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A driver's guide to hands-free talking

Phoning it in
Tuesday, November 13, 2007, 4:00 AM
New Yorkers are used to multitasking, but doing it while you're driving could cost you a fender-bender or $100 in ticket money and another $50 in surcharges. (That's right - for those of you who still don't know, driving while talking on a cell phone without using a hands-free device is illegal.) The below units will help you keep both wallet and vehicle intact. Prices are the manufacturers' but do a little hunting on the Net and you can find bargains and specials.

Motorola H700

List price: $79.97

This super compact unit delivers comfort with an ergonomic ear hook that can be worn on either ear. Motorola's exclusive PowerFlip design lets you answer and end calls with ease, and you get up to six hours of talk time, 130 minutes of standby time and charge time of less than one hour.  

Motorola HS 815

List price: $49.99

This inexpensive device features a multifunction button allowing you to place, receive or end calls with the push of a button; your cell phone can be as much as 30 feet away while you gab.  

Plantronics Discovery 665

List price: $149

It's got a silvery, glittery case for charging and glows groovy purple-pink when you give it juice. The digitally enhanced sound of this unit improves the experience on both ends of the call, creating hi-fidelity sound so you can hear and be heard.  

Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset

List price: $119

This unit is equipped with Noise Shield technology, an advanced, military-grade noise-canceling system that continuously adapts to users' changing environments.  

Blue Ant X3 Micro

List price: $99

This is one of the smallest performing headsets available, and can be paired to three different Bluetooth devices. It comes with multiple charging options, including USB, wall and in-car chargers, and it's also backed by a two-year hardware warranty.  

Jabra BT500

List price: $119

The BT500's measurements are a petite 4 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches and it weighs a scant 0.7 ounces. One-touch pairing button makes this unit simple to operate, and the multicolor LED lights keep you alert to your connection, charging and battery status.


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