BlackBerry VM-605 Visor Mount Bluetooth Speakerphone

Reviewed by

Antuan Goodwin

on 09/21/2009

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CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
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Add to my list Product summary

The good: The BlackBerry VM-605 features a loud speaker for clear calls. Built-in FM transmission allows drivers to make use of their vehicle's stereo for calls and music.

The bad: The wire-spring visor clip is easily bent if handled roughly. FM audio quality is highly dependent upon your local airwaves.

The bottom line: The BlackBerry VM-605 speakerphone matches our current Editors' Choice in all ways but build quality. However, its lower MSRP makes it a worthwhile alternative.

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CNET editors' review

CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating

Reviewed by:
Antuan Goodwin
Reviewed on: 09/21/2009

Although branded and marketed as a BlackBerry accessory, the VM-605 Visor Mount Speakerphone should pair with most mobile phones via Bluetooth wireless.

Design
The slim-profile VM-605 measures 4.5 inches long by 2 inches wide. The unit is only about half an inch deep at its thickest point, not counting its removable wire-spring mounting clip--which adds an inch to the package's depth.

The majority of the unit's glossy black front panel is one big button. This button can be held down to power the unit on and off or tapped to start or end a call. Integrated into the faceplate, and almost invisible when not illuminated, are four icons for battery, call, connection, and FM statuses. Meanwhile, the bottom quarter is occupied by a matte-black grill covering the speaker.

The leading edge of the unit--which is aimed at the driver when in use--is where you'll find the pinhole microphone, and along either side are a volume rocker and a Micro-USB charging port covered with a rubber flap, and an FM button.

Because the power button is so easily pressed, BlackBerry has included a button lock function. Holding the FM, Volume Up, and Front Panel buttons for four seconds will power off the unit and lock the keys, preventing accidental calls. Repeat the process to awaken the unit.

The VM-605's integrated rechargeable battery is not user-serviceable. The unit charges through its Micro-USB port via an included 12-volt power adapter or by connecting to a powered USB port. The 12-volt charger features a 3-foot coiled cable, which is fairly generous.

Oddly, BlackBerry lets us know that charging takes 2 hours, but has not published talk time or standby time estimates. Go figure.