Author: Jack Cook Vender: Helium Digital Price: $79.99 CAN Rating: 4.7 out of 5 What makes a mobile device are its features but what brings out the true enjoyment of your device are the accessories you can get to enhance its features.
Helium Digital makes a variety of personal audio products that do just that - enhance the experience. A short while ago I had the opportunity to review the Helium Digital Bluetooth Stereo Headset & Transmitter and found it to be a wonderful addition to my accessory bag. It was a good quality headset that reproduced sound at a high level.
I was impressed with its quality and performance so when it was time to look for another handsfree solution, I didn't hesitate to see what Helium had to offer. What I found was a very interesting device that was small, extremely lightweight, and packed with a list of features at a very reasonable price.
A simple yet elegant disk shaped design, it has 4 buttons for operation, supports voice dialing, an operating range up to 10m with a 900mAh Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery. The rated talk time was 10 hours (enough for any trip) and 500 hours of standby.
Those were the basics that I would expect but in addition, this device supports call waiting and conference call functions and it also supports Bluetooth A2DP Stereo profile for use as portable speaker. It was also very lightweight at 77 grams which was something that was important for the particular use that I had in mind.
What came in the box?
A nicely presented package with the HDBT-110 HandsFree Communicator prominently displayed in the upper half of the package, you could help but notice its slick design and rich black color. Of course opening the package was a typical pain but a pair of scissors did the trick.
Along with the Communicator there was a Vent Mount Clip, a Sun-Visor Clip, a Car Charger Set which included a USB cable and a DC power charger, and lastly, a well documented User Manual (2 languages-French/English)l.
Ease of Pairing
After removing the device from the package and holding it in my hand I couldn't wait to charge it to see how well it worked. Pressing the power button for the first time for about 2-3 seconds initiated the power on sequence so I kept it pressed for an additional 3 seconds and the red and blue LEDs began to blink indicating that it was in pairing mode. It should be noted that there are audible sounds when the device powers on and when it goes into pairing mode ... a nice feature. I opened the Bluetooth settings on my device and requested to find a new connection. It quickly found my device, I entered 4 zeros and it immediately paired showing that it not only had a Hands Free connection but Wireless Stereo as well. This was an immediate pleasant surprise because I knew that not only would I be able to have handsfree communication while driving but could also listen to music from the communicator's speaker. I think that is a huge plus for this type of device.
It should also be noted that if you tend to use multiple devices, the Helium Digital HandsFree Communicator will pair with up to eight devices. I know most likely you don't have (or maintain) multiple devices but for me, this feature is a huge plus!
So the device is paired ... did it work?
As soon as it was paired, I started to test out the myriad of features that are incorporated.
My first test was just to make a call to my home phone. I pressed the assigned button on my device for Voice Command, called my house and it worked well.
The next test was to press the "+" key on the HandsFree Communicator. It automatically redialed my previous call ... I like that feature. Pressing the button for about three seconds initiates the redial.
Then I pressed the "-" button on the communicator and it initiated Voice Command on my device. I made a couple of calls that way and it was a flawless process. I was pleased that calls could be made via voice command although Voice Command only worked via the handset (however there were a couple of times that VC came through the speaker of the communicator ... I'm not sure why)
There is a "mute" function that can be started by pressing the "+" and "-" keys simultaneously. It worked but I think it would be useless to use this while driving. Too difficult to start trying to drive and press these two keys at the same time ...
There is a call waiting function and a conference function that are useful and work easily but again, I would not use it while driving. However, using the communicator as a speakerphone on your desk is a possibility for using these features.
What I did enjoy was the ability to play music and have it come through the Communicator ... a nice feature that can be used either in the car or at your desk. You're not listening to stereo speakers but it is a heck of a lot better than listening via your device speaker ... this an added plus in my book when you want to listen to tunes but do not want to attach a headset to your device.
Charging
The Communicator is charged via a supplied DC car charger. For me, the initial charge was very quick (clearly the device was already charged). Subsequent charges were in the range of 2-3 hours. I prefer to charge the device in the car so I think having a DC charger is a huge benefit but it can also be charged via the USB port of your PC. I would have liked to have seen an AC charger included although it is not a deal breaker.
Mounting
There are two mounting options for your car. First there is a visor clip that slips over the edge of your visor and two magnets embedded in the back of the Communicator attach to the clip. An alternative mount is a Vent Clip which can be used either vertically or horizontally. Both work but I prefer the vent-mount solution because the magnets seem to get a better grip and frankly, I think it looks better.
For my car, the visor clip should have been a little longer to fit better and because of the vanity mirror on the back of the visor, it was easier to attach to the vents.
In future iterations, I hope Helium Digital would use a stronger magnet to prevent any "wobbling". I will point out that although I was not pleased with the strength of the magnets, the device has never come off while driving ... it is just a personal preference to have a "more secure" attachment.
Conclusion
For me, the ability to use Voice Command to make a call while driving is a necessity. It worked and it worked well! The ability to receive calls while driving by just pressing a button to answer a call is a huge convenience and to have clarity of voice on both ends of the conversation is the final “must have” in deciding if a solution is right. The volume levels are adjustable and are excellent although you might want to keep the windows up if you are driving down the highway and having a conversation ...
The Helium Digital HandsFree Communicator is a dynamite device. It looks great, performs well and will serve your needs for a handsfree solution.
Pros
Stylish
Multi-device pairing
Voice dial, re-dial, call reject, call mute
Excellent Volume
Great battery life
Terrific sound reproduction
Cons
The magnets should be stronger
No AC charger
Cost: $79.99 (approx. $80.00 US)
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
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