Monday, September 22, 2008

Southwing SC310 Bluetooth Car Kit

I typically use a Bluetooth earpiece while driving and the Southwing SC310 is the first Bluetooth car kit I have ever tried. I was surprised how well I could hear and be heard. I tried the SC310 in four different vehicles. And overall, was very pleased with the experience.

All that is included in the package is the SC310 and user manual.

Installation is a breeze, simply slide the plug into any vehicles cigarette lighter or power port. Then slide the locking sleeve over the plug securing the car kit into place. The plug powers the Bluetooth speaker head through an adjustable (yet rigid) 6" metal cable. I was worried the speaker head would not stay in place and sag due to its weight and vibration of the vehicle while moving. But the system really does a good job staying where you put it.

Once installed, pairing the SC310 with my Treo 680 and Blackberry 8800 was quick and easy.


The microphone is on the bottom front edge of the Bluetooth head.


The speaker is on the top. As I said earlier, it is easy to hear the person you're talking with and according those I talked with they heard me just fine as well.


The intuitive button layout is located on the front face of the Bluetooth head and is easy to use while driving. The 'answer' button is on the top left, the 'power' / 'hang up' button is on the upper right, the 'volume up' button is on the lower right, the 'volume down' button is on the lower left, and the center a toggle switch enables the 'Push4' (quick dial) / 'mute' functions when clicked upward, or 'voice dial' / 'transfer' to cellphone when clicked downward.
There are many ways to make a call:

dial a number through your mobile phone.

press the 'answer' button (top left), and the last number dialed will be redialed.
press the 'Push4' toggle button (up center), and your (preprogrammed) favorite number will be dialed.

press the 'VDIAL' toggle button to for voice dialing (if your cellphone has this capability).
According to the Southwing website, the SC310 has full duplex and DSP technology which reduces echoing and background noise. The SC310 has Bluetooth 2.0 technology and is compatible with all Bluetooth phones. The keys are backlit making them easy to see in any lighting conditions.

If Bluetooth earpieces are not your thing or you'd like a dedicated Bluetooth capability in your vehicle, you should consider the Southwing SC310. Like the SH505, the SC310 Bluetooth car kit has a very good feature set and call quality plus with this car kit no charging is needed; it is a good alternative to an earpiece.
SC310 Review Summary:

Product Requirements:
Bluetooth enabled cellphone
Manufacturer: Southwing
Price:
$49.95 (currently on sale through wirelessground.com; normally $99.95)
Pros:
- Good materials and construction
- Great sound quality
- Highly adjustable
- Push4
programmable quick dial
- Backlit keypad
- Full duplex and DSP
- Bluetooth 2.0
Cons:
- None

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