Wired-in Hands-free Kits Tested

A built-in hands-free set-up is the most convenient solution for in-car phone use. We name the best from eight

Auto Express Car Reviews

January 2009

Headsets and visor-mounted Bluetooth hands-free kits are a good value way of staying legal when using your phone at the wheel. But they’re not as convenient as a wired-in set-up. There’s no battery to worry about and you don’t have to make sure it’s switched on; the system simply relays your calls when you’re on the go.

As these fitted kits offer more power than portable units, and are larger, they are able to deliver a wider range of features. These include displaying texts or showing who’s calling, or even playing digital tunes from your phone or iPod to your car’s stereo via Bluetooth A2DP wireless music streaming technology. Compatibility can be erratic, so ensure the set you choose works with your phone and does what you need it to. Also, the complex electronics in modern cars mean a professional fit is a good idea – this costs around £80.

The Test

We used a Blackberry 8800, Nokia 6230i and T-Mobile MDA to assess how each set-up handled phone use. Points were awarded for universal ISO fixings – for easy fitting – and displays. Calls were made to and from the kits, and we looked for fast, accurate operation, plus good sound, muffling background noise. We tried voice control features, and rated wired-in music playing, plus used an Apple iPod 5G with a Bluetooth dongle to test A2DP streaming.

Verdict

Parrot’s MKi9200 covers all the bases, with a great screen and easy streaming. But for half the price, you can get the iO Talk 1. It’s a good performer, easy to fit and has simultaneous phone/music capability – so it has to take the win. That leaves the Parrot in second spot, with the firm's MKi9000 completing the podium.

Contacts
Amazon (Nokia) www.amazon.co.uk
Bury 0121 458 3100, www.thb-bury.co.uk
Expansys (Motorola) 0161 868 0868, www.expansys.com
Halfords (Bury) 08457 626625, www.Halfords.com
iO 01420 476767, www.my-io.com
Motorola 0870 901 0555, www.motorola.com
Nokia 0845 045 5555, www.nokia.co.uk
Parrot 0870 112 5872, www.parrot.biz
Simply Car Kits (Parrot) 0845 437 4489, www.simplycarkits.com