BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone

The BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone VM-605 is a handy, though slightly expensive, accessory that lets you make calls safely and conveniently while driving.

You already know that using a Bluetooth headset is a great way to stay safe while driving. But using a Bluetooth speakerphone can be an even more convenient way to go hands-free in the car. And one easy way to do that is with the BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone VM-605.

The VM-605 is slightly longer and narrower than most BlackBerry phones. You can pair it with Bluetooth-enabled BlackBerry phones; simply turn on your BlackBerry's Bluetooth feature , and then turn the speakerphone on (you may have to charge it using your car's lighter, first). The devices will find each other.

The VM-605 has four indicator lights (battery life, call status, Bluetooth connection, and FM) on its front, with the main button right below them. You press this button to turn the power on or off and to answer and end calls. It's easy to locate by feel, so you don't have to take your eyes off the road to answer calls.

The VM-605 will play the music that you have stored on your BlackBerry, though sound is noticeably tinny, especially at louder volumes. Music automatically pauses when a call comes in and resume after you've hung up. Call quality over the speakerphone was very good -- with voices sounding much better than my music. My callers could tell I was on a speakerphone, but they had no problems hearing me.

The VM-605 will broadcast over your car's FM stereo, and the device automatically finds open FM frequencies. Music quality improved when played this way, but call quality went markedly downhill. Voices often broke up, and the volume level was very low.

The VM-605 sells for $100. That's a bit pricey, as you can find other Bluetooth speakerphones for at least $20 less. But this device is easy to use and will make driving much safer.