Comments on: The downside of hands-free calling

Drivers in California now have to call hands-free, but Bluetooth headsets still don't look cool.

[dajazyone]

I agree 100%.

[ontoast]

maddoodads.net agrees everyone should take out their hands-free devices when not in use, but on the other hand we love the new law our hands-free sales have gone through the roof. Thank you, California

[kristimetz74]

Um, maybe some people just figure it's easier than putting it on and taking it back off all of the time. I think maybe you need something more important to do, if you can write multiple articles about something this incredibly shallow.

I mean, does it affect you in any way? Seriously? Live and let live, dude.

[mthoren68]

I mean, like dude, like don't you have anything better to do than try to tell other people, like, if their comments are justified or not? Like, I mean, does it affect you in any way? Seriously? Like, let the guy have an opinion, dude.

[MDK2PE]

Well apparently we have found one of the people that this article is about. Whenever I see someone wearing a headset I always think about the my new haircut video on Youtube...

[hyperb0le]

hahahaa, because taking off your bluetooth take SO much time and effort...

[BenFlavoredCandy]

The CA law is great, but you have to wait and see how well they enforce it. I'm from NJ, who has had the law in place for a few years [http://just over a year since it became a primary offense, I think... not sure|http://just over a year since it became a primary offense, I think... not sure]. I would be willing to say that 10% of people I pass on the road are still talking on their phones. Furthermore, 90% of people I see making stupid and/or dangerous driving maneuvers are holding a phone at their ear. Check back in a year and see how effective the law is.

And I whole-heartedly agree about the Bluetooth devices.

[xtianchristian]

I never really liked the bluetooth headset but it doesn't make me cringe when I see people having it on at all times. I could care less what people are wearing. So cmon Kent, does that really really bug you???

[odessit3]

Great article, very informative. Why does it matter, though. Do you have the same reaction to people having wires hanging from their ears? It is convenient to have the headset in you ear all the time, regardless if its bluetooth or wired. What's the point of having one if you're gonna take it off and put it on every time a phone rings, might as well not use it at all. I use mine in the car and at work, but once in a while I forget to take it off when I'm at the store or something, not to show off my tech savvyness or my cool headset, I'm just lazy. Besides, if you have a good headset, you forget you're wearing one.

[RadioJoe]

I agree with the others. We use our bluetooth headsets partially because of the convenience of having our hands free while talking on the phone (and not just because it's a driving law in some places). I've been using one for over a year and a half because I didn't want to deal with holding a phone to my ear while driving. They're convenient to have especially when you need access to a computer while on the phone. Stuffing it in your pocket is not always advisable if your headset has an around-the-ear hook because some of them can be flimsy. The hook may bend or break as you move around or sit down. I've found that out the hard way. I like the idea of the LG Decoy a lot but I'm waiting to see if there will be more like it. They're called "hands-free" for a reason. Having to take off and put on the headset often sort of defeats the purpose. I'm not saying keep your headsets on your ear all the time but we should all get used to seeing people wear them a lot more...including you, Kent! :)

[markur69]

The other adverse consequence is people who can't be bothered to get a headset or plug it in (corded in my instance) and decide to text message while driving I have found myself doing this as its not illegal. Unintentional consequences! Love the government trying to create better drivers. I actually think this will lead to more text messaging accidents. Only way out is to ban anything but driving... No radio changing. talking. drinking coffee or eating while driving... See what a slippery slope we've created... STUPID idea!

Mark

[mindhead01]

Get a Motorola t305 (http://reviews.cnet.com/power-protection/motorola-portable-bluetooth-car/4505-14102_7-32153165.html?tag=prod.txt.1).

I have one. It works great. The only downside is that without the earpiece you look like you are talking to yourself.

[C433Z]

This is true. My dad recently got one of the new Jawbones (for only $65 too!). But he can't stand the look of something dangling in his ear so he only uses it at home or in the car.

[pkm1967]

I had a cell phone for one year back in 1991. I parked my car on the shoulder of the road whenever someone called me so I wouldn't risk my life or somebody else on the highway. I finally decided to hell w/ my cell phone because I just wanted to concentrate on my driving. Getting kill or injury in an auto accident isn't funny. I'm doing just fine without a cell phone for the last 17 years.

[make_or_break]

Bluetooth headsets have always looked dorky, but honestly, is it any more stupid than all those idiots walking around oblivious to the world (and oncoming traffic) with their white ear buds and the click wheel cranked all the way around to 'permanent, impending silence-to-come, fit-me-with-a-hearing-aid-shortly' mode? (that equates to 11 to you Spinal Tappers)

Since Washington State also instituted a hands-free law on the same day that Cali did--except our fines are a LOT MORE that what you southerners are forced to deal with--the headset scourge has also seen some increase here as well. But I guess it doesn't strike me as being any more stupid than what it was prior to the law's enactment.

[Unreal_images]

I do not mind the head set being on the head at all times. For people with smart phones this means no more smudge on the screen. Plus the headset means no more holding a bulking phone to your ear.

[bkuhn7089]

I think that the law is great. I live close to New Jersey where the law took affect on March 1, 08. I do have to travel frequently into New Jersey so I was forced to go hands-free. At first, I had a headset. I thought it was great for the first 5 minutes and then it started to drive me nuts. I ripped it off my ear and chucked it in back of my car. About a week or so later I was searching online for other hands-free options and I came across a hands-free car kit by Parrot. I settled with a MK6100. The system is great. I purchased it from a mobile installation company in the PA, NJ area. The company was EasyHandsFree. They had the best price when it came to the whole deal. The kit, the installation and they even had a car specific harness. They didn't cut or splice any wires. It was pretty much plug' n play. They even came to me to do the install. That was also included in the price. Later I found out that going to a Circut City or a Best Buy it would have cost twice as much and I'd have to drop off my car. With the kit, the phone never has to leave my pocket...I can see who's calling on the caller id screen on the kit. I think that this is the best option for going hands-free.