Alfred C. Chen's Weblog

Do you currently use a cellphone while driving your car?  Did you know that starting on July 1, 2008,  a new law in California will go into effect that requires the use of a hands-free device when talking on the cellphone while driving?  Like most people, I don't make it a habit (my #1 pet peeve as well), but I do periodically have a need to make 1 or 2 phone calls.  To comply with the new law, I decided to look into a couple hands-free options that suit my lifestyle.

There are numerous hands-free technology solutions in the marketplace.  I concentrated my search on Bluetooth™ devices because of the support already built into most cellphones, GPS devices, and new cars.  Among the most popular devices are wireless headsets that offer the portability of hands-free talking, both inside and outside of the vehicle.  Around the office, I frequently see people wear their wireless headsets all day long, so it must be somewhat comfortable.  It makes for a fashion statement too, if you are the geeky type.  I have not decided on one yet, but the product reviews on CNET and ConsumerReport were very insightful.  When picking out a wireless headset, you definitely want to consider the size, comfort, ease of use, sound clarity, battery life and cost.

For the road warriors, Bluetooth™speakerphone kits and GPS devices provide a hands-free and headset-free driving experience.  The products in this category allow the driver to talk openly in speaker mode as if inside a mobile conference room.  This may not be a good option, if you want to keep the conversation semi-private.  However, these products do allow you to make calls and take calls without reaching for the phone (true hands-free).  The one that caught my attention, Parrot PMK5800 offers voice recognition for outbound dialing of up to 150 phone numbers.  Like most products in this category, it also accept an audio input for MP3 players.  The music is broadcasted through the car stereo over FM and mutes automatically when you need to make or receive a call.  This will work great with my iPod.

I expected more from the GPS devices (TomTom, Garmin, etc), but the main differentiator vs the speakerphone kits seems to be their GPS service and integrated calling for pointing of interests.  My recommendation would be to buy a GPS if you need a GPS.  Too pricy to buy it just for the hands-free driving.  Finally, most automobile manufacturers already offer Bluetooth™ in the latest models of their cars.  This may just an excuse, but "Honey, it's time to buy a new car, so we can enjoy the hands-free and the integrated driving experience."  Cost aside, a key consideration would be the cellphone compatibility.  Most automobile manufacturer's Website (Toyota, Acura, Lexus, Ford, BMW, etc) provide a listing of the support cellphones and wireless services.  Although if your existing cellphone doesn't work with the car of your dream, it is probably not too excessive to buy a new cellphone as well.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this Blog.  If you haven't gone hands-free yet,  I hope you will join me and other Californians in the switch before July 1st.  To learn more about the new law and how it affects you, checkout the FAQ on the CHP Website.  Drive safely out there.