Look, Ma, no hands! With so many hands-free headsets to choose from, isn't it time to put down that phone?

Entrepreneur, Dec, 2003 by Jill Amadio

WITH MORE AND MORE states prohibiting the use of handheld phones behind the wheel, the demand for hands-free headsets is rising. Providing your drivers with headsets is one way you can help avoid auto accidents and keep your company's insurance rates down. In fact, advice on their use should be included in the operating policy manual you provide to your drivers (check out "Road Rules" on page 49).

Available in a variety of configurations, with or without a cord, headsets are priced from $8 to $100 or more. The most basic models have an ear bud that fits into your ear, a microphone, and a jack that connects to your cell phone. Other styles fit over the ear using a wire loop. Higher-priced sets have two ear buds that fit over the can volume/mute and on/off controls within easy reach on the cord, and boom mics that stay close to your mouth for maximum privacy. Headband-style headsets are also very popular with users who want as much comfort and stability as possible.

Buying tips include looking for a flexible microphone boom that won't kink, multiple wearing options, a retractable ear bud, padded over-the-ear wire, and adjustable receivers to fit either or both ears. Inexpensive models generally have thinly cushioned receivers or poorly designed ear buds that tend to fall out. Most headsets require cell phones to have 26 mm or 3.5 mm plugs, or you can buy an adapter.

Jabra's high-end Bluetooth model costs $129.95, although newer versions will be cordless with signals to send sound between cell phone and receiver. Plantronic's headset with volume control and mute button costs $34.95. Sony's $7.95 Earbud has a lapel mic, and the $22.95 version has a boom mic. Most cell phone manufacturers, such as Audiovox, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia and Panasonic, sell hands-free accessories at their stores, as do cell phone service provider stores such as Cingular and Verizon. You can also shop for the products at auto parts and warehouse stores as well as online; log on to www.cheap-wireless-accessories-nokia.com, www.hello direct.com and www. discountcell.com.

If it's higher-end options you're seeking, GM offers an embedded hands-free phone as part of its OnStar system, which is available on more than 70 models, including the Savana, Silverado, Tahoe, Yukon and others. Or consider buying customized (but much more expensive) headsets such as those from Mobile Audio, which has a $400 custom-mounted model that mutes the stereo and answers the phone by the third ring.