Bluetooth hands-free phone?

[tapuleo]

Has anyone installed a Bluetooth hands-free phone? I've looked at the Parrot ones. I like the idea of having a little screen that shows the caller id, but on the other hand, it'd be nice if it wasn't very visible at all. Where'd you install yours? What kind did you get?

[tk-421]

I personally have the Parrot CK3100-LCD (http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/ck3100-lcd) installed on my Yaris. I like the fact that I have the screen, since I can screen calls and have access to my contact list on the fly.

I installed mine to the left of the steering wheel, so it doesn't get in the way. My kit came with professional installation included in the price, so they placed all the cables under the trims and dash, and I must say the results are impressive.

The microphone was installed on top of the steering wheel base, and it not really visible at all (unless you're looking for it), while at the same time being close enough for people to actually hear you on the other side.

All in all, I am very pleased with this model. I would definitely recommend the LCD screen, since the smaller CK3000 is just way too small and doesn't really offer much in the way of features.

One more thing you should check before you actually buy the unit is the phone compatibility list (http://www.parrot.com/usa/support/onlinehelpfiles/parrotck3100ck3300ck3500/compatibilite) to see if your phone's bluetooth qualifies. It'll save you a few headaches in the end.

Hope this helps you out! I would post some pics of the installation, but my car is being worked on at the moment.

[tapuleo]

That sounds great. When you get your car back, I'd love to see a pic or 2 of the exact install location of the display unit and the mic. Then I'll decide whether I should have a pro do it, or if I'm brave enough to do it myself.

I owned two other cars that had hands-free ('06 Cooper S and '04 Acura TL) and I really miss it. My Yaris doesn't know I'm looking into it so it'll be a surprise. :) ha.

[eijikikimaru]

I have my bluetooth installed with my Kenwood DDX7019.
It connects to my car speakers and the mic is placed at the top left hand side front windshield.
When receiving a call it'll pause the music you're listening to and screen the call.
It saves the phone list you upload, however you can't upload the whole list.
One number at a time(well so far I haven't figured out uploading my whole list).
It has an option for private by a push of a button and it'll redirect the call back to the handheld.
Oh my car's a LB not a sedan, unlike the diagram picture

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/gourrry/NightCenterPanel.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/gourrry/dash.jpg

[tapuleo]

I've seen a couple stereos that have the bluetooth built in at Crutchfield, but they're not double-din unless they're really expensive with nav, dvd, etc. I don't really want a bunch of extra space around my stereo, but would consider going the stereo route if it's about the same price as buying the parrot.

Again, I'd love to see pics from anyone.

[cali yaris]

This is my setup in the Scion, I'll probably do the same thing in the Yaris. The Kenwood has hands-free bluetooth included, and I mounted a mic up by the rear view mirror.

http://www.sciontcx.com/images/interior/0108.jpg

[tk-421]

When receiving a call it'll pause the music you're listening to and screen the call. It saves the phone list you upload, however you can't upload the whole list. One number at a time(well so far I havn't figured out uploading my whole list). It has an option for private by a push of a button and it'll redirect the call back to the handheld.

The Parrot kit that I have doesn't have auto-pause, but it does auto-mute whatever's playing in the stereo. As far as contacts uploading, it will allow you to do so manually, but it does so automatically with some models (most Nokia's and Sony's I believe).

That private call button would've been nice as well. I don't know if the unit offers it or not, but at least it doesn't look like my phone supports it. :frown:

[eTiMaGo]

My GPS (Garmin Nuvi 360) has Bluetooth and can be used as a speakerphone, so I just use that. It displays caller numbers and can load the address book from the phone too. Also, when you're loooking up a point of interest like a hotel or restaurant, it will show you the phone number and you can place a call directly from there.

The problem is, apparently it's very hard to hear me speak on the other side, but that's just probably due to having a noisy car :biggrin:

[SiliconRane]

I have the Blackbird II in my IVA-W205 and i use the bluetooth through my system. It is nice . . . but EXPENSIVE to set up.

[tapuleo]

Must be nice...but more than I can spend. I've had nav before, and it was really cool for a while, then I never used it. I did have fun in the '04 Accord 6-speed manual V6 though with the nav. Everything was voice command, so I started saying things to trick it into doing what I wanted.

Like for "Rear Defrost", I'd say "Beer me lost". "Information" became "pimple nation". "Temperature 69" became "Frankfurter sexy pine". It was fun.

My phone is a Nokia, and appears to be compatible with the Parrot, so that's cool...just waiting for some installed pics. :)

[leasaunce]

you can get the satnav system from Toyota, but they are expensive $4,000aud brand new.

[tapuleo]

I personally have the Parrot...

I would post some pics of the installation, but my car is being worked on at the moment.

Get your car back yet? I know it's probably not your top priority, but I'm anxious to see a picture of where you've got this thing installed.

:coolpics:?

[tk-421]

Here are a few pics. They kinda suck, but I think you can see the basic idea with the illustration:

[tapuleo]

Nice. I like it out of the way down there. Thanks for the pics.

[tk-421]

Not a problem!
I forgot to add an illustration for the mic placement. It's right behind the steering wheel: