The Apple iPhone is an iconic device, that rapidly gained a huge user base of both loyal Apple fans as well as a wider range of mobile phone users drawn by the simplicity of the touch screen interface and the wide variety of 'apps' that turns the device from a mobile phone into almost anything you want it to be.
There are however certain functions that can not be enhanced with a simple app, and one of these is integrating the iPhone into your car to provide a safe hands free driving experience. In addition to being a safety enhancement, in many parts of the world it is illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving, unless it is with a hands free kit.
As might be expected, there are a wide range or car kits available, both ones that are wired into your car and those that can be moved from car to car. In most cases, both types work via the Bluetooth protocol which allows compatible mobiles, including the iPhone, to connect into them wirelessly. In addition to these generic devices there are a growing number of hands free kits that are developed specifically with the iPhone in mind.
The TomTom Car Kit builds on the success of the TomTom navigation App and provides a secure docking station for your iPhone for use as an in car navigation system. It also enhances the GPS performance and has a built in speaker and microphone. The navigation system will restart once your call is complete and there is an optional cable to connect into certain makes of car stereo so you can play music from the iPhone through the car speakers, with the music automatically faded during navigation or whilst on a call.
Parrot are a well respected manufacturer of hands free devices and the MKi range carry the made for iPod and Work with iPhone certification. The range includes kits that come with or without screens. The top of the range MKi9200 includes a colour screen that displays the full playlist, the name of the artist, the title and the corresponding album cover when available on the iPod or iPhone. It also has cutting edge technology to enhance your hand free calls, bit this device does need to be professionally installed.
If you need something simpler and cheaper, that acts only as a hands free device for the telephone without the music streaming options then the SuperTooth Buddy provides an installation free option; you just pair the device with your iPhone through Bluetooth and you are ready to go. The Buddy will give you twenty hours of talk time and 1000 hours of standby on a single charge.
Simon Murray loves the latest gadgets and mobile phones in particular.
See if the Parrot MKi9200 is the right car kit for you at his bluetooth car kit review website.
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