If you can’t get...

If you can’t get on with a hands-free headset, then this clever alternative is perfect. The Jabra SP5050 replaces the firm’s SP500 – the recommended choice in our Issue 945 test – and combines the practicality of a portable Bluetooth solution with the ease of use of a factory-fitted kit.

It clips on to your sun visor and allows you to make and receive calls legally at the touch of a button. There’s a built-in speaker and microphone – all in a unit the size of a small mobile phone.

When you pair your handset with the Jabra, you have to type in a PIN code, although the process takes only 30 seconds. After that, pairing is automatic whenever you get in the car.

It works brilliantly, and even connected to our mobile when it was in a bag in the boot. Answering calls is simply a case of hitting the Jabra logo. You can hear the caller clearly and at a decent volume – even on the motorway. At times, we had problems with transmission echo, but these were rare.

A car power lead is supplied, and a full charge gives 10 hours’ talk time and 200 hours on standby. Easily the best feature is the system’s size – it’s so portable, you have no excuse to pick up your phone and break the law, whatever you’re driving.