BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth Speakerphone (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this device in November 2007 in the mistaken belief that California's cell phone law would soon take effect on January 1, 2008! [the actual effective date was July 1, 2008] As a result, I've had eight months of usage experience on which to base a review. I paid roughly $100 at Treo Central, an online cell phone accessory store, at a time when Amazon did not yet sell this device.
Audio quality is excellent. Most people on the other end of the call aren't aware I am using a speakerphone. They hear some road noise and assume I am holding the phone to my ear in usual handheld mode. I like the way the mike boom extends from the device, not only placing the mike closer to one's face, but also serving as an instant on-off indicator (extended = on, retracted = off). An LED indicator light would be hard to read in bright sunlight, so I prefer the mike boom as my on-off indicator.
Battery life is excellent. I charge it perhaps once a month and it has never run out of power. I am careful to turn off the unit when I leave the car.
My phone (Palm Treo) is equipped with an auto answer function, so I set it to answer automatically after two rings (only when using a Bluetooth device) and Blue Ant Supertooth Light works perfectly with this arrangement. Incoming calls answer on the second ring, and the only button I use is the red button to end a call. If you want your calls to be announced for screening purposes, better to pony up an extra $30 and buy the Supertooth 3 model, which announces the number or caller and gives you the voice option to accept the call.
I don't have Voice Dialing on my phone (the carrier requires an extra monthly charge so I don't bother) so I cannot comment on how well Blue Ant works in this capacity.
Supertooth Light needed only ten minutes for set up, and installation is simple. Just slip the metal clip on the visor and the device attaches magnetically to the clip. No permanent installation required. Can be moved from car to car, and Blue Ant sells extra visor clips for this purpose.
Three chargers are provided: AC, DC, and USB. Most users will only use the DC charger, but the device can also be used outside of a car as an indoor or outdoor speakerphone, so the AC and USB chargers are useful for some folks. The AC and USB cables may be useful as well for someone whose car's sole DC outlet is in use by another device, such as a cell phone charger.
Addendum: as of August 2009, the unit continues to give excellent service. My Palm Treo was replaced by a Blackberry Curve in April 2009. The Blackberry 8310 does not have a Bluetooth auto answer function, unlike the Treo, so calls must be answered manually by pressing the green "accept" button on the Blue Ant device. The phone can be configured to auto answer when removed from a holster, but it does not auto answer when connected to a Bluetooth device. This is a limitation of the phone and not of the speakerphone. Otherwise, it works perfectly with the Blackberry. Blue Ant appears to be phasing this model out in favor of its Supertooth 3 model, but you can still buy Supertooth Light through discounters, often at a bargain price of $40-45.

Click Here to see more reviews about: BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth Speakerphone (White)

Get 30% OFF

Click here for more information about BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth Speakerphone (White)

Read More...

Panasonic Dect 6.0 Additional Digital Cordless Black Handset (KX-TGA641T) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This review covers the KX-TGA641 handset used by the KX-TG6431, KX-TG6432, KX-TG6433, KX-TG6434, KX-TG6441, KX-TG6442, KX-TG6443, KX-TG6444 and KX-TG6445 cordless phone sets. The KX-TG644x "keypad/speaker phone" base is not discussed here.
DECT Security Breach: as of this June 6, 2009 writing, it remains unclear how secure is the Panasonic KX-TG64xx series - specifically the KX-TGA641 handset. Poorly designed DECT hardware is at risk of being eavesdropped . An updated DECT standard uses CAT-iq which may enhance security. On May 8, I emailed Panasonic support asking if this product set is subject to the "DECT hack" discussed throughout Internet forums and if CAT-iq is implemented. On the 18th I sent another and this time I received a case number: 26512122. On June 1st I inquired as to when I might expect an answer. The silence is deafening. (June 9 UPDATE: this is their reply... "The KX-TG6433 is using Panasonic unique DECT protocol for the communication between the base unit and the handset. This unit has higher protection against eavesdropping than standard DECT even without CAT-iq protocol.") And this is Panasonic's "Security Code Statement" on the FCC Web site: "This cordless telephone system has more than 1,000 billion combinations that are provided by the following means: Provided with 128 bits for security codes. When shipped from the factory, the security code is decided by the manufacture. It is memorized in a memory IC. Base and Handset knows each other's security code information." The "DECT hack" requires a modified VOIP card and a laptop running Linux and in some cases the use of a back-end PBX server - most of which is beyond the means and reach of your usual wannabe snoop. I conclude this phone is quite secure enough for average personal and business use. Regardless of the make, model and technology of the cordless phone(s) you own, privacy critical conversations should be done on a hard wired set.
The Review: To begin, the manual is awful. Useful feature information is buried in verbose paragraphs instead of outlined bullet points. A highlighter pen is required! The most egregious instructions are for Programmable Settings which are done via either of two methods, the nice scrolling menus or "Direct Commands." The latter is keyed in at the main menu as a pound followed by three digits, such as #302 to record a greeting. Quoting page 20: "Direct command is the main method used in these operating instructions." So, twenty seven pages of instructions for direct commands and two pages for the menus. Now, where are the scrolling menus? On the handset. In your hand. All the time. From now on. Where is the manual with the three page chart of direct commands? Hmmmm. I cannot fathom this idiotic bass-ackwards scheme. On the bright side, once you've scrolled through the 35 or so menu screens enough times, you'll be more than well versed in their usage. Note: the "Initial Settings" menu contains sub-menus for much more than settings that are, well, initial.
One of the big selling points for me is the use of regular old AAA NiMH batteries. My triple handset KX-TG6433 replaces three stand-alone sets that used different, proprietary and expensive battery "packs." No more! However, one caveat... discussed further on.
The LCD screen is informative, big and bright with large, easy to read fonts. The keypad is quite nicely illuminated although lighting of the three soft keys is absent. You can choose any color back light for the screen as long as it's blue.
The handset ear piece audio is crisp and clean, free of digital artifacts while listeners on the other end can hear me well. The speaker audio for the handsets and base is dinky but usable in a quiet environment. For extended hands-free conversations I use the KX-TCA60 headset. (Update: that broke after about a dozen uses. I now use a Plantronics.) This is also one of the few phones I've ever used that I can cram between my neck and ear without jamming any buttons.
The KX-TG64xx series is loaded with all the usual bells and whistles and lacks for nothing in my experience. Most everything I became used to in all the phones I've had over the ages is here, and then some, all fully integrated. (If I had to quibble, I would want a flashing LED on the base to indicate the presence of messages listened to but not deleted.) All the fancy schmancy services you pay extra for at the phone company are recognized and operate well. Answering System messages can be accessed and manipulated from any handset and from outside phones using a three digit remote access code. Most settings migrate across all handsets meaning that if you change/add/delete something on one, it's done on all. Others, like rings tones and volume, affect only the individual ones. Now that I'm past the "return for exchange" period, I decided to buy a fourth handset.
Finally, this phone talks. My favorite is Talking Caller ID. When the phone rings, I don't even have to raise my head from my recliner pillow to look at it. Now that's living! On the down side, the KX-TGA641 handset strongly resembles my Logitech Harmony 550 universal remote. I often find myself shouting "Hello" into the remote. Or trying to change channels with the phone. When did life get sooooo complicated??
From the "Why on Earth did they do that?" department: the charger does not recognize fully charged batteries. When I first unboxed my KX-TG6433, I took the six 650 mAh AAA batteries and ran them through my MAHA C401FS charger. This would not only save time and effect a nice conditioned charge, but the MAHA diagnostics would warn of defects. Imagine my surprise when all three handsets alerted with a flashing battery icon and a "charge for 7 hours" message. With fully charged batteries! Similarly, if at some point you remove the batteries in a handset to read the label in there (serial number, FCC ID number, etc.) or for whatever reason, you are greeted by the same scenario. And even though fully charged, the batteries will be COOKED for several hours to the degree the handset becomes... too hot to hold! So, here's a hot tip (heh heh) - don't pre-charge the AAAs and don't remove them unless they need to be replaced.
That and the manual aside, this is a good looking, feature rich, convenient and affordable cordless phone system. Now that I'm beyond the menu system learning curve, I'm expecting years of comfortable and easy use.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic Dect 6.0 Additional Digital Cordless Black Handset (KX-TGA641T)

Click here for more information about Panasonic Dect 6.0 Additional Digital Cordless Black Handset (KX-TGA641T)

Read More...

Jabra SP700 Bluetooth Car Kit Speakerphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Sound quality is great. my car is kind of noisy on the road, and people on the other end are surprised to hear I'm using a bluetooth speakerphone.
The biggest challenge for me is learning not to shout!
I have gotten a few complaints of echo (i.e. caller hears bits of their own voice) when using the built-in speaker. Using the FM transmitter seems to eliminate this problem.
I wish Jabra would've used a standard mini-usb connector for charging and also provided an 1/8" hardwired output to plug into my car stereo aux port.
The FM transmitter is a great feature, but FM is frustratingly noisy in big metro areas.
I did discover a cool trick for getting better FM reception that other US users might be able to try (provided their radio supports different country settings):
My FM radio has a setting for USA and Europe, and the European setting includes both odd and even frequencies.
With the FM radio set to the European setting, tune in to an even frequency (like 89.2 MHz, for example) the SP700 tunes in 0.1MHz increments, so you can tune to match and nobody else is supposed to be using that frequency.
Works much better, and I'll have fun, fun, fun until the FCC takes my SP700 away ;^)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jabra SP700 Bluetooth Car Kit Speakerphone

Stay focused and your driving while enjoying handsfree communication in your car with the Jabra SP700 Bluetooth speakerphone, which can be used on its own via an integrated speaker or transmitted to your car radio thanks to the embedded FM transmitter. Intuitive voice announcements give you the speakerphone's status so you can keep your eyes on the road. Just pair the SP700 with your mobile phone and place it on your car's sun visor--it's that simple.
Additionally, this compact device can be used to stream music stored on your mobile phone (compatible with the A2DP Bluetooth streaming music profile) through your car stereo speakers, allowing you to enjoy your favorite track while driving. Excellent audio quality is guaranteed thanks to the advanced DSP noise reduction and echo cancellation that insure crystal clear sound quality on both sides of the call.
Features and Specifications
Up to 14 hours talk time and up to 255 hours standby
Play calls and music from your mobile phone on your car stereo via FM and Bluetooth transmission
A2DP Bluetooth profile for streaming music
Auto-pairing for no-nonsense start up
Background noise reduction and echo cancellation via DSP technology
Night Driving Mode--no interfering lights while driving at night
Auto off function saves battery
Features Answer/end calls, Reject calls*, Voice dialing*, Last number redialing*, Mute (*phone dependent)
Easy to operate--gives spoken information in 10 languages (UK English, US English, Russian, French, Italian, German, European Spanish, Mexican Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese)
Comes with USB charger, Car charger and visor clip

Pairing the SP700 with Your Phone
The first time you turn on the speakerphone it will automatically be in pairing mode. To enter pairing mode subsequently, turn off SP700 and press the Answer/End button for 5 seconds.
Release the button when the Bluetooth Status Icon begins to flash quickly and you hear a voice announce: "Pairing mode."
Activate the Bluetooth function on your phone and set the phone to "discover" the speakerphone SP700.
Confirm with PIN code = 0000 (4 zeros).

Using the SP700 with Your Car Stereo The FM transmitter in the speakerphone allows you to transmit calls and music from your mobile to the car stereo.
Connect your mobile and your speakerphone.
Press the FM button to enter FM mode. The FM Status Icon will turn solid red and a FM frequency will be announced.
Manually turn your radio into the same FM frequency and you are now ready to transmit calls and music from your phone to your car stereo.

Click here for more information about Jabra SP700 Bluetooth Car Kit Speakerphone

Read More...

BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth Speakerphone (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)You can leave it on for a month. It has a better speaker than my cell phone. My only complaint is that I'd like a better interface with my Nexus One. I can't use the speakerphone's answer/hangup buttons unless my phone is unlocked. Regardless, for the the quality of the product I am very, very happy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth Speakerphone (Black)

Get 26% OFF

Click here for more information about BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth Speakerphone (Black)

Read More...

Blueant S1 Sun Visor Bluetooth Handsfree Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Let me start with the basics - this car kit is not bad. It isn't great, but I've seen worse. The S1 is about $20 cheaper than the Supertooth 3 (the flagship carkit from Blueant). Sadly, the S1 loses the cool features found on the Supertooth 3 - voice dialing is one of them (the S1 does support a simple "answer" command for picking up calls.
The S1 does all the basics, plus it adds Bluetooth audio. This works, but don't expect it to replace your car stereo any time soon. The A2DP Bluetooth stereo lacks one minor little thing - AVCRP or Bluetooth audio remote. So, even though you can listen to music, you can't control it.
Now on to the big one - when you open the box, you see the S1, its visor clip and an AC charger. That is correct - the brainiacs at Blueant obviously felt that nobody would need a car charger for the car kit in their car.
This means you'll need to spend an additional $10 on a MiniUSB car charger cord. To me, this is an inexcusable flaw, and one that makes it seem like the product was poorly thought through.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Blueant S1 Sun Visor Bluetooth Handsfree

Get 51% OFF

Click here for more information about Blueant S1 Sun Visor Bluetooth Handsfree

Read More...

BlueAnt Supertooth 3 Bluetooth Hands-Free Speakerphone (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been selling wireless since 1996 and have used multiple headsets, hands free solutions, etc. This has the best voice quality of any in-car set up I have used. I was using a Jawbone, which I still have, and is excellent. I am just tired of having something hanging on my ear X hours a day. I am a gadget freak for sure but I am tired of the tool on my ear.
I made some calls at 80mph in my wife's minivan on the turnpike to friends to get their feedback before using it for business and they did no know I was on a speakerphone...that's good enough for me. The voicedialing, as with any voicedialing feature, sucks. They all suck. The voice answer did not work either - say 'ok' to answer...yeah my kids were laughing at me saying 'ok' 6 times and then the call went to voicemail because it never answered. But I expected that...so just reach up and tap the answer button...no worries. My concern was voice quality, and it passed the test.
The auto phonebook transfer to a blackberry will not work from the device but will work if you do it from your BBerry's blutooth menu and push it to the device. It took about 10 minutes for my 1500+ contacts to transfer. I only did that so I could hear the name of the inbound caller, which is cool. The reality is we all have our phones right next to us when the call comes in and we can look at the phone's screen if need be.
01/09 UPDATE: I got a new car and well...I have to turn this off for business calls. It's just not good enough. What changed? Well, just my car. There is nothing worn with the device. So maybe the cars insulation is coming into play? I am driving a C6 Corvette and I am certain it is not as insulated as my previous car (Audi TT) or my wife's minivan. That being said, if your car is well insulated from road noise you should love this device. Cheers, Josh.

Click Here to see more reviews about: BlueAnt Supertooth 3 Bluetooth Hands-Free Speakerphone (Black)


The BlueAnt Supertooth 3 hands-free speakerphone provides a safe way to use your mobile phone while you drive. When the phone rings, the Supertooth 3's sophisticated Text-to-Speech software announces the name or number of the caller. To accept the call, just say "OK." There is no need to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road.

Installing the Supertooth 3 is simple too: simply slide the enclosed metal clip onto your car sun visor and attach the Supertooth 3 using the magnets on the back. Then use the intuitive voice prompts (available in a choice of 6 languages) to help you connect the device with your phone and upload your address book.

The Supertooth 3 also features advanced Digital Signal Processing software that eliminates noise and gives you outstanding audio quality, regardless of whether the car is stationary or travelling at high speed. It even adjusts sound levels to compensate for loud engine noise or external noise created when the windows are wound down.

The Supertooth 3 can be paired with up to 8 devices and supports voice dial activation, redial and call reject (if your mobile phone supports these features).

Key Features
Talk hands-free on your phone while driving.
Text to Speech: the Supertooth 3 announces the caller's name or number.
True Hands-free: simply say "Answer", "OK" or "Accept Call" to answer the call.
Choice of 6 languages: British English, American English, French, Italian, Spanish and German.
Automatic reconnection when you get back into the car.
Full Digital Signal Processor provides noise and echo cancellation.
Full duplex, high-performance speaker.
Pairs with up to 8 Bluetooth devices.
Voice dialling (if supported by your phone).
Bluetooth 2.0 Headset and Hands-free Profiles.
Operates up to metres (33 feet) from the phone.
Up to 15 hours talk time; 800 hours standby.
2 year replacement warranty (excludes clip and charger).

What's in the Box
BlueAnt Supertooth 3 Car Kit, 2 sun visor clips, car charger, AC power adaptor, quick start guide, user manual

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I handle calls when the Supertooth 3 is connected?
To answer an incoming call, say "Accept Call," "Accept," "Answer" or "OK" within 3 seconds after hearing the beep. Or you can answer a call by pressing the green Accept button.

Use the red End/Reject button to reject an incoming call or end an active call.

To redial the last number, press and hold the green button for 3 seconds.

Can I use voice activated dialling if my phone supports it?
Yes. The Supertooth 3 supports voice activated dialling if your phone also supports it. Check your phone's user manual for information on setting up this feature.

Can I use my Supertooth 3 with my computer for VOIP applications?
Yes. You can connect the Supertooth 3 to a PC or Mac that supports the Headset or Hands-free profile. To do this your computer must have Bluetooth enabled, either through a Bluetooth USB Dongle or through a built-in Bluetooth feature.

The connection and pairing process will differ depending on your computer system and Bluetooth software, but to connect the Supertooth 3 you need to put it into pairing mode and then use your computer to search for devices. You will need to enter the passkey "0000" (four zeros) when prompted.

Get 43% OFF

Click here for more information about BlueAnt Supertooth 3 Bluetooth Hands-Free Speakerphone (Black)

Read More...