Power is supplied by a standard cigarette lighter/USB adapter cable. We think this is a great feature, because similar adapters are easy to find. This means that you won't have to order a proprietary power cable if you lose the included one. This also extends the functionality of the device by allowing you to use the Ego Cup anywhere you have an available powered USB port, increasing the product's value.
The buttons on the face perform the standard hands-free functions of answering, ending, and rejecting calls, and increasing and decreasing the volume, as well as redialing the last number and activating voice commands on supported phones.
Performance
Setting up the Ego Cup was a breeze. We simply attached the external microphone, plugged in the 12-volt adapter, and dropped everything into the nearest cup holder. The device was immediately recognized by our Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone and paired with the supplied PIN.
Call quality was relatively clear and echo-free on both ends of the conversation. The noise-canceling microphone didn't completely block out the background noise but did a very good job of distinguishing our voice from engine noise and passing trucks and buses. The microphone is rotatable and can be aimed to increase sound quality, though there isn't very much to be gained or lost from tweaking it. Generally, it sounds good as long as it isn't pointed away from you.
The built-in speaker, on the other hand, struggled to make itself heard above the sounds of the road. We found that even with the windows up and at low speeds, the Ego Cup only sounded clear at max volume. We can foresee this being a big problem at highway speeds in vehicles with more road noise. This is most likely because the low-down position of most cup holders is suboptimal for such a tiny speaker.
In sum
Ultimately, the Ego Cup is a satisfactory product for drivers looking for a low-cost, in-car speakerphone. At about $100, it is a bit pricey for a device with no display. But with its clear calls and unobtrusive design, it's a solid product for most users. In noisier vehicles, a visor-mounted hands-free or a device with a louder speaker would be a better solution.
- See more CNET content tagged:
- holder,
- microphone,
- caller ID,
- vehicle,
- adapter
Where to buy
Ego Cup:
$108.01 - $110.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
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$110.99 | Yes |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$108.01 | Yes |
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