ie8 fix

Scosche SolChat solar-powered Bluetooth speakerphone review

We also like that once you set up a pairing between your cell phone and SolChat, they automatically connect when you enter your car and turn on the speakerphone. SolChat automatically turns off once the pairing is broken and that same female voice tells you the pairing has been broken and that the unit is shutting down.

In terms of performance, we didn't have any major complaints. The speakerphone was definitely loud enough on our end. In our test calls in the car, most callers said they could hear us "pretty well," though there was some slight echoing (on their end) and occasionally we were asked to repeat something we'd just said.

Scosche isn't the only manufacturer making solar-charging Bluetooth speakerphones. To name a few competitors, you have Iqua's Vizor SUN Solar Powered Bluetooth Car Kit, Anycom's SCK-200 Hands-Free Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakerphone, and LG's HFB-500. They all retail in the $60 to $100 range, fit in a pocket, and have similar features, though not necessarily voice announce.

Of those competitors, we've only reviewed the LG and the SCK-200's predecessor, the Anycom SCK-1. We give the edge to the LG because of its capability to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. But if that's not a concern--and if you can get it for 20 percent to 25 percent off its list price of $100--the Scosche SolChat is certainly worthy of consideration.

What You'll Pay

Pricing is currently unavailable.
  • Set Price Alert

Sponsored Premier Brands on CNET

Where to Buy

Pricing is currently unavailable.

Set price alert

ie8 fix

Quick Specifications

  • Release date03/19/09
  • Product type Bluetooth hands-free car kit

Hunkered down in New York City, Executive Editor David Carnoy covers the gamut of gadgets and writes his Fully Equipped column, which carries the tag line "The electronics you lust for." He's also the author of "Knife Music," a novel that's available at Amazon, bn.com, and as a Kindle, iBooks, or Nook e-book. Full Bio

ie8 fix
Click Here
  • Recently Viewed Products
  • My Lists
  • My Software Updates
  • Promo
  • Log In | Join CNET