http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/ Engadget Comments for Nextar cuts the cord with solar-powered in-car handsfree kits http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/Dec 30th 2008 8:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/Dec 30th 2008 8:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/
Anyway... I like this device. I'm currently using a generic hands free bluetooth just like this in my Chrysler300 and I hate the fact i have to charge it with the 12V. Solar power for devices that go on a car's windshield is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT.

In fact, how hard would it be to make a car's windshield tint (or another part of the top of the car) photovoltaic? solar roofs would go really well on cars if done right.]]>Dec 30th 2008 8:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/Dec 30th 2008 8:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/
Anycom Bluetooth 2.0 Solar Car Kit
http://www.cellularaccessory.com/sck-1.html]]>Dec 30th 2008 8:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/Dec 30th 2008 9:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/Dec 31st 2008 12:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/
The reality is, I sometimes drive my wife's car. Why can't both our phones be paired with it?]]>Dec 31st 2008 2:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/My headset connects to my wife's cell, if my cell shuts off, or is too far away.

I think they meant that it will only pair with one *at a time*, meaning if both cells were in the same car.
Still too bad, as calls should answerable on the unit, IMnsHO.]]>Dec 31st 2008 3:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/Dec 31st 2008 7:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/Dec 31st 2008 2:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/nextar-cuts-the-cord-with-solar-powered-in-car-handsfree-kits/
Otherwise, even when you're at home or office and your car is sitting in the garage, your cellphone could still be paired to the handsfree kit in the car if it's inside the 30ft Bluetooth radius. It's annoying to answer a call on your handset and not hear anything because your caller's voice is being sent to the car (and your caller in return hearing silence from inside the car instead of your voice). That is, until you realize what's happening and have to manually disconnect the Bluetooth.

Whereas if the BT speakerphone does not have a battery and only relies on your car's 12V power, then you can be sure that when you turn off the car it will also turn off and unpair with your handset.

Alternatively, a shorter Bluetooth radius (say 10ft or less) would ensure that you won't still be paired when you're out of the car.


Otherwise I do agree that a solar charging solution would be a good idea. The only issue I see is that many handsfree kits are designed to be clipped to the visor where they're right above your head and very close (to minimize background interference). Having a solar charge means you have to put the device on the dashboard which is farther away from your mouth (and closer to engine/road noise), or perched on the windshield glass which looks hokey.]]>Dec 31st 2008 4:35PM