Ease of use is one attractive aspect of the Cellport product. Another is convenience. For example, the various pocket adapters allows you to change wireless phones easily and inexpensively without removing and then re-installing a conventional car kit. So for all you up to the minute tech-fashion geeks that switch cell phones every six months, this system is for you! Just snap a new pocket adapter for your cell phone into the universal docking station, and you are ready to talk hands-free.
The Trek to Texas was the perfect opportunity to put the Cellport 3000 with Voice Command through it paces. I contacted Cellport to see if we could get the system installed before we made the trip. The install took just 45 minutes. The docking station was mounted just right of the center console with an antenna mounted inside the vehicle just off the top right of the windshield and a voice microphone mounted just above the rearview mirror. I was using the 5190 Nokia cell phone and was provided with the proper cradle that locks into the docking station. With the cradle locked into the docking station it is very easy to insert and remove the cell phone. With the ignition on and the cell phone inserted to the station it automatically charges the cell phone battery. I stuck the Introduction CD into the head unit and listened to the simple instructions.
Then I programmed in a few important numbers for the trip and we were off. The 3000 can store 23 numbers in its memory. You have to load this information in the system and assign a number to each name/number combination. So when you want to call someone who is, say, third on your list, you have to say the number three then the system answers back, "Did you want to call [person's name]" and you simply answer yes. I would prefer to just say the person's name than the assigned number, but at this time this is how the system works. Also, another minor reservation I have is this: I have a ton of numbers loaded into my cell phone and I call people randomly just to keep in touch, so deciding who makes the 23 list is tough. I would like to be able to command the system to scroll and start at the top of my list and stop once I decided to call that person. But greater capacity is one of the first things that the company will of perforce address. After all, most people who use the cell phone enough to justify installing a system such as this are very likely to have more than twenty-some numbers they'll want to dial.
As for the performance aspect of the 3000 - you may have read in my Trek to Texas story that the system worked great. I tried everything out and must say my experience with this product was very positive. Receiving a call is easy. Making calls once you have the numbers programmed in is quite simple and your eyes never have to leave the road. The reception is remarkable. thanks to the antenna that is provided. And everyone on the Trek knows we tested the durability of the station connection and clamping force while out driving the car. We will do further testing of this once we remove the system and install it in the CA&E rally car soon. For the people on the go this system is the way to go, hands-free behind the wheel. A good solution for a growing problem.
My Sponsors:I would like to thank these guys for helping make my trip more fun!Cellport SystemsHands Free Cell KitPiloti Driving ShoesSpy SunglassesNixion WatchesClive BackpacksDuffs Skate ShoesMoonshine MusicNeo Racing Oils