While on the move...

Bluetooth headsets and car kits remain the most popular enhancements thanks to their ability to free up hands with easy functionality.

The right accessories can transform a simple mobile phone into a valuable tool for better communication and entertainment.

"Though memory cards are gaining importance because consumers are increasingly storing and saving images, Bluetooth headsets and car kits are still the most popular enhancements because of their ability to free up hands with easy functionality," says Nada Iskander, Sales Manager, Mobile Enhancements, Nokia Middle East and Africa.

Nokia offers a number of Bluetooth headsets to enhance its phones. The BH-700 has a talk time of up to six hours apart from a power button, volume control and call answering button which makes it easy to juggle calls.

The BH-600 is easy to use and provides excellent audio quality even in noisy environments due to DSP (digital signal processing).

"This headset has a talk time of up to seven hours and weighs 18 grams," says Iskander.

The BH-300 has changeable ear loops, weighs only 10 grams and has talk time of up to five and-a-half hours.

Nokia has also developed car kits that promote road safety. "The CK-10 has a compact design that blends well with the interior of any car. It is integrated with Bluetooth technology and offers hands-free functionality and comfortable mobile communication. It can hold up to 1,000 contacts per user profile, up to five numbers per contact, and provides convenient call and message handling due to separate display and input devices," says Iskander.

Stereo headphones

Motorola's HT820 stereo headphones are lightweight and ergonomically designed. This headphone lets users simultaneously connect to a Bluetooth 1.1 or 1.2-enabled phone or a separate music source to listen to music without any wires. Songs get automatically paused when there's an incoming call. You can listen to music for up to 14 hours, talk for up to 17 hours and the headphones also provide a 10-metre radius to connect to your phone and music source.

The iPOD adapter and the Motorola music duo - which includes the TEN technology NaviPlay Bluetooth iPod adapter and Bluetooth stereo headphones HT820 - connect to an iPod and compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone. The music pauses when a call comes in, so it can be answered from the headphone.

The OROKR is the next generation of Bluetooth eyewear from Oakley and Motorola that shades your eyes and connects to calls and music simultaneously.

Compact adapter

The DC800 is a compact home stereo adapter that streams content from a home entertainment system, which you can listen to wirelessly from a headset - without missing a call.

By connecting the DC800 to a home audio system via standard audio jacks, you can listen to songs from your Bluetooth-compatible mobile phone's built-in MP3 player on home speakers or on Bluetooth stereo headphones.

The JBL On Tour mobile lets you enjoy music via a portable music box and speakerphone while travelling. Compact and lightweight, it can fill any room with music from a Motorola music phone, MP3 player or laptop. It also includes speakerphone capabilities for conducting conference calls.

The S705 SoundPilot Bluetooth stereo controller for wired headphones delivers wireless connections for entertainment-savvy consumers on the move.

With automatic alerts for incoming calls, it is easy to switch between listening to music and using the phone via integrated controls and microphone. A single charge gives talk time for seven hours, music for up to eight hours and 75 hours of standby time.

Motorola's car kits, such as the HF850, are fully integrated into a car's audio speakers and enable effortless conversations while on the road. This smart connectivity tool switches on immediately once the ignition is turned on, linking the Bluetooth wireless technology to the mobile device. The car kit comes with sophisticated duplex, echo and noise reduction technology that provides clear call quality and reduced interference.

The IHF1000 is a premium car kit that supports seven languages and is voice operated which makes the system easy to use. The kit has enhanced sound quality and echo noise cancellation technology.

Better coverage

Samsung's WEP 200 Bluetooth headset has coverage of 10 metres with a charging time of two hours and weighs nine grams, with a talk time of four and standby of 70 hours.

The SBH100 is a stereo Bluetooth headset that has coverage of 10 metres, weighs 57 grams and has a talk time of eight hours, playing time of seven hours and standby time of 100 hours.

Samsung's SBS100 is a speakerphone/ car kit that weighs 57 grams and comes with a talk time of eight hours, playing time of seven hours with a stand by time of 100 hours.