CAR KIT Bluetooth WIRELESS HANDSFREE EXIBEL AutoVoice SuperTooth with Caller ID HF-009

Introduction

The
Autovoice BTHF009D is a step up from the simpler car handsfree I reviewed not so
long ago. This device is battery powered, features an LCD display for caller ID
and mounts conveniently on the sun-visor of your car. With minimal configuration
and up to 10 hours talk time, the BTHF009D promises much. I received the
opportunity to test one of these devices, and test I did.

Road-testing

Physical
aspects
This
rectangular-shaped device is fairly compact but a little on the heavy side,
measuring 108 x 57 x 31 millimetres and tipping the scales at 129 grams. The
design is modern, with contrasting black and silver colours while being slightly
curved in shape. A multi-function button with two adjustment buttons and a
monochrome LCD adorn the front of the device, with a retractable microphone able
to extend from the top right corner. On the right hand side are the sockets for
a charger and earphone, while on the back is the socket for the mounting hook.
The mounting hook clips on to the back of the sun visor, so that the BTHF009D is
hanging from there and just above your field of view from the driver’s seat.

Audio
quality
The
audio quality of this device was very good, and with it being very close to you
in the car, you can hear the caller clearly while he/she should be able to hear
you clearly as well. I didn’t ever find myself thinking I’d need to use the
included portable earphone because of voice quality issues, so the only reason I
can think of is if you want to take a call privately in a crowded car. The
BTHF009D supports voice activated dialling, and it’s done by pressing the
multifunction button once and saying the voice tag. If you have a compatible
phone, the call will be dialled, and it worked for me without a problem using my
test Motorola RAZR V3. Volume can be set fairly loud, although volume adjustment
takes up to two seconds to adjust between each notch, even if you push the
buttons quickly.

Connectivity and
compatibility
Here
the BTHF009D is complaint with Bluetooth 1.2 and supports the headset and
handsfree profiles. The device is permanently in discoverable mode, so pairing
with it is a simple task of finding the device with your phone, entering the
8888 passcode and completing the process. The handsfree profile is used by
default as it supports caller ID, voice dialling and other features, although
the headset one is available as a fallback (with core voice call support only –
no bells and whistles). Pairing with the V3 and my Sharp 903 yielded no
problems.

Battery
life
The
official battery life figures for the BTHF009D are 200 hours standby and 10
hours talk time. I found that with about 30 minutes of calls each day, the
device lasted for five days before needing a recharge, which can be done from a
power point or car charger socket.

In Summary...
The
BTHF009D represents a step up in non-permanent car handsfree devices. With
caller ID and the convenient mounting position (under the sun visor), the
Autovoice BTHF009D has it all. Good voice quality (and microphone sensitivity),
an information display and it’s easy to access during driving. It lasts for a
good few days before needing a recharge and can be moved between any car, and at
the price of $149, it’s affordable too. This device is highly recommended if you
travel often and want to know who’s calling you without opening your phone.