Our Buying Guides are just a quick collection of our thoughts and reviews on the various options for Bluetooth headsets, professionally installed car kits and ‘zero-install’ handsfree car kits.

While Bluetooth headsets are fairly self-explanatory and are already commonly used, car kits are an entirely different breed of devices. We commonly refer to car kits in two ways:

1- professionally installed car kits that are completely integrated into your car audio system or

2- ‘zero-install’ car kits that are do-it-yourself handsfree kits, usually consisting of a speaker, microphone and cigarette lighter charger. Zero-install car kit devices are essentially portable wireless speaker systems. These are popular quick intermediate solution for those looking for handsfree driving but do not want to install a complete system or do not want to wear and carry around a separate headset.

It’s important to remember that using a cell phone without a handsfree headset or car kit is already illegal in 5 states (the California handsfree cell phone law goes into effect in July 2008). To check the law in your state, visit our Cell Phone State Driving Laws chart.

We’re always adding new information to our Buying Guides, so check back often:

• Bluetooth Headsets Buying Guide
• Bluetooth Installed Car Kits Buying Guide
• Bluetooth Zero-Install Car Kits Buying Guide