NOKIA HF-6W

THE Nokia wireless plug-in car hands free kit is a compact unit that communicates using via Bluetooth technology within a 10m range. Functions available on the system include speech track, by which four microphones can pick up sound from 19 different directions. The microphone locks on to the direction from which speech is coming and filters out any other unwanted background noise. The unit is easy to install as it is plugged into the vehicle’s lighter socket. The kit will be available in the UK from the second quarter of 2005.
Price: TBC
Contact: www.nokia.co.uk

JABRA SP500

THE SP500 Bluetooth speakerphone has an automatic volume control which alters the audio volume in noisy environments such as in the car. It also has digital sound enhancement for sound quality.
The system requires a wireless Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone and is activated either via voice activation or by pressing a button in the centre of the unit. It has 20 hours of talk time, 480 hours of standby time and a re-charge time of two hours. Calls are initiated and ended at the touch of a single button but the speakerphone supports voice-activated dialling.
Price: £79.99
Contact: www.jabra.com

SIEMENS HKW-700

THE Siemens kit plugs into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter and communicates with the mobile phone using Bluetooth technology.
Due to launch this Spring, the HKW-700 has an external display which indicates who is calling and the display also doubles up as a remote control for the phone’s functions, including making and receiving calls.
A four-button navigation system enables drivers to search for names from the phone’s address book, initiate and end calls and adjust the volume.
The system has echo reduction and noise suppression. It also supports push-and-talk technology which allows drivers to use their mobile phone as a walkie-talkie.
Price: TBC
Contact: www.siemens.com

PARROT CK3300

THE CK3300 is a hands-free car kit combined with a GPS satellite navigation unit. The system has an integrated Bluetooth receiver, which can connect either to a mobile phone or PDA.
The unit needs to be fitted professionally but takes less than an hour to install and is hidden, apart from the display console, which can be mounted on the dashboard. The mobile’s phonebook is wirelessly downloaded to the car kit, which uses voice recognition technology to dial calls. The LCD screen displays the incoming caller’s number, calls list, phone information and GPS status on compatible phones.
Price: £262
Contact: www.say-parrot.com

PANASONIC BHX70

COMPATIBLE with any device that supports Bluetooth technology, the BHX70 is customisable with a choice of three replaceable covers (orange, silver and dark blue). The BHX70 supports Bluetooth and is activated and managed via the central control button, allowing the user to answer/end phone calls, voice dial, redial and switch the power on and off.
The BHX70 is designed to stay out of sight by fitting around the user’s ear. The headset is small and lightweight, measuring 57mm x 36mm x 30mm, and weighs 23g. It is also reversible, allowing users to wear the headset on either ear.
Price: £79.99
Contact: www.carphonewarehouse.com

PLANTRONICS TONGA

PLANTRONICS’ latest Bluetooth headset is called Tonga. It has up to 10 hours’ talk time and 240 hours’ standby. The unit uses Bluetooth technology to connect to mobile phones. A joystick control in the centre of the headset enables users to answer and finish calls. Speaker volume can also be controlled via the joystick and drivers are able to mute calls.
The headset, which fits over the ear, is stable on the move, according to Platronics, and is also lightweight at 17g.
Price: £34
Contact: www.plantronics.com