Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
I have used a few Bluetooth Visor Car Kits in the past only to find sooner or later (more sooner), I retire them to the Bluetooth graveyard located in a dark corner in the spare room at home. It always begins on a high with a promise to provide a ‘Hands-free’ but safe, convenient , compact, foolproof and law abiding way to receive and make calls while sitting in the comfort of a stationary or moving vehicle… However, eventually the honeymoon gloss fades and cracks appear to what first seemed a win, win situation.
Jabra SP700 Bluetooth Speakerphone
So when presented with the opportunity to try yet another Handsfree Bluetooth in-car visor product I did not climb over the office furniture or rugby tackle fellow colleagues to be first in the queue. However on this occasion a particular feature of the Jabra SP700 caught my imagination – it claimed to offer both voice and stereo music streaming direct from my Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to my in-car entertainment unit.
In the Box
The compact and stylish Bluetooth speakerphone also comes supplied with a visor clip that is already fitted, a USB charger cable, USB car charger and ‘plain English’ and compact user guide.
Jabra SP700 Bluetooth Speakerphone Box Contents
Getting Started
Just connect the USB charger cable to a spare USB port on your computer and up pops an illuminated red battery icon to indicated that it is charging. When fully charged this icon then changes to green. If you do not have easy or regular access to a computer then think about purchasing a USB Mains Charger and use the USB charger cable provided in the box when not in the car. On the front of the unit are a range of icons that illuminate to indicate what status the speakerphone is in. I will discuss these in detail later.
There is no dedicated off/on button, and although not immediately obvious, this function is activated by pressing and holding the front of the speakerphone; 2 seconds to switch it on and 4 seconds to switch it off. If like me, you tend to exit your vehicle and forget to switch the speakerphone off then do not worry, the SP700 has an auto-power off when the phone is out of its Bluetooth range.
Pairing the SP700 to your mobile phone couldn’t be easier; when you switch it on for the first time it automatically enters its pairing mode which is clearly indicated by an illuminated Bluetooth Status icon appearing. Next, just activate the Bluetooth function on your phone and set the phone to “discover” the SP700, enter the pin code (0000), mount it to your car visor and you’re good to go!
The Jabra SP700 clips neatly to your sun visor in the car
Controls
Now the SP700 is not big on controls, I have already mentioned the lack of an on/off button and it does not have any audio adjustment controls aside of a volume up & down button on one side of the unit, and there is also a FM transmitter button located on the opposite side.
Features
Now the SP700 provides the basic functions like any other like handsfree kit, as well as supporting extended features of some phone models like voice dialling – which as you may have already experienced is a potential Olympic Linguistic event in its own right. Also the SP700 features advanced noise reduction and echo cancellation that insures excellent sound quality on both sides of the call.
When using the SP700 the current status is clarified by a clear voice announcement – available in 10 languages – a treat no doubt for those multi lingual potential users out there or those wanting to practice some basic phrases before arriving at their international holiday destination this summer!
The voice announcer switches from a female to a male voice for different status alerts. However the announcement that caught me by surprise was the one that announced the caller ID of an incoming call – brilliant – and by pressing the front of the speakerphone I could answer or end the call. The announcer also confirms when the speakerphone is switched off and also when it has made connection with your mobile phone.
I found the clarity of the incoming call to be excellent by comparison to other Bluetooth visor speaker phones that I have used in the past, and I can confidently say that my voice was clearly received by my caller. I must admit that my vehicle suffers from very little cabin noise generally – however I also tested it in my wife’s 1.4 about town vehicle which isn’t a tractor by any means – but with mischievous and noisy kids in tow I still found the SP700’s speakerphone to be equally as impressive.
The Jabra SP700 has a classic, slim line design
The best feature is the FM transmission - A simple press of the FM transmission button illuminates the FM transmission icon and speakerphone mute icon, then kicks the voice announcer into action as she clearly tells you the FM frequency to tune your car radio to. If this frequency is congested by existing radio stations then you can make adjustments by 0.1MHz at a time using the volume keys, the announcer will recite the new frequency selected each time you make a change. My radios’ RDS function displayed the word JABRA to indicate that I had sourced the correct frequency and I promptly saved it to a spare preset number. This remains the fixed FM frequency unless you make a change as previously mentioned or reset the unit to factory settings. The only thing I did not have time to test was how the selected FM frequency would stand up to long journeys whereby you may drift into localised radio stations sharing the same frequency; however, the ease I found in changing frequencies leaves me quite confident that such an event occurring would not be a major problem to resolve.
The Nokia E71 phone was used to test the SP700 for streaming music to my car stereo, on hitting the play button on the phone, music came belting out almost immediately through the car speakers. The quality was fairly good, however I found that the SP700’s lack of audio controls came to haunt it as the volume controls previous used to adjust the FM frequency remain set to this function while in FM transmission mode, so you have to rely on your in-car audio controls to equalize the sound and adjust the volume. This sometimes is a problem when you switch back to the radio or CD mode as the volume can sometimes be far too high for those built in sources.
Taking calls using the FM transmission mode was a delight, however be aware that your calls may be picked up by a stranger who is tuned to the same FM frequency and in close proximity to your vehicle, so keep this feature just for music or calls that are not of a private or sensitive nature. On a final point if you turn off your radio or forget to change the status of the SP700 back to its own speakers, then the SP700 automatically disconnects from its FM transmission status following a period of non-use.
The SP700 boasts up to14 hours talk time & up to 255 hours standby however after a week of testing I am yet to re-charge.
Conclusion
I must admit the SP700 has not changed my preference which is to avoid taking calls while driving if I can, however when circumstances dictate that this is unavoidable or for those of you or where this is a day to day necessity then the SP700 does not disappoint, mainly because of its ease of use, functionality, portability and quality. The Ace up its sleeve however is the FM transmission that adds a more practical and up to date feature for all music lovers who have migrated their favourite playlists into the fashionable multi-media Bluetooth mobile phones that are currently available – a smart move by Jabra.
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Tags: Bluetooth, bluetooth headset, car charger, car handsfree, car kit, car visor, fm transmitter, handsfree, Jabra, jabra sp700 speakerphone, mini usb charger, Nokia, nokia bluetooth, nokia e71, sp700, stereo bluetooth,
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Thursday, July 9th, 2009
Stereo Bluetooth Headsets haven’t always been the most popular accessory in the world, but now that mobile phones are becoming focused on music and video playback, more and more people are finding a need for a way to listen to their music in stereo, but without wires tying them to their phones.
Stereo Bluetooth Headsets and Bluetooth Headphones allow you to listen to your music over a bluetooth connection and generally have a range of around 10 metres. This means that you can put your phone down and wander freely around your house with out having to take your phone with you – great if your phone is on charge but you want to listen to your music without having to sit on the floor next to a plug socket!
The big names in Stereo Bluetooth headsets tend to be Sony Ericsson, Nokia and Jabra as these all tend to have a large range of headsets available. Other manufacturers such as Samsung also make stereo headsets but tend to concentrate on just a couple of models, and I’m going to review one of them here – the Samsung SBH-650 Stereo Bluetooth Headset.
Samsung SBH-650 with iPhone 3G
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Tags: A2DP, AVRCP, bluetooth headphones, iphone stereo bluetooth, ipod touch stereo bluetooth, samsung sbh-650, samsung stereo bluetooth headset, sbh-650 review, sbh-650 stereo bluetooth, stereo bluetooth,
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Monday, May 11th, 2009
When choosing Bluetooth Headphones, its easy to become overwhelmed by the vast range available. There are several styles available, do the same basic job, so whats the difference and what should you be looking for when choosing Bluetooth Headphones?
Design:
Bluetooth Headphones come in a range of shapes and sizes. They range from the traditional "over the head" design, to adapters that let you use your own headphones. Each style has its advantages and dis-advantages:
Over the Head Vs Headband
- ‘Over the Head’ is how headphones always used to be. They sit pretty securely on your head, and are normally very comfortable. Generally speaking, this style of headphone will cover your ears.
- The ‘Headband’ style is a more discrete way of wearing your headphones. The band goes around the back of your head, making it less obvious that you’re wearing headphones. ‘Headband’ headphones are available in both in-ear and over the ear styles.
Earphones Vs Headphones
- Earphones sit in your ear, where as Headphones sit on the outside of your ear.
- As Earphones tend to be quite small, and the comfort of them can vary significantly. If possible look for earphones with changeable earbuds.
- Headphones are normally the more comfortable wearing method and there is less risk of them falling out/off.
Fixed Vs Changeable
- On some Bluetooth Headphones you have the option of swapping out the standard headphones for your own
- If you damage the headphones on a fixed one you’ll need to buy a new pair of Bluetooth Headphones rather than just the earbuds/headphones
Combination
- Some Bluetooth Headsets can double up as Bluetooth Headphones. This normally involves plugging in either an additional earpiece, or standard wired headphones to listen to your music in stereo.
Weight:
The smaller the headphones, the lighter they should be. If you’re going to be wearing your headphones for long periods, a lighter set will be more comfortable, but with less weight and smaller size, you may have to compromise on battery life and functionality. The weight of Bluetooth Headphones range from around 12g to over 310g!
Battery Life:
Battery times on headphones are generally better than on standard Bluetooth Headsets as they can accommodate a larger battery. You will find that some headphones have upto a massive 32 hours talk time 19 hours music playback and upto 2 weeks standby time! If you’re going to be using your headset more for listening to music than calling, music playback time will be more important to you. If you are aren’t looking to use it that often for music, then opt for one with the longest stand by times so that it will still be charged even after short spells of not being used.
Music Control:
Bluetooth Headphones allow you to listen to your music in stereo, but only if supported by your phone. They work in the same way as a normal Bluetooth Headset, and will automatically pause your music when a call comes in. Bluetooth Headphones aren’t so great if you’re driving, but are ideal for using at the gym, or during sporting and leisure activities such as cycling. Most Bluetooth Headphones have music controls on them but not all. These controls allow you to control your music without having to touch your phone. In order to stream music to Bluetooth Headphones you will need to make sure your phone supports the A2DP profile, and if you want to be able to control your music playback, your phone will need to support the AVRCP profile too. Read our Bluetooth Glossary for more information.
Charging:
How your headset charges can be quite important. A lot of headsets charge using the same connector as mobile phones, so its normally a good idea to opt for a headset that’s made by the same manufacturer as your phone. By using the same charger as you use on your phone, you won’t have to purchase a second charger for in the car, and you will only have to carry one charger around with you when you travel. Some headsets also support USB charging, making it easy to charge using a USB cable connected to your laptop if you’re out and about.
Multipoint:
Multipoint is a relatively new technology in the world of bluetooth. Standard Bluetooth Headphones normally allow you to pair with 2 or more phones, but only one can be active at any one time. Multipoint Bluetooth Headphones allow you to connect and use two bluetooth devices at the same time. With Multipoint, you can connect the headphones to your Hi-Fi or Music Player and your Phone, and when a call comes in, the music will pause, and the call will come through automatically. You just answer the call as normal by pressing a button on the headset, in the same way as you would if the music was coming from the same device.
For more information on Multipoint and how it works, check out our guide to Multipoint
Voice Dial:
Most current handsets support voice dialling. Activating voice dialling with Bluetooth Headphones is a case of simply pressing a button and saying the persons name that you want to call. Depending on your phone and headphones, it is possible to answer, end and reject calls all through voice control. For the best compatibility for voice dialling we would recommend Bluetooth Headphones made by the same manufacturer as your handset.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
As more and more of us are using our mobiles as our MP3 and Video players, and while the headphones that come in the box aren’t bad, they’re never the best. We’ve already put together a Headphone Buyers Guide, but what if you want to leave the wires behind and get yourself a set of Bluetooth Headphones? Well, to help you decide, here’s our top ten Bluetooth Headphones & Stereo Bluetooth Headsets.
Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 Bluetooth Headphones:These are without doubt my favourite Bluetooth Headphones, hence they’re at number 1 in my top ten. Although it still has a wire, the IS-800 is pretty much the only headset that doesn’t feature a fairly bulky control unit. Instead this has a small, simple in-line control that allows you to answer and end calls. Battery life is impressive at upto 270 hours – especially considering how small this headset is! The only slight downside is that the IS-800 doesn’t have any music controls on, so you will need to control your music on your phone.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
To keep your new LG Arena safe and working to its full potential you’ll need to get yourself a few accessories for it, but what should you get? To point you in the right direction we’ve put together must have accessories for the LG Arena.
LG SDT-120 Desktop Charging Cradle:
What better way to show off your brand new LG Arena, than to have it sitting proudly on your desk in this stylish Desktop Charging Cradle. Not only does the Desktop Cradle connect to your Mains Charger, but it can also connect it to your PC to transfer media to your phone. The SDT-120 can also be connected to your TV using the LG TV-Out Cable allowing you to view all your photos and videos on the big screen. For the keen photographers out there, the SDT-120 also has a tripod connection.
LG CCL-240 Leather Case:
This premium leather carrying case has been designed to perfectly fit your LG Arena, giving you added protection against everyday knocks and scrapes. Its Microfibre lining helps keep your phone looking its best by wiping away finger marks everytime you insert/remove your phone.
16GB Micro SDHC Memory Card:
Although the LG Arena has 8GB of internal storage, it will soon fill up if you’re using it as your MP3 player or storing videos on it. A memory card will increase the amount you can store on the device. 16GB is currently the largest card available and will take the total amount of storage on the phone to a massive 24GB.
MPS-300 Portable Speakers:
If you enjoy listening to your music when you’re out and about then these lightweight portable speakers could be just what you need. They’re colour matched to your LG Arena, and not much bigger. Thanks to some clever thinking from LG, these speakers will also work with your iPod, MP3 player or any other 3.5mm device, with out the need for loads of different adapters. Instead, just use the one reversible cable to connect the speakers to your device.
Bluetooth Headphones:
As you’ve got yourself one of the latest multimedia handsets, I’m guessing that you like your gadgets and like to be able to enjoy your music and videos where ever you are. A set of Bluetooth headphones will let you listen to and control your music from your phone with out the need to un-tangle your headphone wires, and will work upto 10m away from your phone.
Genuine LG Car Charger:
Make sure your Arena is always charged and ready to go. Simply fit it into the cigarette lighter port in your car and plug the tangle proof cable into your phone. Great for long journeys!
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