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June 30, 2008 7:23 PM PDT

CNET hands-free calling center

by Wayne Cunningham
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One feature we look for in every car we review at CNET Car Tech is Bluetooth hands-free cell phone integration. In addition, we've looked at a number of car stereos with Bluetooth and other in-car hands-free devices. The need for hands-free cell phone integration has just become much more important for millions of drivers in California and Washington, as new laws make it illegal to hold a phone and talk while driving. There is some question as to whether merely talking on a phone or holding up to your ear is the most important distraction. Personally, I want all the drivers around me to have both hands on the wheel, or be able to get that way fast when the need arises. I don't think people are prone to just dropping the phone, even when faced with an impending accident.

If you want to see some of your options for hands-free devices or cars with Bluetooth built in, take a look at the CNET hands-free calling center.

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by bkuhn7089 January 7, 2009 9:43 AM PST
I think that the hands-free law is great. I live close to New Jersey where the law took affect on March 1, 08. I do have to travel frequently into New Jersey so I was forced to go hands-free. At first, I had a headset. I thought it was great for the first 5 minutes and then it started to drive me nuts. I ripped it off my ear and chucked it in back of my car. About a week or so later I was searching online for other hands-free options and I came across a hands-free car kit by Parrot. They offer a great system called MK6100. Let's you go hands-free and it Bluetooth's the music from my phone through the car speakers. I purchased it from a mobile installation company in the PA, NJ area. The company was EasyHandsFree. They had the best price when it came to the whole deal. The kit, the installation and they even had a car specific harness. They didn't cut or splice any wires. It was pretty much plug' n play. They even came to my house to do the install. That was also included in the price. Later I found out that going to a Circut City or a Best Buy it would have cost twice as much and I'd have to drop off my car. With the kit, the phone never has to leave my pocket...I can see who's calling on the caller id screen on the kit. I think that this is the best option for going hands-free.
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