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> HCA-60 and HCE-26 car kit impressions
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Hi all, its been a while since the last guy talked about this car kit...
Yeah, yeah, I know, not much people bother nowadays about hard-wiring kit especially with bluetooth floating around... nonetheless, I went back to my love of the SE hard-wired (HCA series) due to the following advantages:
1. Worry-free, once in the car, just need to pluck in my W950 into the cradle and everything is set to go... no need to ensure bluetooth is on; no need to worry if phone is paired properly; no need to worry about battery level of bluetooth device...
2. Kit charges my phone when I am in the car.
3. I can listen to the songs from my phone through my car's stereo speakers.
4. Telephony conversation is clear to and from the kit through the car's speakers and hardwired mic (I mean crystal clear with advance noise reduction).
5. Supports voice activation.
Cost-wise, I spent (Singapore dollars) SGD80 to get my workshop to hooked up the kit in my Suzuki Liana. I ordered the HCA-60 and HCE-26 from Expansys.com.sg which delivered the items to me from Hong Kong. Spent about SGD280 plus postage. Of course, I must include the HCH-67 car holder which I purchased over ebay for about SGD45. I had wanted to get a dashmount online but was unable to find the one I like which can be used on my Suzuki. Thus I decide to go with the "curve arm" which was screwed to the base of the front passenger seat. It extends towards the driver seat. When the cradle is attached to it, it is slightly above my gear box. From the driver's seat, the phone is near and clear to see. When driving, I only need to tilt my head slightly to see the phone's screen, easily reacting to condition on the road ahead as well. I will not include the cost of this arm since I had it for some time. All in all, I spent about SGD405 in the car kit and setup.
I have been a long time lover of hard-wired car kit. I had previously installed the HCA-20 with the T300, P800 and P910 with my old car. Loved it so much. When I eventually dismantled it when changing car, I was held back by the hassle to re-install it because SE had changed the phone's port. From there, I had decided to give bluetooth a try. When I got my W950i, I was intrigued by the A2DP profile and purchased an iTech bluetooth stereo headset. I enjoyed listening to music on it but when answering calls, people often complained that I sounded very soft. Moreover, the stupid iTech broke after about 7 months of use. Flimsy piece of hardware. Warranty will not cover broken merchandise. I was offered to pay SGD40 for a new set but turned it down. I WILL NEVER BUY ITECH PRODUCTS EVER AGAIN!!!
This is when I decide to go back to my first love - the HCA series.
I must say I am enjoying every minute in my car now. Listening to my music from my phone through the car's speakers is plain pleasure to me.
The downside is that the HCE-26 car mute comes only with 2 wires which can only be wired to the car's front speakers. My mechanic went a step further to modify the fitting to all 4 speakers in the front of my car. But he was unable to do so for the rear speakers. No complain though, as I only listen to music when alone in the car. Another thing is that the wiring did not go into the head unit of the car's stereo, thus I cannot control the volume from my car's stereo set. Volume can only be controlled from my phone; but it is definitely loud enough, so much so I am listening to music at 50% volume level only.
As long as SE doesn't change phone's port again, I forsee I can use this kit as long as I have this car... my next target phone will be the W960. Once I purchase it in future, I only need to change the cradle and the new phone will be good to go again on this kit.
Loving it!!! If anyone is interested, I can post some pics of it here... only if anyone is interested... car-kit lovers... anyone?
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Posted: 2007-10-16 19:58:59
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Car-kit lovers!?!
That'll be me you're talking about!
I know what you're saying: despite the BT hype, for practicality you just can't beat a good
hardwired setup. And those Clip-on sunvisor items are'nt really any better than a BT headset TBH, however for listening to music A2DP is the best option as the HCE-26 two speaker thing can be unsatisfactory.
Glad to hear you like the HCA-60, the stability and charging advantages should not be underestimated!
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Posted: 2007-10-17 01:44:03
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