Thanks to hands-free driving laws, five new choices in a gadget category require our attention.
If your primary concern when buying a new Bluetooth earpiece is style, I have a favorite. But if you value function — the sound quality of your calls is most important — I’ve got an ugly model that is the best I ever tested. If you prefer a car speaker, I have another fine option.
Sound ID 300, $100
Availability: Exclusive to AT&T starting April 15. (The nearly identical 200 model will be offered broadly.)
Style: Earpiece.
Special features: Dual microphones.
What I like: An extremely comfortable earpiece that looks nice. The sound was clear in my ear and the people I called had few complaints about how I sounded. Every few minutes, when speaking with my brother-in-law — whom I always call when testing Bluetooth pieces — he heard a slight echo and said my words were clipped. Those instances were rare, and he heard 90 percent of what I said without trouble, which he considers good. I agree.
What I hate: The small function button is hard to reach.
Should I buy? Yes. This device is in the same class as the Jawbone, Plantronics Discovery 925 and the BlueAnt V1, earpieces I’ve favorably reviewed.
Cobra Premium Headset, $60
Availability: CobraHandsFree.com, various retailers.
Style: Earpiece.
Special features: None.
What I like: The fit is OK, but not firm. It has an easy-to-push control button. In my ear, callers sounded muted. Worse, my brother-in-law said he couldn’t tell whether I had stopped talking because there were big gaps in the conversation.
What I hate: This is a me-too product that’s not very good. A Cobra logo is prominent, turning my ear into an ad. This is the first device ever that did not pair with my 3-year-old Sony Ericsson phone. It did pair easily with an iPhone.
Should I buy? No.
Cobra Deluxe headset, $100
Availability: CobraHandsFree.com, various retailers.
Style: Over-the-head.
Special features: Noise canceling reduces background sounds.
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What I like: Do you want style or substance? If it’s style, pick the Sound ID 300. If you want people to distinctly hear what you’re saying, you’ll want this headset. In my ear, the sound was excellent but, more important, it is top-notch in terms of quality from the listener’s standpoint. My brother-in-law gave it his highest mark ever. The microphone sits in front of your mouth and there’s no mistaking what you are saying.
What I hate: Again, this Cobra product did not pair with my Sony Ericsson phone but did with an iPhone. And there’s that logo issue.
Should I buy? Yes, if you don’t care what people think. If you are always in the car and on the phone — where a call could close a deal — you’ll want this. If you’re trying to flirt with other drivers, you don’t. The pairing issue concerns me — keep the receipt.
Nextar Wireless Speaker, $70
Availability: Expected soon at several retailers.
Style: Car speaker
Special features: Solar charged, caller ID display.
What I like: The solar-powered charging aspect is cool. I can drive around all day with the device suction-cupped to the windshield and it continues to charge. It’s easy to control and pairs with a phone through the big button at the top of the unit.
What I hate: Unfortunately, it doesn’t work well. Callers sounded distant to me and I sounded muffled to them. My brother-in-law could hear me but he had to pay close attention.
Should I buy? No. I like its green aspect, but the performance means you’ll buy a different unit soon after. That doesn’t help the environment or your pocketbook.
Jabra SP 200, $60
Availability: Within days from various retailers.
Style: Car speaker.
Special features: Noise reduction, clever volume wheel.
What I like: Clear sound, easy to pair and easy to use. A fine value for people who don’t want to fiddle with an earpiece. Calls were crisp and my brother-in-law said it sounded better than the built-in unit in my sister’s luxury car. My wife, who hates using a Bluetooth, also commented on the call quality.
What I hate: Nothing.
Should I buy? Yes. The SP 200 worked well and required little thought.
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Reviews of tech items: To read more of Eric Benderoff’s takes on technology, go to chicagotribune.com/eric