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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 497 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
428 of 431 found the following review helpful:
Tired Of Bluetooth Headsets? Here's An Alternative Oct 18, 2007
By Philip R. Heath
"Gadgets, Music, & Books"
I was looking for a replacement for my bluetooth headset when I started looking at bluetooth speakerphones. After doing some research, I was looking for the following:
* No installation - I wanted to use it in multiple vehicles/locations
* Reasonable price
* Trusted brand
* Good sound quality
* Easy to use
I am happy to report that the T305 does a good (sometimes great) job of satisfying my requirements. Here's a look at how it has performed:
Setup - Upon opening the box, there are really two things to do: insert the visor clip which is easily secured and use the car charger that comes with the unit. While the instructions said that charging could take up to two hours, my unit fully charged in about 30 minutes. Once complete, simply power on the device, and it automatically enters pairing mode. I was able to find it with my LG VX-9900 (see my review) with no problems at all.
Use - Coming from a background of using headsets, I must say that I cannot imagine going back. I really like not having anything hanging on my ear (and sometimes inserted in my ear depending on the headset). This model also seems geared toward the people who use headsets because the operation is very similar. One nice thing is that the power button is separate from the multi-function button. With my 9900, I am able to initiate voice dialing from the speakerphone and with the 9900 set to auto-answer, calls are automatically transferred after 2 seconds. The volume controls on the sides are easily accessible and operate similar to most headsets. I never have to touch my phone at all so it truly is hands-free.
Call Quality - All of the above is meaningless if the calls don't sound good, right? Well, have no fear. The call quality for both parties is better than any headset that I have ever used - and I've used six different ones over last 2 years. Some of this has to do with positioning. In the Texas heat, most people have their AC on a high setting. Unfortunately, most headsets are positioned directly in line with the air flow. However with a visor clip-on of this speakerphone, this is not the case. Add to that the noise canceling technology, and the people on the other end hardly know that they are on speakerphone at all. On my end, the volume is more than adequate. It's really a simple matter of physics - the speaker is bigger here than it is on a headset.
Cons - So what's the catch? As I mentioned earlier, the device only ships with a car charger. I ordered (rather cheaply) a wall charger to compensate for this. While it was annoying, it wasn't the end of the world. Others have mentioned the flashing blue light. I have to admit that the first time I was driving in the dark, it was initially distracting. However, I got used to it rather quickly, and I don't notice it anymore. I would compare it to getting a new car that has a loud turn signal. You notice it a lot at first, but you learn to tune it out. Also, it does not have a display, but then again, neither do headsets. Finally, I use it in a similar manner to a headset. I take it with me when I get out of the car, and I power it off between uses. It's not an integrated speakerphone so it isn't tied to your car's power supply like more sophisticated (and expensive) models. None of these are deal-breakers for me.
Bottom line - If you are looking for a good alternative to bluetooth headsets, and you intended use pattern will be similar to that of a headset, then this is what you are looking for. It has great quality, and it's easy to use.
134 of 136 found the following review helpful:
Mostly Good Feb 21, 2007
By S. Power
Pros: Good sound quality for each side of the conversation. Good battery life, easy recharging, simple to use. Basically perfect except for my cons..
Cons: Huge blinking blue light is annoying at night and invisible during the day. Sometimes it take a second for it to answer a call when you click the answer button. I guess the solution for that is probably to wait a few seconds after answering before saying "hello". This flaw also demonstrates itself when using VZ Navigator, because it cuts off the first word of driving instructions. This flaw might be from my MOTOKRZR phone and not from the T305, but I don't have any way to know which end causes it.
Another reviewer stated that the "on/off" button is too small. When I first read that, I didn't know why it matters. I now know. At least with a MOTOKRZR (and I'd assume other phones), the speaker on your phone will be inactive when it is connected via Bluetooth to your T305. With 150 feet of range, it actually stays connected if you are 150 feet from your car. Therefore you have to turn it off every time you get out of the car, or else you won't be able to hear calls you receive on your phone. It isn't a huge deal, and something you can get used to, but Motorola should have either made the on/off button more accessible or cut the Bluetooth range down to about 15 feet.
Overall the best handsfree solution for talking in the car. The light thing is my biggest annoyance. I would buy again. (I updated this post after about a month of use)
73 of 73 found the following review helpful:
 Works like I expected - 4.5 Stars Jan 07, 2008
By M. Barnett
I read all of the reviews before buying the Motorola T305. When it came I was surprised at the small size. I thought it would be about the size of a bar of soap but it's about 2/3 that big. My initial (and only) disappointment was at the lack of a home, or indoor, charger. It only came with a car charger. I quickly discovered that I can use my Motorola W385 wall charger (or virtually any Motorola phone charger that uses a mini USB plug). It charged perfectly and safely with my phone's wall charger.
In the box: T305, Visor Clip, Car charger, Instructions.
Once charged, it took 1 minute to "pair" it with my W385 phone and about 2 minutes to figure out the controls. I felt the user guide was simple and clear. I keep my phone folded and on in my pants pocket. The device works great! The on/off button is a bit tiny for a man's finger tip, but that is no big deal. Hold the on/off for a good 5 seconds.
Calls: I immediately made my first call in my car by saying, "Call Tom". It said "Did you say call Mom?" "NO" "Did you say call Tom" "YES" and it dialed the number. So you may want to program your phone with first AND last names if you use voice dial. You can also say "Call 555-1234" and the T305 will verify the number before dialing.
The range allegedly is 150 feet. Beyond that distance the T305 shuts off after 30 minutes of lost contact with your phone. But I found it turned off after I took my phone in the house.... about 30 feet through brick. This was a good thing. I WANT it to turn off (if I forget to) when I go in the house. Your phone acts really quirky if the device is on in your car, so I always turn it off.
I'm very happy with the device and people on the other end tell me they didn't realize I was on the speaker. On my end the sound is just a bit muffled but very understandable. I recommend the T305 for an affordable, very easy to install and very easy to use hands free system.
53 of 56 found the following review helpful:
Fantastic Device Dec 14, 2006
By Mark D
I bought the T305 to replace a device made by Parrot which recently broke. This is a far superior product. The speaker sound is excellent and from the feedback I've received from people I have called, the microphone delivers a crisp sound as well. I haven't had the T305 long enough to give a rating on the battery life, but it appears to be more than adequate. The speaker clips to the visor and can be charged in the car or through any mini-USB charger. Nice job Motorola!
361 of 414 found the following review helpful:
 Don't Engineers Field Test Their Work? Apr 15, 2007
By JOEKC
"JKC"
As much as I wanted to like the Motorola T305, in the end couldn't live with its shortcomings. First of all, the good news: it actually works well enough and the sound is highly legible and the volume is very good. It paired easily with my LG enV. The phone's voice prompts were scratchy and hard to understand, but they're like that on speakerphone, so it's not the T305's fault. Once you make a connection, the other party sounds fine. And they can hear you fine, too. But that's where the party ends.
Your first problem will be charging your new toy. Guess what? It can only be charged in your car (no a.c. adapter is included.) It needs two hours for a full charge. My car shuts off power to my car's power adapter (aka cigarette lighter) when I turn off the car, so even if I were inclined to leave it plugged in for two hours, I would need to leave the car turned to "accessory on" to charge it -- and that could be a battery killer. You can buy an a.c. to 12 volt adapter at Radio Shack, but you shouldn't have to. And the manual warns you not to charge it while it's on your visor, so it becomes less functional while you drive around for two hours charging it? Huh? It will use a Motorola a.c. adapter if you have one for your Razr, etc., but otherwise, you'll have my problem.
The next engineering failure is the light. You have no way to tell if it's turned on during the day, because the shiny plastic cover over the light reflects so much ambient light you can't see it. And it's important to see it, because if it's flashing it's paired with your phone and if it's steady, it's not paired and thus non-functional. It's also important because if you leave your car for 30 minutes, the T305 shuts off automatically. There will be nothing to indicate it's off when you get back after, perhaps, 31 minutes, since the light can't be seen during the day anyway. Since the T305 claims 200 hours standby time (or on another part of their Web site 14 days -- which is it?) I have no idea why the T305 should shut off after 30 minutes away from your phone. I first tried to see the light on a cloudy, rainy day and could barely detect it. On a sunny day, even though there was no direct light shining on it, I couldn't see it without taking it off the visor and shading it with my hand. Try that in traffic!
But the light's problem doesn't stop there. At night it's highly visible, an annoying blue pulse, right above your line of sight. Totally unacceptable. My wife asked me to turn it off, and she was in the passenger seat.
So, still trying to make this work, I figured I would just leave it turned off all the time until I heard the phone ring. Well, that's a no-go also. The on-off switch is incredibly tiny and hard to find -- it's the same color as the case and is flush with the case and non-tactile.You are required to hold it down until the light comes on (which you can't see anyway) and then it has to connect with your phone. By that time your call's gone to voicemail or just gone, period.
What really puzzles me is this is the second generation of this device Motorola produced. What must the first have been like?
It may be that all of the issues I've described are unimportant to you in light of the fact the T305 actually sounds rather good. For that I give it a couple of stars. But the T305 is like an attractive spouse with a million bad habits. My marriage to the T305 quickly ended in divorce.
See all 497 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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The
Importance Of Lighting In Interior Design
by Jessica Ackerman
Everyone knows how important
paint color, furniture choices and artwork are to
interior design. One aspect of design that is often
overlooked, however, is lighting. Lighting not only
affects the brightness of the room, but it can also
change the way a paint color looks, cast shadows in ways
that make the room seem smaller and have an impact on
the presentation of art work.
There is no light like
natural light. If you are buying, building or
remodeling, opt for as much natural light as possible.
Oversized windows and skylights are two ways to get the
most natural light. Of course, not everyone is in the
position to be able to do that, so you'll have to work
with what you have.
How much natural light do
you get in your room? If the room in question faces
north, you won't get as much natural sunlight as you
would in a southern facing room. Rooms that face south
get bright, natural light throughout the day. Rooms that
face east will only have good natural light in the
morning hours and western facing rooms will have the
most light during the afternoon.
Once you are familiar
with how much natural light is in each room, you'll be
able to make informed choices about what additional
lighting may be necessary. Keep in mind that rooms with
little or no natural light will need artificial lighting
- even during the day - in order to look their best.
Here are some types of lighting to consider.
1. Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is
perfect when you want to showcase a piece of art or a
special piece of furniture or other item. Since light
draws the eye, it will bring attention to the features
in your room that you wish to highlight.
2. Hanging Light Features
Chandeliers and smaller
hanging lamps can be beautiful as well as functional. A
trip to the local home improvement store will quickly
show you how overwhelming the choices can be. You'll
want to select lighting that blends in with your
existing dÃÂécor. For example, a crystal chandelier in a
country themed dining room probably isn't the best
option. If you don't choose carefully, your lighting may
stick out like a sore thumb and become more of an
eyesore than a lovely accent.
3. Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting is a
good choice for a room that needs extra light throughout
the day. Because the lighting won't interfere with the
existing decor, it can work in almost any room. It
provides abundant light without taking up a lot of space
or interfering with other aspects of the room.
4. Lamps
Using lamps are a way to
add not only additional lighting, but also punches of
color. If possible, see how much light the lamp gives
off before leaving the store. Many lamps serve as
decoration more than as a light source and give off very
little light. If you love the lamp, but it doesn't give
off quite enough light, consider changing the shade
which will usually solve the problem.
When decorating your
home, remember how important lighting is, and give it
the same thought and attention you give to the other
details of decorating your home.
About the Author
Jessica Ackerman is the
featured author at Wall DÃÂécor and Home Accents. Shop today
for great deals on
metal wall sculpture ,
home
accents and more unique wall dÃÂécor products.
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