Scosche Universal Bluetooth Handsfree and Streaming Audio Car Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)Sadly, my BT1200 arrived dead upon arrival. The unit was getting power, but it failed to turn on. Several attempts to contact tech support at Scosche proved useless. I was promised a return authorization number, if I contacted them by email. When I did, I did not get a response nor the RAN. I followed up, and was still ignored. My advice, do not buy this, or any other Scosche product.

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Parrot CK3200 LS-COLOR - Bluetooth hands-free car kit Review

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(More customer reviews)This unit has worked really well on my 2006 Honda Odyssey Touring with the Navigation option. This is the most complex Odyssey audio package available with the built in DVD system that supports Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, etc. It has active amplification that is outside the car stereo "head unit" in the dashboard. If the Parrot is installed using any of the supposed ready made harnesses that allow integration of the Parrot and the car stereo, the sound from the Parrot will be a lot louder than tolerable. This is because the Parrot has its own amplifier and a little switching box that sits inside the dashboard when installed. This feeds into a "T" harness which essentially allows the Parrot to switch out the stereo and connect itself to your speakers when it is activated by a call. In any simpler stereo, this would be fine because this arrangement cuts out the car's amplifier. In my car, the downstream amp makes the sound waaayyy too loud, no matter how you set the Parrot's volume.
The solution, then, was to delete the harness I bought ($29.95) with the Parrot from Crutchfield's and replace it with a much more expensive ($149.99) harness from Quickconnect products. This more expensive harness eliminates the Parrot harness and the extra aftermarket harness, but adds its own harness and yet another little electronic box that properly attenuates and switches the audio signals so that the resulting sound does not hurt you or your expensive audio system.
What if you don't have an Odyssey Touring? Well, the point is that you may have some other fancy car audio system and you need to know what it's layout and compatibility are before you buy this BT system or any other that patches directly into your audio. This was an expensive mistake for me, since if I had known about the nearly double cost, i would have just asked my wife (it's her car) to just turn the radio off manually and use the cheapo Motorola BT clip on speaker we have when she needs to talk in the car. (CA handsfree law, you know).
Another reviewer commented that the installation instructions on the Parrot are bad. I would second that. I got through it OK, but I'm a long time electronics engineering nerd, and would say that if you are not an experienced car stereo installer or electronics kinda person, then get some pro help.
I unfortunately purchased this item on the recommendation of Crutchfield's phone sales person and then was too busy to check it out before my 30 days return window ran out. This makes this an indictment of me as much as Crutchfield's since I didn't check it out sooner. I have found in the past that Crutchfield's costs more, but was totally reliable in the advice and instructions department. They also have all onshore (US) based phone support and were helpful in diagnosing the issues. That said, they blew the initial recommendation, so a big Caveat Emptor (buyer beware) to all of you.
Conclusion: It all works great now, but it took twice as long and cost twice as much as I had hoped.

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Parrot Bluetooth Car Kit with Steering Wheel Control (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this kit so I could play music wirelessly from my phone in the car. It is great and better than I expected. I can start the music, change tracks, pause, play, and stop music all without even touching my phone. I have been using a Sony Ericsson w580i and it works flawlessly with it. It even synchronizes contacts to the mk6100 everytime it connects so that you can navigate through contacts with the mk6100.
I also ended up buying an Insignia Pilot bluetooth mp3 player. I could fit my whole music collection plus videos on the player and play them through the mk6100 at the same time it is connected to the phone. When a call comes in, the music on the player pauses and the call comes through, when I hang up, the music automatically resumes.
Everything about the mk6100 I like except that when playing music, the screen on my car's stereo turns off. This normally wouldn't be a problem except that my car displays the time on that screen so I can't see what time it is when I am playing music with bluetooth. I am not sure if this will be a problem on most cars or not, but it is in my Accord.

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Latte Communications Movon MK20 Bluetooth Handsfree Car Kit (Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used many car kits but the problem was sound volume. Many car kits has a small speaker and I can barely hear the sound when I am driving. But this mk20 has a very loud speaker that I can finally hear the other party.
If you have a loud noise car, I recommend this product.

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Parrot MKi9100 Advanced Bluetooth Hands-Free Music Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I installed this in our Honda Fit using an aftermarket harness to make it (almost) "plug and play." I decided to purchase this rather than the Bluetooth add-on for the (Pioneer) stereo already installed, as it (Pioneer's Bluetooth unit) received pretty mediocre reviews, cost more, and of course wouldn't work if I eventually decide to put in a different brand stereo someday.
If you're never installed a car radio before, this probably isn't the first thing you should install yourself -- I'd recommend having it professionally installed, since there are a good-sized handful of cables coming out of this thing that need to get routed properly, and you will most likely have to do some minor drilling and/or cutting to count the display and microphone if you want a really "clean" installation. As a yardstick, I probably spent 4 hours total on the installation.
Anyway, then, it does work as designed. The interface is fast and responsive, and I like the quality of the display. The software is pretty well thought out -- perhaps A++-super-nerd programmers don't work at Parrot, but certainly above-average ones do. Pairing works quite nicely, automatically connecting to my phone when I get in the car & turn on the ignition and disconnecting shortly after the ignition goes off. When you're on a call, it asserts the "mute" line to the car's stereo which also pauses CD/USB/iPod playback, which is nice. I haven't had any of the communication failures/lock-ups that another reviewer here did.
Some minor gripes are as follows:
-- While the noise reduction is effective up to ~45MPH (most callers wouldn't be able to guess you're calling from a car), it breaks down at highway speeds: Callers will still find you intelligible, but the occasional piece of a word is cut off and there is noticeable distortion. I attribute this so some degree to the rather noisy interior that is the Honda Fit (and most other inexpensive Hondas, for that matter) -- at some level apparently the Parrot just can't reliably separate your voice from the as loud or louder cabin noise. Those with quieter cabins may not ever experience this problem. (I have tried turning "lateral noise detection" off and it does make things worse.)
-- When hanging up calls, I often have to press the "hang up" button a couple of times. I suspect this is likely to be just as much the fault of the Parrot as my phone (a Sprint HTC Touch Pro 2), but it is a bit annoying.
-- The manual is rather spartan. While it contains information on all the "basics," it does leave out explanations for some menu functions, which you're hence left to guess at. While most have names that make it easy to figure them out, there are a few where it's not quite clear exactly what the option does.
I think that this is a little on the spendy side for what you're getting, but overall I'm happy with it and feel that I've received a reasonable (if not spectacular) value for the money.


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Jabra FREEWAY Bluetooth Speakerphone (Black, Retail Packaging) Review

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(More customer reviews)I don't give 5 stars that often, but I love this thing.
The calls are very clear as advertised and they can hear me fine as well. It's fantastic being able to finally answer calls hands free in the car; no having to have an earpiece or anything.
I love that you can connect two Bluetooth devices at once; I don't have a smartphone, but I can connect my basic cellphone with Bluetooth to this device, as well as my iPod Touch to send music to it!
The size makes it great to take it with you anywhere and use it as a speakerphone/speakers at home.
It looks great on the sun visor of the car, as well on a desk.
There is also a built-in FM transmitter. Personally, the transmitter doesn't seem that much of an advancement to send a clear strong signal than other FM transmitters that I've owned (still getting a static or fuzzy sound on a higher volume), but still, it is definitely a nice bonus to have!
The auto on/off can be a hit or miss: it usually tells me "connected" right when I open my car or after I turn on my engine. I feel the auto-on part definitely works better than the auto-off. I usually need to manually unsync my phone or iTouch from the Jabra, especially when my car is just parked in the garage and I'm still very close in range in my house.
Something to keep in mind: I've tried calling from my home phone to my cellphone/Jabra and I've noticed there is a slight delay for the Jabra to wake up and say "Incoming call" - it definitely isn't "real-time" immediately on the first ringing; it could actually be ringing for two or three times until the Jabra does actually tell you someone is calling. On top of that, if the Jabra doesn't understand your voice saying "Answer", it can add up to the delay of answering and greater chance you may end up missing the call. I think to be really safe, it's best to physically press the answer button. Maybe this "delay" can be improved in a future firmware update. However, I'm sure most people wouldn't be hanging up after just ringing two/three times anyway. If you miss the call, you can press the "Voice" button and say "Call back" to call back the last incoming number.
Holding on the "Voice" button for a few seconds will tell you how much battery life is left.
Holding on the main Telephone icon call button on the top takes me directly to my phone voice commands.
Double tapping the Telephone icon redials the number automatically.
The device is also firmware upgradeable if there are any improvements in the future.
It uses a Micro USB to charge.
If you ever feel like using your cellphone in the car, when you think about the safety and traffic ticket costs, this product is a no brainer worthy investment. The versatility of this product being suitable for home use just makes it even better. Fantastic design.
Recommended.

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Parrot MKi9200 Advanced Color Display Bluetooth Hands-Free Music Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I finally installed a hard wired bluetooth hands free system in my car after using an earpiece for months/years. The MKi9200 is OUTSTANDING; I wish I had installed one a long time ago. The installation for my 2006 Trailblazer required a wiring harness from one of the Parrot vendors listed on their website which costs an extra $75. Regardless, the voice recognition feature is perfect and the radio mute feature works seamlessly with my factory stereo. The calls are crystal clear and everyone can hear me without any difficulties. I found the installation fairly easy and would recommend this product to anyone who is tired of charging, turning on/off, and finding, your blue tooth ear piece.

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Amazon.com Product DescriptionThe Parrot MKi9200 Advanced Color Display Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit system is a unique range of Bluetooth hands-free car kits which install in every car. It combines the latest communication technologies with a full set of services dedicated to music--A full system dedicated to conversation and music in car.

The Parrot MKi9200 is a Bluetooth hands-free system with a 2.4-inch high-resolution TFT color screen. A wireless remote control can be positioned on the steering wheel or dashboard and allows the driver to control all the functions of the MKi9200.
In addition to conventional telephony functions - pick up, hang up, dual calls - the Parrot MKi9200 boasts cutting-edge telephony functions: automatic phonebook synchronization, training-free multi-speaker voice recognition, speech synthesis of the names in the phonebook, contact management (up to 2 000 per phone), call records, and so on.
Its color screen displays the phonebook, caller ID and photo, phone information and user settings. The menus and phonebook are also audible for easier, more intuitive use.
Listen to your digital music in the car The Parrot MKi9200 is also gifted for music. Supplied with a specific cable, it is compatible with all music sources, such as iPods, iPhones, USB flash drives, Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) phones, MP3 players and any other analogue players. The Parrot MKi9200 also features an SDHC-compatible SD card reader on the side of the screen.
The MKi9200 displays the full playlist along with the name of the artist, the title and even the corresponding album cover in color when available on the iPod, iPhone or USB flash drive.
Music is delivered through all the car's speakers, giving the driver and passengers exceptional sound quality and the breathtaking Virtual SuperBass effect.
The Parrot MKi9200 kit connect to your car audio system and deliver hi-quality conversations whatever the conditions are. Each MKi kit is delivered with it independent RF remote control. Positioned on the steering wheel or placed wherever is convenient, the remote control gives you the total control you need right at your fingertips. The Parrot MKi kits propose an incredibly efficient combination of an external double microphone and new software which eliminate environmental and in-car noises with full-duplex and zero-echo crystal clear conversations. Another unique feature of the MKi9200 is that its screen is detachable from its support when you leave your vehicle, for ultimate security.
Once paired with your Bluetooth mobile phone, the MKi enables you to establish in a few seconds any phone conversations in your vehicle without needing to handle the telephone, even leaving it in your pocket. Connection with your mobile is madein a completely transparent way.
The user-independent voice recognition and voice synthesis are now integrated in all MKi car kits, which dramatically ease the way of using them in every situation. And all the connectors for any type of music are provided with each MKi hands-free kit: iPod, iPhone, iTouch, USB keys, USB MP3 players, Bluetooth Stereo devices, CD players, MiniDisc.
What's in the Box Detachable screen, External adjustable double microphone, Six buttons RF remote control keypad, Parrot universal 'mute' BlueBox, Music cable with iPod/iPhone and USB and Line-In, Steering wheel mounting kit for remote control keypad, Dashboard mounting kit for screen, Screen cable, Mute / 12V cable with ISO connectors, USB / mini-USB cable, Set of accessories, Quick Start Guide
About Parrot Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free kits on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists. Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 500 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas. Parrot is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris since 2006.

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Parrot CK3100 Bluetooth LCD Display Car Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I played with one of these at Best Buy and thought the display was hard to read and the knob and buttons felt cheap. When I ordered my unit I got the newer all BLACK version display panel and these things have been improved. I chose the 3100 model because I realized I don't have a lot of space on my cars dash to put a lot of displays.
I ordered mine with not just a custom wiring harness for my 1998 Accord EX, but with a custom wiring harness which includes prewired mute configuration (quickconnectproducts dot com). I was dreading having to run the wiring for power until I realized I didn't have too!! The power is also automatically taken via the wiring harness from the power going to the radio. I installed it myself in about 1 hour.
The Parrot has some thoughtful ergonomic design. Very functional. For example, when you turn your key ignition off while on a call, instead of going dead and dropping the call, it continues to to stay on and asks you if you would like to transfer the audio back to the phone! How cool is that.
Audio quality is great. First, unlike my 2008 RAV4 factory bluetooth which is very good, the Parrot is FULL DUPLEX which means both of you can talk at the same time which allows much smoother conversations. It has the magic DSP background noise elimination so callers don't hear the road noise. All the echo is cancelled as well, and your voice is processed to remain strong and loud despite being distant from the microphone. Callers tell me I sound like I am directly talking on the phone and not on a speaker phone. The Parrot audio amp which sends sound to the car speakers does have a small amount of high frequency hiss/noise in the background; however this isn't a problem as you can only hear it when the engine is shut off.
Even though the Parrot doesn't have an interface for your steering wheel controls (I don't have them anyway), you can still operate some of the key functions via voice recognition. Because the Parrot voice recognition limits you to half a dozen voice commands, they actually work!
The 2-3 line display of the Parrot CK3100 is plenty of display for me. Some users may not even need a model with a display. The display indicates phone battery charge and cellular signal strength, although on my Palm Treo 700p with Verizon the cell signal strength is not accurate as displayed on the CK3100 display.
Mounting the display and microphone for these types of devices in a car is always a challenge. However, the Parrot kit includes several different mounts for both the display and microphone. Some quite unique and helpful. The best assortment of actually useful mounting hardware I have seen.
When talking on my cell phone while driving, I am aware that my attention is diverted. I don't like it. So for some time now I have used a Plantronics headset (great product). That improved the situation some but then I tried talking via bluetooth speakerphone in our 2008 RAV4. Talking on speakerphone is VERY different. It is much safer in my opinion. It is just like talking to the person sitting next to you in the car. I would encourage everyone who wants to be a safer less distracted driver while on the cell to get a GOOD QUALITY FULL DUPLEX speakerphone for their car. The Parrot 3100 fits the bill.

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With the Parrot CK3100, you will be able to place and receive calls in comfort and safety, without ever touching your mobile phone. At a time when legislation is tightening up to restrict the use of mobile phones in vehicles due to safety concerns, the Parrot CK3100's benefits are not just for the sake of convenience and comfort -- they are fast becoming a real necessity. The Parrot CK3100 wirelessly connects with all Bluetooth phones on the market and is compatible with all brands. The display of the CK3100 provides the same visual information and functions as your mobile phone, such as caller ID, carrier signal strength, or last calls received, in large well-contrasted digits easy to read at a glance on a screen that can be clipped in the ideal position for the driver to see.
Turn on the car engine and the phone connects wirelessly to the Parrot CK3100 Car Kit. The screen unit has easy-to-navigate menu options just like your phone, and your mobile phone book is wirelessly downloaded to the car kit. Calls can be dialed either through the screen, or by using voice-recognition speed dialing. According to your phone's model and firmware, most features are accessible from the hands free console, including one-touch redial, dual call, and auto-answer.
The Parrot CK3100 Bluetooth car kit can be installed in almost any vehicle, and is designed to automatically mute the radio during use. Incorporating high-quality sound, the CK3100 includes both echo cancellation and noise reduction technology. As with all Parrot car-kit devices, the CK3100 Bluetooth car-kit offers the user seamless, hands-free use without the inconvenience of wires, headsets, or cradles. This unit also features user connection priority management for up to five users, up to 200 voice tags for its voice recognition, multi-user use for up to three phones, private conversation mode, and much more.
Please note this car-kit will not work in cars that use optical cabling. Check with your car dealer before ordering. Also, since this car-kit is installed by hard-wiring to the existing car stereo, professional installation is highly recommended.
What's in the Box The CK3100 electronic control unit, LCD display with buttons and cable, microphone with cable, radio mute cable with line output (ISO cable), power supply cable, and a user guide in 7 languages.

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Scosche Bfta Bluefusion Interface Module For Factory Hands-Free (Toyota) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am mainly starting this review to let people know that this is not just for the module but the whole kit with this seller. Also the description states it is for a Honda but it worked great in my 07 Toyota Highlander. One of the better aftermarket too OEM Bluetooth solutions I have seen come out. I have only used it 30 min and will add to this when I have used it extensively. It works well and with my steering wheel controls which I have had issues with another Scosche module. It's in call volume is great and call quality is unnoticeable from just using the phone. The only bad thing I have to say is I get a small amount of static with high volumes and it can only use one phone at a time. Other than that it was a great purchase.

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Cartel CT-1000 Bluetooth Hands Free Installed Car Phone With Privacy Handset Review

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(More customer reviews)Yeah, this is a great car phone and will connect up with most every BT-enabled handset, and has a easy dial pad so it feels much better then dialing from cell phone, this is COOL!!! your passengers will love you for this cool unit

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Parrot RKi8400 Bluetooth Car Stereo for Digital Music and Hands-Free Driving Review

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(More customer reviews)I had done all my research on stereos that work with the iPhone. I thought this one would be perfect. Here is what I have found:
1. the buttons feel very cheap
2. my iPhone barely fits in the compartment behind the face.
3. a 4gb SD card takes about a minute to initialize every time I start my car
4. did not come with a face cover to car the face around or store in.
5. the voice that talks to you when someone calls, etc cannot pronounce anything -- even the basic features of the device (let alone someone's name!)
6. the speakerphone does not pickup my voice very well at all in my car (have tried several different locations
7. having my iPhone stored behind the face is annoying and barely used -- as you have no access to your phone and you have to shut down the stereo if you need to pull it out.

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