Wires have always been a big hassle.  Whether you have fifty wires behind that computer device of yours or you’re still using a corded phone, you know that wires can be dangerous.  I remember when I was young and my parents would walk around the kitchen pulling that corded phone as far as it could go.  My siblings and I always had to be alert because if we were caught off guard, my head would be lashed.  Those were the days, but what if we didn’t have to worry about wires anymore?  What if wires were something of the past?  What if wires could be history?  Well, they can be erased from your memory thanks to Bluetooth technology.  And the newest thing to go wireless … your music.

Enjoy Your Music Wirelessly with a Bluetooth Stereo

Bluetooth technology is truly changing lives.  Now with the hands-free driving laws, many people in California are quickly learning how easy this technology is to use, and how convenient it is too.  With a Bluetooth stereo, you can wirelessly listen to your music transmitted from other Bluetooth enabled technology.  You just pair the two devices together (just like a phone and Bluetooth headset) and bingo bango, it works like a charm.  Check out some different options for Bluetooth stereo devices from Bluetooth stereo headsets to a Bluetooth stereo boombox.

Sony VAIO Wireless Digital Bluetooth Stereo 

With a Sony VAIO Bluetooth Stereo, you can stream your music collection throughout your home by just connection, wirelessly of course, to your music collection on your personal computer.  With built-in speakers and the latest wireless technologies, the VAIO allows you to carry your music from room to room seamlessly.  No hassle, no wires.  Just music.

BlueAnt X5i Bluetooth Stereo Headset  

The BluetAnt X5i Bluetooth Stereo headset is a portable multi-function device utilizing the latest cutting edge technologies allowing you to stream high quality music and make voice calls using a mobile phone, pda, or computer — without wires attached to the headset.  Connect directly to A2DP compatible phones and computers or utilize the supplied BlueAnt Audio Streamer to connect to any MP3 player, iPod or DVD and stream music directly to your headset while answering calls from a phone.  With a detachable microphone, USB and AC charging options, the BluetAnt X5i is complete mobile communications accessory for people who require wireless freedom.

Altec Lansing T515 Bluetooth Stereo  

Altec Lansing is consistently known for making great quality products.  These Altec Lansing T515 Bluetooth speakers are no exception to the rule.  The unique design of these Bluetooth speakers will improve bass and stereo separation, as well as overall volume.  Also includes up to seven hours of battery life and the input jack makes it easy to connect a second device (MP3, CD or DVD player).

It’s been a week since California and Washington enacted the hands-free driving bans and so far, there hasn’t been too much news on how the law has been going.  But as I’m sure you’ve heard, no news, is good news.  And while I think hands-free driving laws are going to make the roads a safer place to be, I have been pondering what would truly make these laws effective.  If you are wondering why I say this follow along … 

Recap of CA Hands-free Law

18 and Older:  As of July 1, California has banned the use of handheld cell phone devices while driving.  This means that all people 18+ must use a hands-free device.  If you break the law, your first offense will be $20 and for each subsequent offense, it will cost you $50.  Additional fees may also be applied.Younger than 18:  Cell phones are completely banned while driving.  You may not use any hands-free device either.  This is a strict law and you will be fined if you are caught.

How Much Do People Need to be Fined to Make the Law Effective?

After reviewing the law that is currently in place in California, I began to wonder if people would be affected by a $20 fine.  In all reality, people could go out and buy a cheap Bluetooth headset for around $30-$40 or they could spend more and get a really good headset such as the Jawbone 2 or BlueAnt Z9i.  Either way, it puzzles me to think how many people in California are actually abiding by the law.  Did every Californian go out and pick up a Bluetooth headset or are they taking their chances of getting caught and still using a handheld device?

Think about it.  There are millions of people in California and L.A. is packed tight of hard-working coasties.  What are the chances of a police officer pulling some over for using a cell phone while driving?  I mean, for the police (especially in L.A.) it is only a $20 ticket, and for the person well, it is only a $20 ticket.

How Much Should the Fine Be?

If you break the hands-free law in California, it won’t go on your record and you will only be charged $20.  As a driver, I don’t know how much this law would affect me.  I think the fine needs to be increased to $100 for the first offense, and double for each subsequent offense in order to truly be effective.  Granted, I have yet to be affected personally from the hands-free driving law, but as an outsider looking in, I believe people need to realize the severity of their actions.  Using a Bluetooth device is crucial … if you don’t, you’ll end up learning one way or the other.

Welcome to the hands-free club, California and Washington.  Today is the day that you can finally start driving with two hands on the wheel and make the world a better place.  According to Jed Kolko of Public Policy Institute of California, this new hands-free legislation will save 300 lives per year in California, and roughly one life per day.  These statistics are based on the results of other states (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) that have all passed similar laws in recent years.  Kolko also explains that fatalities in New York, the first state to pass the hands-free law, have dropped consistently over the years.  Thus, he makes the conclusion that hands-free laws really do save lives.

Do You Support Hands-free Legislation?

Of course, there are many people who may oppose this newly enforced law.  But the bottom line is that laws are enacted for a reason, and hopefully this law will save lives.  When I first heard about Bluetooth technology, I was very skeptical.  I wasn’t sure if it was just another “quick fix” to an American problem of dangerous multi-tasking, or if it was a genuinely good product that could help society out.  And while I had to balance the pros and cons of this technology, I had soon realized that Bluetooth would soon be a household term.

Bluetooth is Good … Now Which Headset Should I Get?

In all reality, Bluetooth is the answer to some of our highway problems.  It makes sense to have two hands on the wheel and a headset in rather than one hand on the wheel and one hand on the phone.  So now that we’ve established that Bluetooth is a solution and not a problem, I will guide you to some of the best headsets available from Gammoth.  

Best Bluetooth Headset:  Jawbone 2   

The Jawbone 2 continues to impress by eliminating real world noise better than any other headset on the market.  This is the headset for any business professional on the move.  The Jawbone 2 has a creative, sleek design that makes for a fun, yet professional look.  By far, this is the best headset on the market … then again, you get what you pay for. 

Most Affordable Bluetooth Headset:  Jabra BT2040   

The Jabra BT2040 is probably the most convenient and affordable headset on the market.  The Jabra BT2040 never needs charging and lets you talk for up to 660 minutes.  Charged by a single AAAA battery, the Jabra BT2040 has automatic sleep mode as well as automatically pairing with your cell phone. 

Best of Both World’s Bluetooth Headset:  Motorola MotoPURE H12   

The Motorola MotoPURE H12 puts the noise on hold so your voice can be heard.  This is the first headset to feature CrystalTalk, which is the signature of audio technology even in the noisiest environment.  This headset is comfortable, light and stylish and even better, it provides great sound quality.  

Hands-free Laws are Here to Stay

The law is here and it’s going to stay.  Soon, it will be coming to a state near you.  In the time being, IDC analyst Ajit Deosthali believes that California will lead the way with the hands-free law and Bluetooth technology.  He said, “… the full implementation for California is a good thing, when you think about overall safety.”  He also noted that California has more drivers on the road than any other state and therefore, will lead the way for the rest of the country.  So California and Washington, go and get your Bluetooth headset today … or you’ll have to pay.