Cartel's
CT-1000 brought about lots of laughs here at Engadget HQ, and frankly, we're shocked and amazed (and glad) these guys are still hanging tough two years later. The newest in-car handset system is the predictably titled CT-2000, which includes a Bluetooth-enabled handset that's meant to be permanently installed within your vehicle and wired to your audio system. Once installed, all of your mobile calls can be routed to this -- because, you know, chatting on a corded phone circa 1992 is entirely more safe than chatting on your mobile or using a handsfree solution. The only difference we can spot between the new guy and the aged sibling is the addition of music control, a "slimmer" (albeit wider) design, room for your phone contacts and one-touch speed dialing. There's no mention of a price, but trust us, you're better off in the dark.
[Thanks,
Martin]
posted Nov 3rd 2009 6:16AM
If I'm not mistaken, that car is a late model Lexus GS, which I believe already comes standard with a hands-free Bluetooth system. Why do you need this?
I'd have just settled with "Why do you need this?"...
@Hobsie - Exactly my thought. It baffles my mind why someone would take their mobile phone and replace it with something that's just as big, has less features, and is corded. What the hell are you gaining?
but then he'd accidentally sound like an ass.
Whoever designes the interiors over at Lexus needs to be fired. I've seen toyotas with less plastic-y interiors.Maybe take a look at BMW/Audi/Merc/Jag for some inspiration - that is who you are trying to compete with after all.
The showings for the LS600h are proof of this, however, they are taking the right step with the spectacular LF-A model. Mercs are a bit sour IMO, barring the CL/S-Class which has the premium feel of how a merc should be. BMW's and Audis make the best interiors hands down.
Considering it has a cassette player, I'd say it's not too new. I could be wrong though.
Uh Toyota owns Lexus....
"Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation."
From
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus
You do realize that Toyota is large enough to have separate divisions for Toyota and Lexus, right? That means separate design teams for each car line, separate teams for different models, and even each part of the car (exterior, interior, mechanical).
The styling and design at both Lexus and Toyota has diminished over the last decade. But Lexus takes the trophy for some of the most poorly designed human interfaces. The latest navi system is a prime example of something that looks good on the surface but fails to provide even the most essential of functions.
@Sean Have you been in a Mercedes with a Nav lately? Their entire system sucks- the usability sucks, he navigation itself sucks, the iPod hookup is absolutely baffling. I personally haven't used the BMW nav, but my Lexus navigation has just about everything I need with the exception of live traffic. My buddy has regularly used the Mercedes, BMW, and Toyota/Lexus navigation and always tells me when he gets into my car that the Toyota nav blows the other two out of the water.
On another note, I would be curious to hear about how the domestic navigation systems stack up against the foreign ones. Obviously Toyota/Lexus share one, as do Honda and Acura I bet, but does anyone absolutely love their GM/Ford/wheover else navigation that has used any of these other ones? My brother has a Tahoe but I haven't really used it...
I currently drive an '06 GS, and yes, except for some minor differences, this is the interior. Some parts do royally suck like the completely mindless placement of generic buttons on the left and right of the nav screen (impossible to find/identify by touch). And yes the cassette is antiquated, but meant obviously for books on tape which are still very popular.
HOWEVER, overall usability is 100% better than BMW, Merc, and Audi (and now the NEW Lexus interior). I'm not sure who the brainless designers are that are insisting on dial, joystick, and mouse entry for car computer control, but they have missed the 21st century entirely. In the real world we're going nuts over adding touch interfaces to everything and car engineers are going nuts trying to remove them. In the process, they are making it harder to navigate and requiring users to spend MORE time looking at their screens and making driving more dangerous.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of this car. It drives like a Cadillac. I'm much more fond of the BMW's and Audi's. I bought it 'cause I wanted to try something different, gas mileage is impressive, the dealer is awesome, and got a good deal on it used (financial woes, as per normal these days). But I do LIKE the interior. Aesthetics, maybe not the best, but form/function is superior to most of the competition.
Back on topic, huh? Wired bluetooth handset? WTF? Of course the Lexus Bluetooth implementation sucks beans, so I actually MIGHT find a use for something like this. :)
@Brad I
I was actually going to suggest that Lexus was taking cues from Mercedes. But they haven't quite sunk to the level of assigning completely arbitrary icons to each button.
I am basing this on my experience with aftermarket navi systems and the not-very-good-but-much-better-than-Lexus' Honda navi system.
Even the Honda navi uses a touch-screen interface for some functions and a 5-way joystick for others.
A $250 Nuvi outperforms the majority of these $2000+ integrated navi options.
I think what is indicated here is that the auto manufacturers (and some aftermarket companies, ahem Cartel) are significantly behind the technology trends. I love that Google has stepped in and undercut the economics of the entire industry.
Now if I could just get the new Google navi on my iPhone. :)
Another Lexus with an über-chintzy interior straight out of a Corolla, with the green LED digital click shared with everything from a GX237930 monstrosity down to the lowly 2wd Tacoma and probably the Yaris. Sorry Lexus, I don't want an econobox with leather seats and a whole bunch of sound deadening masquerading as a 'luxury' car/isolation chamber. The "start" button gives it away as a relatively modern model, too, despite the cassette deck.
These days they seem to be making their big bucks from status symbol SUVs like the atrocious RX, LX and GX, pulling a page right out of the Chevy and Ford playbook. The soccer moms I see driving these tanks just make me sick.
same here. I personally like to hear the rumble of the engine when I start it up. But imma sell it for a 66 mustang 289 I've been eyeing for a while...
same here. I personally like to hear the rumble of the engine when I start it up. But imma sell it for a 66 mustang 289 I've been eyeing for a while...
This would be perfect for limo drivers/passenger, maybe not for everyone but there is a market.
I have a lot of clients that don't like talking on their cell phone because they like their office phones better (comfort).
So, before you say it's useless, try to think of someone else that might like it.
So did anyone else catch the Dane Cook reference? In one of his sketches, he makes reference to a "CT-2000"...