SuperTooth 3 Car kit

The Doctor's Findings

1-10 quality scale

Rating 8.6

Performance: Very Good

Ergonomics: Excellent

Design: Excellent

Ease Of Operation: Excellentx

BlueAnt's newest SuperTooth 3 just arrived. It is smaller and more fully featured than it's predecessors. Since most of our readers are familiar with the previous SuperTooth Lite, I will be focusing on the differences between the two. We did earlier evaluations on all three previous SuperTooth models. Aside from the $20 in price, the new ST3 has a very cool Voice Command and Text-to-Speech feature that announces the incoming caller's name or number if the name has not been stored in your contacts. Not one to read instructions, I was getting a bit frustrated until I figured out that the on/off button was not the logical red "end button". Turns out, BlueAnt decided to utilize the green "send " button for turning the device on/off. This is done by holding down the button for 5 seconds. A verbal confirmation is then given. The previous SuperTooth Lite model utilized a spring loaded pop-out microphone which I personally liked for turning the device on/off. The ST3's microphone is built into the housing which is probably a good idea since it reduces the amount of moving parts.

One of the most interesting experiences was turning the SuperTooth 3 on and having it prompt me to choose British English or American English. Once that choice was made, the device walks the user through the entire pairing process. Once successfully paired, the device then automatically downloads your entire phone's contact list into the SuperTooth's memory. This is what allows this device to actually say who is calling. I was sure my BlackBerry's 2,847 contacts would not all copy but 4 minutes later, the device "told" me it did. I thought that all of the newer BlueTooth phones would support the phone book transfer but that is not the case. When pairing a Microsoft Windows 5.0 and 6.0 devices, the contact transfer was not supported. Many phones allow you to go into contacts, select all and manually beam to the ST3. On my BlackBerry, all 2784 contacts successfully transferred. Now I just need to figure out how to get the callers name to announce. The ST3 is currently jut announcing the mobile number which beats nothing. After talking to BlueAnt, it appears the first batch had some issues with the TTS feature not working properly. BlueAnt will swap these though anytime in the 2 year warranty so I can live with just hearing the numbers for now.

The sound quality seemed a tad cleaner than the Lite but the difference seemed minimal. The SuperTooth 3 is slightly smaller, lighter and a bit more stylish. It comes with two visor clips, a car charger, home charger and owners manual. Like all BlueAnt products, it features their exclusive 2 year replacement warranty.

Before being able to use the voice activation feature, it was necessary to activate this feature. This is done by holding down the Volume + for 5 seconds until the device confirms this mode. I was able to easily answer calls by simply saying any of the following commands: "OK", "Accept Call", "Accept", or "Answer". While I love my SuperTooth Lite, I get tons of inbound calls and am constantly ambushed by salespeople. The voice activation and incoming voice prompt announcing the callers name (or number) is a must-have feature for people like me. Once again, BlueAnt sets the industry standard for BlueTooth portable car kits. To sum it up, get this product, or it's predecessor, the SuperTooth Lite. They are the two best performing car kits on the market at this time. The SuperTooth 3 is the best in it's class.

Product Evaluation

www.drwireless.com

BlueAnt's Supertooth 3

The device requires no installation and is quickly and easily installed and connected to your cell phone. Simply slide the metal clip onto your sun-visor and attach the Supertooth 3 via the magnets on the rear of the device.

The voice prompts provide guidance and assistance to help pair the device and upload your cell phone's address book. When a call is received, the Supertooth 3 announces the incoming caller's name or number. Simply say 'OK' to accept the call. There is no need to take your hands off the wheel or remove your eyes from the road, making the Supertooth 3 a safer and legal alternative to driving while on the phone.

Incorporating a choice of 6 languages including American English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and British English, the Supertooth 3 can be easily programmed to suit your individual needs. The Supertooth 3 can be paired with up to 8 devices and supports voice dial activation, redial and call reject (mobile phone setting dependent).

Bluetooth v2.0 General Specifications

> Up to 10 meters coverage
> CE, FCC, BQB, RoHS
> Headset Profile, Hands-Free profile with automatic detection
Frequency 2.4 GHz
Battery Type Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery Talk Time Up to 15 hrs
Standby Time Up to 800 hrs
Charge Time 3 hrs
Weight 115g
Dimensions 18.2 x 60.2 x 122 mm

> TTS Text to Speech - a voice announces incoming 'callers' name or Caller ID
> Announces device status, call status and setup instructions for use
> Voice Answer - answer calls with your voice. No button press needed
> Automatic Vibration Sensor Reconnection
> Choice of 6 languages (British English, American English, French, Italian, Spanish and German)
> Full DSP Noise Cancellation/Echo Cancellation
> Full Duplex, high performance speaker
> Automatic connection and reconnection with notification
> Digital Volume Control
> Can also be charged directly from a PC via USB Cable (not included)
> Fix to the sun-visor via a two sided magnetic clip - no installation costs
> Supports voice dial activation, redial and call reject
> Pairs with up to 8 Bluetooth devices
> Includes 1 x AC Travel Charger
> Includes 1 x Car Charger
> 2 Year Replacement Warranty

So far everyone has indicated that I sound great to them which is always the biggest challenge for these speaker phone devices. About the only downside I could find was the verbal prompts when accidently touching the volume controls on the device. I was actually a bit startled the first time since I had the volume set a bit too loud. One of the cool things about the voice command system is hearing the SuperTooth 3 announce that it is connected to the phone within two seconds of entering the car. I

While the previous SuperTooth I and II models were "Pair'n'Play", the SuperTooth 3 is a bit more sophisticated. I purposely try to figure out devices without resorting to the owners manuals. This is one model where the user should follow the detailed instruction sheet that BlueAnt provides. Once set up properly.
this is "the epitome of no responsibility".

 

There is a product simulator on the MyBlueAnt site that gives an excellent demonstration.

Purchase the SuperTooth 3, and get free set up and support assistance by clicking...

'Dr's Orders" e-store.