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Hands-Free – that is clearly the “buzz word” that is appearing in virtually every state in the US. Today there are in excess of 20 states that have some form of legislation that restricts the use of cell phones and that number is growing. Out of necessity, many of us use some form of headset to make and receive calls but interestingly enough, despite understanding the risks, a recent Harris Poll indicated that a large number of U.S. Adults still use their cell phones in their hands while driving.

Last month, I found an excellent Bluetooth headset which satisfied most of my needs and desires for a Hands-Free solution plus it had some added bonus’ that made it a terrific solution (see the review: The X3 micro – A BlueAnt Bluetooth Experience). I was very pleased with the performance of the X3 micro and said:

“This is a pretty slick Bluetooth headset. I am happy with the ability to charge the device three ways, I am thrilled that I can pair it with three devices and change what device is using it on the fly…that is huge to me. Volume levels are more than satisfactory and incoming and outgoing sound is very acceptable.”

However, the search continued because there had to be something even better and little did I know it was right in front of me on the BlueAnt site. That’s right, not only was it another Hands-free solution, it was a near perfect hands-free solution for driving. The only reason I say near-perfect is because I believe that in time they will even make it better … although I am not sure what they will be able to do to improve the performance.

After using the X3 for a month I decided to mosey over to the BlueAnt site to see what they had for additional products and it was then that I saw under their product listing the SuperTooth II. “What was that?” I asked, so I clicked on the link and found a very interesting item that looked slick and was advertised as a hands-free speakerphone that provided the user with exceptional sound quality via totally wireless Bluetooth technology.

It looked sleek, appeared easy to install (attaches to a metal clip on the visor via a magnet) and had the potential of being the ideal Bluetooth hands-free if the sound was as good as they advertised. I had to give it a try and am I glad I did because hands down (or should I say “hands-free”), it is the absolute best Bluetooth hands-free solution I have ever used … EVER!!

As I looked at all the specs on the BlueAnt website, it had three that caught my eye for importance: Full Duplex, a noise canceling microphone, and DSP. My interest was peaked; this device had serious potential of being the ultimate solution so I decided to give it a try. I called, I ordered and in two days I had it in my hands and I was about to experience the best in-car hands-free solution that I have ever used. That’s right folks, the BEST HANDS-FREE SOLUTION I have ever experienced!

The Package

When the package arrived, again I was impressed with BlueAnt’s desire to begin your experience with a package that was impressive. Clearly, they are proud of their product and they want you to know it from the beginning. Nicely designed with a picture of the device they tell you that you get up to 20 hours of “talk time” and up to 800 of “standby time”; clearly enough for anyone on trip.

The back of the package shows pictures of possible placement of the device in your car as well as 12 highlights of the SuperTooth II. There is a picture depicting the features of the device that is enough for you to be fully comfortable with the device before you remove it from the package. The features depicted are: A microphone, a pick-up/hang-up button, a speaker, volume control, a charge indicator and a Bluetooth indicator. They don’t illustrate two features; the charge input and a very cool call “reject” button.

What’s Inside The Box

I couldn’t wait to open the box so I hurriedly opened the cover and found all of the contents neatly placed and just waiting for me to take them out. There was an AC charger with that cool flip in/out male plug (I like that feature on a plug because it makes storage easier especially when packing for a trip) … that I expected but there was also a DC charger for the car … that I did not expect and was incredibly impressed that it was included.

There were two metal clips for the visor … I assume they anticipate that you will like this device so much that you will use it in two cars. There was also a single earbud that you could use in the event that there was a call and you wanted privacy … I think if I was in that situation I would just shut off the SuperTooth II but it is a nice little extra.

A nice user guide with some getting started, charging, pairing, making/receiving calls and some additional information for use was there to get you started quickly and easily. What really impressed me was after the initial information; there was a myriad of individual manuals included for connection to different devices.

And lastly, and most importantly, there was the SuperTooth II. Holding it in your hand for the first time you see that it is a quality device and the desire to try it right away immediately runs through your mind. I did flip open the mic and I saw that it initialized so I knew I had power but I decided to plug in the charger, read the manual and then get started.

The device

The rear of the SuperTooth II is a black plastic case coated with that “rubberized” film that you see on new cars today. I like that because it does give richness as well protection from scratches. In addition, there are two strong magnets that grip the device to the metal visor clips (or any metal surface for that matter). The front is a combination of that black rubberized plastic with a brushed aluminum facing surrounding the speaker. The speaker has an aluminum covering protecting it from damage.

Looking at the device, there is a microphone arm that rests on the surface that easily flips up into any of three positions depending on how you have your visor set. What is nice is that in the event you need to lower your visor because of sun glare, the microphone arm quickly and easily adjusts allowing you to maintain your ability to have clear and unrestricted phone conversations. Located on the arm, just below the microphone, is a button that you press to answer (or hang up) a call. When a call comes in, a green led lights on that button and a simple press of the button connects the call. At the conclusion of the call, a press disconnects the call.

Flipping up the microphone turns on the unit. When it turns on, a blue LED lights and then will blink indicating that the Bluetooth is on (when you close the Microphone arm, the LED will give a red flash indicating that the unit is off). In addition, a green light will briefly flash on the answer button as well as a brief tone. You definitely know that the device is active and ready to be used!

Located directly below the microphone on the base of the unit is a call reject button. If a call comes in, a simple press of the reject button gives the dialer your voice mail … I like it! To the left of the reject call button and below the Bluetooth LED is the charge LED which will glow red when the charge is low … a very good feature! During the charging process, the LED will alternate red/green and will remain green when a full charge is attained.

The last feature of the device is the volume control; a knob with a very reasonable turn radius providing you with the ability to have ample volume in virtually every driving condition. There is no question that this one feature, the ability to hear clearly and with more than ample volume, is what has made this device the best I have ever used.

As I took it for its first test and drove down the road, I called my wife and was blown away at the volume and the quality of the sound. Quite simply, it was unquestionably the best experience I have ever had with a hands-free solution. I was quickly able to adjust the volume to the level I wanted for comfort and clarity.

On the other end of the call, my wife indicated that I sounded clear as a bell but she indicated that it did sound as if I was on a speaker phone and maybe sounded a bit distant. I adjusted the position of the SuperTooth II so that the microphone was directly above my head (rather than a bit to the right) and she indicated that the sound was remarkably different … clear, distinct and not sounding as if I was in a tunnel. A few additional calls to friends confirmed that the call clarity was terrific. I have to tell you that I was really pleased!

Pairing

When I first saw the manual with the myriad of devices listed and each with a separate manual, I had a concern about the ease of pairing however that was quickly dispelled when I paired my phones. In each case, I was quickly able to establish a partnership and pairing in seconds. With multiple partnerships, it is easy to switch between devices but it does take a little effort to take a device that is not currently connected, open the device menu and press set as hands free. OK, that is really not a lot of effort but I have become used to the X3 and its ability to “switch devices” on the fly. I hope that in the next version of the SuperTooth they are able to incorporate this feature … switching between three devices “on the fly”. When that change is made, rather than say “near perfect” device, I will say that I have a “perfect device”.

Battery Life

I have been very impressed with the battery life. My initial usage found me as a matter of course bringing the SuperTooth in with me when I arrived home. So I would plug it in, it would charge and would be ready for the next day. However this week I decided to extend the time between charges. I drove to Maine, spent probably 2 ½ hours talking on the way. Throughout the week I have used my phone on average 2 hours a day either in the car or while I’ve been in the house … BTW, it works terrific in the house as a speaker phone.

It is clear to me that the built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery has exceptional battery life and based upon my usual phone usage, I will most likely have to charge it only once a week. There isn’t even an indication of a loss of power which I find very comforting but what is even more comforting is that in the event I am driving and the red battery LED begins to glow, I have the included DC charger in my car … boy am I glad they added that! How many times have you had your Bluetooth headset die while you were driving and did not have the ability to charge?

Additional Features

Calls can be easily transferred between phone and device in case it was not on when a call was received. If a call is received and the SuperTooth II is not on, you just flip the arm open during the call and press the on/off button and the call will transfer to the Supertooth II … it’s cool, it works!

The device also supports voice dialing if that feature exists on your phone. I have got that feature to work with voice command but it has been intermittent. Lastly, the redialing feature works very well and has been a dream while I’ve been driving.

Conclusion

• If you want a device that provides outstanding performance, then this is the device for you.
• If you want the ability to be “hands-free” and not have to wear an ear piece, then this is the device for you.
• If you want outstanding sound quality that you can adjust to fit your environment, then this is the device for you.
• Quite simply, if you want the best hands-free Bluetooth solution, then this is the device for you.

I have been extremely pleased with the performance of the SuperTooth II in every situation that I used it. It has been an extraordinary experience with a device that is affordable, easy to use and dependable.

If you are looking for a superior hands-free solution, the BlueAnt SuperTooth II is the device for you!

Pros

Quality Device

Full Duplex

Noise Canceling Microphone

DSP

Excellent battery life

AC and DC chargers

2 device pairing

Well written, comprehensive manual

Cons

Lacks the ability to switch between multiple devices “on the fly”

COST: $129.99 MSRP

(A little searching on the net will yield some great prices)

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

You can find the BlueAnt SuperTooth II here

Supertooth II Product Specifications

•  Bluetooth Standard  Bluetooth V1.1, Class II
•  Frequency  2.4GHz
•  Maximum communication distance  Approx. 30 feet (10m)
•  Operating Talk Time  20 hours
•  Operating Standby Time  800 hours
•  Charging Time  About 3 hours
•  Bluetooth Profiles supported  Handsfree, Headset
•  Battery Type  Rechargeable Lithium Ion
•  Speaker  2", High Power Neodyne type
•  Microphone  With built-in noise canceller
•  Weight  4.7oz (without clip)
•  Dimension  5.4" x 2.3" x 1"
•  Other Comments:  A Full-Duplex device

Additional Features:

•     Compact size
•     Compatible to all Bluetooth Mobile phones and PDA’s
•     With a Smart Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for Noise Cancellation and Echo Suppression
•     Supports Voice Dialing (if phone supports)
•     Supports Redialing (for Handsfree profile only)
•     Supports Multi-pairing to 2 Devices
•     Single Pick-Up/Hang-Up Button
•     With Call Reject Button
•     Adjustable Volume Control 0º, 55º, 210º Swivel Arm orientations for easy access of the microphone even when the sun visor is up or down

Check it out – You can find the BlueAnt SuperTooth II here

Jack Cook (2693 Posts) - Website | Twitter | Facebook