Spracht Aura Mobile BT Bluetooth speakerphone

Bluetooth speakerphones are still a rarity in today's market and are not nearly as popular as Bluetooth headsets. But the Spracht Aura Mobile BT aims to redefine the space by combining multiple functions into one device. Not only does it connect to a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, it is also compatible with a Bluetooth-enabled computer for VoIP calls, and it can be connected to a cordless phone via an included cable. Thus, the Aura Mobile BT can function as a hands-free speakerphone while driving or as a portable speakerphone for conference calls on the road. It retails for $149.95, which seems a little costly to us.

The Aura Mobile BT looks like a flat, oval disc. Measuring 5.5x1x3.1 inches, it is not a compact device by any means, but it still slides easily into a purse or a briefcase. It comes in a dull gray and silver color scheme and has a large speaker grille in the middle with dual speakers underneath. Several controls surround the main speaker: a big power button just below, to the left are a Bluetooth and a Mute button, and the volume buttons are to the right. All the rubberized buttons are very easy to press. Above the speaker grille are three LED lights denoting Bluetooth (flashes blue and amber in pairing mode and flashes blue when paired), Status (flashes green when it's powered on and flashes rapidly when the microphone is muted), and Charge (glows amber when charging, flashes when battery is low, and turns off when it is fully charged) indicators.