Thanks to the recent cell phone ban in Vancouver, along with similar restrictions in many other jurisdictions, the demand for handsfree devices is definitely on the rise. For people who don’t like wearing Bluetooth headsets, Bluetooth speakerphones can be a much more comfortable and convenient option for people who like to talk on the phone while driving.
I had the opportunity to try out the first Scosche solCHAT solar-powered Bluetooth speakerphone a while ago and was generally pleased with what it had to offer. The second-generation Scosche solCHAT II (CBHSOL2) takes on the exact same form factor, but it comes with a few minor upgrades worth noting.
Features and Specifications
In case you can’t quite figure it out, the Scosche solCHAT is a Bluetooth speakerphone that is designed for use while driving. You attach it to the windshield or your car visor, allowing you take calls while keeping both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road.
Easily the most notable feature is the large solar panel that takes up the majority of the back. When mounted to the windshield, this panel will soak in the sun’s rays and keep the speakerphone charged. This green technology is both environmentally-friendly and convenient. The only downside would be if you park in complete darkness. If that happens, Scosche has included a car charger.
Other highlights include a voiced menu, one touch dialing, voiced caller ID announcements, and DSP echo cancellation. The retail price will set you back around $99.99 US although deals on these types of products are often fairly abundant if you shop around.
What’s in the Box?
Not surprisingly, Scosche has included pretty much everything that you need to use this Bluetooth speakerphone. There is no carrying pouch, but you don’t really need one of those anyway as it sits on your dash and stays there.
In addition to the solCHAT II itself, you get a mounting bracket for the windshield (with suction cups), a mounting bracket for the car visor, the visor clip, a USB cable, a car charging adapter (for those times when daylight is not available), and a basic instruction manual. The visor clip fits in with the second mounting bracket for use with your car visor, but this will obscure the solar panel.
First Impressions
As I mentioned earlier, I had the opportunity to try out the first solCHAT and, at first glance, the solCHAT II is virtually identical. The design is the same, the buttons are the same, and the basic functionality is the same. However, I started to notice a few differences when I started to use the solCHAT II. In fact, just turning it on for the first time resulted in a couple of surprises.
The previous model had a voice that told you when it turned on, but the solCHAT II also tells you when it enters pairing mode and when it successfully pairs with your mobile phone. Another minor change is that the light ring surrounding the main call button illuminates in red when the Scosche is charging via the solar panel. This uses a little bit of battery, I’m sure, but it’s good to know that it’s working.
Overall, the glossy black plastic feels decent and the build quality is perfectly acceptable.
Four Button User Interface
Using the Scosche solCHAT II is easier, I found, than the usual interface you’d have with a Bluetooth headset. This is largely because you can see the buttons, rather than when something is attached to the side of your head.
There are a total of four buttons at your disposal. The main button (with the phone symbol on it) is used for turning the unit on, turning it off, answering calls, activating the voice dial function, and ending calls. The + and – buttons are for volume control. The mode button, located on the side, is used for switching between the different call modes. This is one major feature that separates the solCHAT II from some of its direct speakerphone competitors.
Three Ways to Chit-Chat
Most Bluetooth speakerphones are designed to take your calls and blast out the “earpiece” half of the conversation through their speakers. That makes sense, because that’s what they’re supposed to do. The Scosche solCHAT II does that too, by default, but you have two additional calling modes at your disposal too.
By hitting the mode button on the side once, you switch to “privacy” mode. You can hold the solCHAT II in your hand (upside down) and use it like a phone. The speaker is the earpiece and the microphone (the little hole) is where it should be. You won’t want to use that mode while driving, of course, but it does come in handy if you’re taking a call in the company of others and don’t want them to hear everything.
The third mode comes when you press the mode button twice. By doing so, the call is transferred back to the paired cellular phone. When you want the conversation to go back to the Scosche, you hit the big call button again.
Pairing and Call Quality
The pairing process with the Scosche solCHAT II is exactly like so many other Bluetooth devices. You get your phone to search for available devices, you turn on the solCHAT II, and you select it from the list that appears on your phone. Apparently this is really difficult because Best Buy charges for pairing your headset and people actually pay it.
In the older unit, you had to hold the call button for a certain amount of time before it ended pairing mode, but the new version does this automatically when it does not detect a previously paired device. The solCHAT II also announces, via voice, that it is in pairing mode.
Regarding call quality, the volume coming out of the speaker was loud enough for a comfortable conversation behind the wheel, provided that I turned down the music coming out of my stereo. The microphone is a little on the weak side and it is further away when mounted on the windshield, so you may need to speak up a little. It’s good enough to get the job done.
Final Thoughts
I was already reasonably happy with what Scosche did with the first solCHAT. They say that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it and this philosophy easily applies to the newer version of the Bluetooth speakerphone.
The form factor works quite well for its purposes and the solar panel really makes this a convenient item to use. It won’t be very useful if you always find yourself in underground parkades, but the USB charger is a handy backup if that’s the case.
While other Bluetooth devices get you to rely on blinking red and blue lights to understand what is happening, the solCHAT II has a great “voice announce” feature that walks you through everything. It even announces caller ID with the name of up to 1000 contacts.
If you’re looking to keep both hands on the wheel, both eyes on the road, and nothing on your ears, the Scosche solCHAT II is a great option for your handsfree needs. At $99.99 US MSRP, it will most certainly cost you less than the fine for driving without one.
Pros
- Solar panel keeps device charged on the go
- Voice announce feature for everything
- Three different calling modes
- Two different mounting options and brackets
Cons
- Microphone may not be sensitive enough
- Could be prone to break-ins with prominent placement on windshield
- No user-replaceable battery
- Speaker could be a little louder
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
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