Phone Cradle SAP V3 - and iPhone and Nokia

[Ozgreenwich]

I noticed your answers to S55Man's questions on bluetooth pairing. Like him I find it odd that one is required to purchase another module when the Command system itself appears to HAVE bluetooth functionality - oh well it is what it is.
You guys seem to know an awful lot about this stuff so, To my question (s)....
I await delivery of my vehicle so can't experiment (yet).
I drive a Nokia 6700 Classic and my squeeze drives an iPhone 3G (she'll probably upgrade to the iPhone 4 in 6 months).
Trying to decide between the SAP V3 module and the straight 6700 cradle for my Nokia. Does someone have experience with SAP - is it not painful having access to limited contacts and SMS (via the car) rather than being able to just pick up the handset if you need to and then pop it back in the cradle once the call's under way?
OK. Assuming I get the SAP V3, I read elsewhere that the iPhone won't work with it. So where does that leave the wife? Like S55Man I was kinda expecting the iPhone would simply bluetooth with the Command while I leave the SAPV3 snapped in full time. Do I need to buy an iPhone cradle for her and snap-in each cradle depending whose driving ? That sounds a pain. Don't really want to buy her a cradle for only 6 months on the iPhone3. Any advice welcome (though please don't suggest we get the same phone - no way I'm having a big old iphone and she's inseparable from hers)

 

[Diesel Benz]

Does someone have experience with SAP - is it not painful having access to limited contacts and SMS (via the car) rather than being able to just pick up the handset if you need to and then pop it back in the cradle once the call's under way?

What do you actually mean with the above? Both BT SAP and the phone cradle allow reading SMS messages directly from the head unit screen.

I cannot see the value with V3 over the V2 SAP adapter with a handset. V3 has a USB charger port but one would hardly need that with a BT SAP device and anyway plugging the phone is against the idea of BT (you should be able to keep the phone in the pocket). If at times you need to charge the phone, any ordinary charger is fine.

Limited contacts should neither be the case with a V2 BT SAP adapter (unless some specific phone models have issues).

The Nokia phone would be fine with a BT SAP or a BT HF adapter but I don't think the iPhone adapter would support other phones over BT (not even the iPhone, it needs to be docked).

BT HF adapter, the generic one should support both phone brands. It has certain advantages and disadvantages over the BT SAP adapter but perhaps the best choice in your case.

 

[npuk]

What vehicle exactly are you awaiting delivery off as the new Comand and Audio 20 units DO have full bluetooth connectivity built in so dont need a seperate cradle.

If it is an older vehicle then there is some good info the different cradles at: http://www.mercupgrades.com

The Nokia phone would be fine with a BT SAP or a BT HF adapter but I don't think the iPhone adapter would support other phones over BT (not even the iPhone, it needs to be docked).

Not the case with the iphone 3GS cradle, the phone doesnt need to be docked, but as above it wont connect to any other phones via bluetooth.

 

[Ozgreenwich]

It's an R350 manufactured 03/2008.

Thanks for the positive recommendation for the SAP - I'll think I'll buy it and return it if I don't like it. Do you think it's worth getting the version with the handset so passengers can make a call ?

 

[Diesel Benz]

Do you think it's worth getting the version with the handset so passengers can make a call ?

Personally I don't consider the handset version important for passengers but for the driver if he/she wants to talk on the phone without others at the car hearing the conversation (or getting disturbed from the conversation).

Then again, I have another BT rear seat handset that can be used by any of the passengers.

The handset audio quality is a bit better too, specifically for the other party because the handset microphone does not have the cabin noise issues like the HF microphone(s).

 

[npuk]

A driver shouldnt be holding a handset while driving. In the UK it is against the law. OP doesnt state which country he is in though.

 

[Ozgreenwich]

Yeah, thanks for the advice re handset. I'm in Australia - it's outlawed here too.

 

[Diesel Benz]

A driver shouldnt be holding a handset while driving. In the UK it is against the law. OP doesnt state which country he is in though.

I'm not familiar with the UK law but I believe holding a cell phone while driving was forbidden in my country already before it was in the UK.

Our rules are complicated but the idea is that the driver is not allowed to hold the phone when dialling and calling. The BT SAP handset (I'm talking about the part you lift next to your ear) is not a phone, you can dial with voice control, button on the steering wheel or the head unit without holding the phone and lifting the handset (not the phone) is allowed while driving.

How is it in the UK for the old fixed car phones or the 380 option code Nokia kits with a curly wire connected handset? Are you sure the driver is not allowed to use that in the UK? I guess this is not strictly controlled by EU but I would have expected similar rules throughout EU countries.

 

[whitenemesis]

I think the law would be interpreted to include "handsets". It's essentially the same thing. One could argue some phones have voice activation, so should be exempt? I doubt it would wash...

 

[nadeem1414]

is it possible to send this brand in Pakistan, if possible so reply what will be cost will be occurred for reaching till here, if i purchase the Nokia C2-00 from there so what will be paid till reaching the destination?

 

[Diesel Benz]

I think the law would be interpreted to include "handsets". It's essentially the same thing. One could argue some phones have voice activation, so should be exempt? I doubt it would wash...

At least for us a cell phone with voice control is not allowed unless it is seated to a cradle. The point is that one should be able to operate the phone without holding it in the hand and even voice control would have to be activated from the phone first before it can be used. If the phone was in a cradle, voice control would not be even needed, calling from the phone keypad is allowed when the phone is seated to a cradle.

I understand the idea is that drivers concentrate too much on holding the phone, unconsciously in tricky traffic scenarios. Holding a handset should not be much safer as such but the law would not allow driving cars at all if no compromise even in safety was allowed (placing/receiving calls in the car while driving could be made completely forbidden).

I wonder if there is a simple reference to the actual UK rules/law. Interpret it for example for the 380 option code case. II assume the driver is allowed to use a phone from the cradle in case of a basic HF kit with a speaker and a microphone only where dialling with the phone keypad is a must? For us the law is clear in this sense, a separate handset with a curly cable is allowed if the phone is fixed to a cradle and dialling is possible without holding the phone.

Personally I feel the HF law sometimes makes driving less safe. Even if putting a BT earpiece to the ear while driving is not allowed, many drivers do that and this is quite unsafe, even worse with wired headsets. A lot safer to just use the phone. But I did not intend to start interpreting the law or concluding something on the basis of one thing being forbidden.

Looks like the handset type adapter is at least on sale in the UK:
Bluetooth cradle privacy - C Class 2007-On (204) SALON Accessories - Mercedes-Benz Parts, Inchcape

One could say it is for the passenger use but the product intro also states:
"The handset version also offers a Privacy mode (passengers can't hear the other caller). And you avoid the radiation emitted by your mobile phone."

Of course quite possible that the UK shop is not aware of the actual local laws.

 

[whitenemesis]

I'm sure they are fully aware of the law. One may wish to have a private call whilst parked? Which is the only way to use a non-handsfree system in the UK.

But then how safe is it to be eating an apple whilst driving? Or smoking?

 

[SL300-24]

Just wondering.....do people still use CB radio? Are these outlawed by the same mobile phone laws nowadays? I would assume yes.....