a Bluetooth unit. If you want a built-in Bluetooth head unit, it will cost $ 200 or more. If you have an aftermarket stereo that is Bluetooth ready, you can get the Bluetooth kit for that receiver. However, it is expensive, costing you around $ 150 for the Bluetooth interface alone.
