Cradle Kits
The only worthwhile option if you're spending a lot of time on the phone in the car - but only really viable if you keep to the same car and phone (this problem can be overcome by choosing a Universal kit).
It's ideal for many company car drivers. A control box is hard-wired into the car's electrical system and a microphone sits in the headlining above the driver's head. Most kits include a phone-specific cradle for charging. The cradle also allows the mobile phone to be connected to an internal or external antenna, which greatly increases the phones signal strength and reception quality.
Modern antennas are very discreet and are normally placed inside the vehicle behind the rear view mirror. Some also double as a tax disc holder. Most cradle kits include an external speaker which is designed to be mounted in the passenger footwell. This can be upgraded, with the use of a radio mute lead or telemute lead, to work through the vehicles existing stereo system and in-built speakers. Another vital accessory when considering a hard wired car kit is a non damaging bracket or no holes bracket. These brackets are vehicle specific and allow the cradle to be mounted in a convenient location, normally on the centre consol or over an air vent, without damaging the vehicle in any way. Prices range from around £100+ and you may wish to pay to have the kit professionally installed, but the quality from these kits can be quite astonishing.
Advantages of Cradle Kits
The truly professional option. Traditional hands free cradle kits still provide outstanding performance and call clarity. Other advantages include;
- Phone specific cradle to hold the mobile phone
- Automatic charging while the mobile phone is in the hands free cradle, so you never miss that important call
- Connection to an external antenna provides exceptional reception quality
- Handsfree kit custom designed to be used with specific mobile phones
Disadvantages of Cradle Kits
Although cradle kits offer outstanding performance they do have some disadvantages
- Inflexible. The cradle is specificly designed for each mobile phone, meaning that as the mobile phone is upgraded a new kit will need to be installed
- Can be aesthetically unpleasing. As a cradle has to be fixed to the vehicles dashboard and can be obtrusive
Other Portable hands free kits
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