Bluetooth Zero-Install Car Kits are the hybrid solution in between bluetooth headsets and professionally installed car kits. Just as the name indicates, zero-install car kits refers to the group of devices that are handsfree but do not require professional installation into your vehicle. These devices are portable speaker and microphone systems that usually run off the power from your car cigarette lighter. The advantage is, obviously, the portability and much lower cost to installed kits. Many people don’t like the feel or inconvenience of a headset or earbud. And if you travel a lot and/or switch vehicles frequently, such as rental cars or work trucks etc, then the zero-install portable speaker system can travel with you giving you handsfree driving everywhere you go.

As more states adopt new laws to enforce the non-use of cell phones while driving, these zero-install car kits can be a quick and affordable solution. California is the latest state to ban cell phone use while driving without the use of a handsfree device or headset (law in effect in July 2008).

The Available Options

The drawback to a zero-install car kit is that it is not completely integrated with your car audio system. You have to rely on the built-in speakerphone of your device to amplify the call audio. At high speeds or with the windows down, road noise can significantly reduce the sound quality, especially if the handsfree kit is the all-in-one cigarette light adapter type (pictured left). This puts the speaker and microphone down by your ashtray or lighter plug and away from your mouth and ears. The Nokia HF-33W pictured on the left currently sells for about $78.

The other type of zero-install car kit is the visor clip-on type (pictured right). The advantage of this device is that the speaker and microphone are right above your head on the sun visor, making the sound much clearer when cutting through background road noise. The drawback to this style of handsree car kit is that it is usually powered by batteries and requires recharging. Some, however, do have an AC charger but you need to drape the cord across the car to the cigarette lighter adapter for power. The Motorola T505 Speakerphone pictured on the right currently sells for about $110.

As you can see, there are a wide range of options for getting your custom handsfree driving experience. Search around for the options and features that are most important to you. If you have questions about bluetooth zero-install car kits, or any of our other buying guides, feel free to post a comment or question below.

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