Testing:

First, we charged the unit according to Nitrox's guidelines. The unit took 4 hours and 2 minutes to complete - well within an acceptable limit.

To test the Nitrox x835 Bluetooth handsfree car kit we made numerous test calls, both in speakerphone mode and hands free car mode. Along with the x835 device, we used two Apple iPhone 3G phones. Calls were made both incoming and outgoing. Due to the iPhone's inability to do voice dialing, we could not test that feature.

During our numerous outgoing test calls, we had to select "Speaker" and then the "Nitrox x835" option from the phone's calling menu in order to use it - this appears to be an iPhone "feature". Overall, the sound quality was fairly decent for a compact speaker phone. Never did we get any sound distortion or feedback. We also didn't appear to have any issues with the party on the other end hearing us.

Next we made several incoming calls. In order to receive an incoming call on the iPhone, we had to select "Audio Source" and then "Nitrox x835" from the menus in order to get the device to work properly. This could present a problem if you're driving around and using the device - it kind of defeats the purpose as a hands free device.

The specifications state that the x835 is supposed to be able to pair with up to three phones, but try as we might, we could not get the x835 to pair with more than one phone.

The unit was used on and off for a week. At no time during that period did we have to recharge it.



Conclusion:

After spending some time with the Nitrox x835 Bluetooth handsfree car kit we have somewhat mixed feelings. Overall, the sound quality is decent and the battery life is really good. Its size and simple visor mounting clip make it easy to move from vehicle to vehicle. It is also a lot better than the built-in speaker phone feature on the iPhone.

On the flip-side, the user interaction required makes this a hard to use device while going down the highway. Also, the location of the charging port also means you may cause some cord routing issues. While the length of the cord may not be an issue for most people, if you have a 12v outlet in your center console, it may very well be too short.

Perhaps the reason we had so many issues with the iPhone was that the Nitrox x835 Bluetooth Handsfree Kit is not iPhone approved like the other Nitrox devices we have reviewed. Sadly, we did not have any other Bluetooth enabled phones to test with to conclude whether the iPhone is the culprit here.

The Nitrox x835 BlueTooth Car Handsfree Kit is currently only available in the US at Amazon.com, where it sells for $53.99. A quick price check shows that similar kits start at around $35, and range all the way up to $200. Compared to a factory installed solution, the Nitrox x835 Bluetooth handsfree car kit is a steal, and compared to the higher end units on the market it is a bargain.

Pros:

» Can be used as both a tabletop speakerphone and a hand free device for the car
» Significantly less expensive than a factory solution
» Can be taken from car to car

Cons:

» Some phones may require user interaction to answer a call
» Charging port in the front can be awkward in the car
» Short charging cable length may pose an issue for some

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