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Technical News & Discussion => Mobile Devices News & Discussion => Topic started by: Rik on Jan 30, 2008, 15:07:10

Title: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Rik on Jan 30, 2008, 15:07:10
If a simple unit, with no installation is all you're after, take a look at this:

http://www.orangeaccessories.co.uk/sf505_bluetooth_car_kit.html

Orange are selling it at £19.99, I've found it elsewhere at £39.99.

The unit is simple to set up, will auto-answer, auto-connect etc. It isn't all singing, all dancing, and wouldn't be the ideal choice for someone wanting to make a lot of calls. If you only want to be able to answer calls, otoh, it's not a bad choice.
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Simon on Jan 30, 2008, 19:07:57
I wonder if it will still be £19.99 when it's back in stock?
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Rik on Jan 30, 2008, 19:17:15
I didn't realise it was out, I got mine this morning.
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Simon on Jan 30, 2008, 21:01:15
Is it any good?  I have a Sony Ericsson car speakerphone that clips onto the sun visor.  It's great, does exactly what I want, but will only work with SE phones, so if I do decide to change to a Nokia, I will be looking for an equivalent.
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Rik on Jan 30, 2008, 23:49:08
It has a carrier with a clip that can go on the sun visor, or it can be removed for use on the desk etc. It's easy to configure, there's a press to answer button, but it can be set to auto-answer independently of the phone settings. It has volume and mute controls on each side. Audio quality is good, once paired it will auto-connect. It can do last number re-dial, but as I said, it's more for taking calls than making them.

The only downside is that they only supply a car charger lead, not a mains charger. Size: about 55 x 75 x 12.
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Simon on Jan 31, 2008, 00:03:33
Oh, the lack of a mains charger is a bugger.  Are they obtainable elsewhere, do you know?  I know Nokia make their own versions of these, but that one seems very conveniently compact, and the fact that it's virtually universal is a major plus point.  It would need to have a good sound quality though, for use in the car.  Some of these handsfree kits need the user to have bionic hearing.
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Rik on Jan 31, 2008, 00:05:01
I should have thought it would be possible to find a universal charge to fit - otoh, I have a device with three car sockets that I can use.
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Simon on Jan 31, 2008, 00:06:17
Charging it in the car would mean the charging lead reaching from the visor to the cigarette lighter, which, in my case, would obscure vision, and would be totally impractical, so I would definitely need a mains charger.
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Rik on Jan 31, 2008, 00:07:51
I meant I have a device indoors which provides 3 sockets... Unfortunately, the booklet doesn't give polarity or voltage, so I don't know what is coming out - I'll try and put a meter on it later.
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Simon on Jan 31, 2008, 00:17:21
Don't worry too much.  They aren't available anyway at the moment, and I suspect the price will go up when they are.  I still haven't decided whether to upgrade my existing phone or go for a new one, so it may have been a waste of money in any case.  :)
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Rik on Jan 31, 2008, 00:20:05
It might be worth keeping an eye on the Orange shop, they're often quite cheap (online). Their shops, otoh, charge over the odds.
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Simon on Jan 31, 2008, 00:25:00
OK, I have asked for an email when it's back in stock. 
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: madasahatter on Mar 03, 2008, 05:03:24
That's funny - it's showing as "coming soon", but the price has gone up to £21.99! :(
Title: Re: Looking for a Bluetooth handsfree?
Post by: Rik on Mar 03, 2008, 09:18:07
I'm not surprised, Mad. With a list price of £39.99, it was a definite bargain when I bought it.