"Do you hate bluetooth headsets that keep falling out of your ear? The Max 4x bluetooth headset is a great, lightweight alternative to making hands-free calls on the go"

I drive quite often, taking wee ones to school or to their activity locations etc and at the same time I have to keep in touch with the home base to make sure other members of the family are keeping with their daily routine too. That means I’ll have to be on the phone at certain times while I’m on the road, so it requires me to own a bluetooth headset. Bluetooth headsets have not always agreed with me, mainly because they never sit in my ear properly and fall out a lot, even with trying them out with the different sized plugs that come in the packaging. Also, the fact that I wear glasses means it doesn’t play nice with the piece that goes around the ear. I came across the Car and Driver Max 4x Bluetooth Headset and thought I’d take them for a drive. Keep reading to see how they faired.

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We all know that using a cell phone while driving is super dangerous, and in more and states than not, laws are in effect that make it illegal to do so. In fact, 40 states have some sort of handsfree law in effect, meaning that if you're going to be talking on the phone while driving a vehicle, you must not have the phone in your hand. Luckily, newer cars come equipped with speakers the ability to connect to your phone and take or make calls using the car speakers. If you don't have that option available to you, you may choose to use a Bluetooth headset or earpiece. This is a more versatile option, as you can use it outside of your car as well.

Choosing a Bluetooth earpiece can be difficult. You want one that will work seamlessly, as well as look good, and the options out there don't always combine those factors in an affordable package. Plus, who wants to have the same earpiece that everyone else has? The creative team behind Earloomz saw this challenge and rose to the occasion, designing a Bluetooth earpiece with style and functionality all wrapped up in one. With hundreds of designs to choose from, you're sure to find one that will suit your personality. Each image is mechanically painted onto the earpiece and finished with a moisture resistant coating, guaranteeing quality and durability.

Each Earloomz earpiece comes with 2 earhooks and 4 earbuds as well as a lanyard holder so you always have it handy. Compatible with most mobile phones, set-up is a breeze and took less than a minute when I paired mine. Multipoint technology allows you to stay connected with 2 devices at once, and the earpiece has a range of 33'. Headset controls include call/answer, last number redial, and call waiting, all in one button. Keep reading for technical specs of the earpieces, contest details, and information about Earloomz campaign for a national Hands-Free Initiative.

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There are tons of hands-free solutions for smartphone users. Wireless headsets, wired headsets, stereo headphones, car kits, speakerphones and more. They all work in a "to each his own" kind of way, with users taking what works best for them as their favorite option. When on the go I typically like to use the BlackBerry Visor in my car for hands-free use, but sometimes turn to my old HS-300 as a backup. I'm honestly not a big phone talker so choosing a setup isn't a huge deal for me, but for many that are constantly on the go a solid Bluetooth solution is essential. So what we want to know is what type of hands-free solution works best for you. Are you a headset user? Do you only use your integrated car system? Cast your vote in the poll above and leave a comment letting us know why what you do works best. Thanks rrebo!

Have an idea for a How Do You Use Your BlackBerry poll? Check out this thread in the forums and let us know!

Want to win an iGrip Charging Dock for the Torch 9800 from CrackBerry.com? Keep reading for contest details.

Been looking for a safer way to handle your BlackBerry while in the car? Most anywhere you live now, there are restrictions on how you can use your cellphone while operating a motor vehicle. Infractions can result in fines and/or points on your license. But there are accessories out there to help make your drive easier, as well as keep you legal. The iGrip Charging Dock is a great accessory to display, charge, and safely mount your BlackBerry Torch 9800 while in your vehicle. Whether you are streaming music to a visor mount, or just making phone calls via bluetooth, this stylish accessory will help you handle all your BlackBerry needs while on the go.

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This Week's BlackBerry Accessory Feature: BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone

Most of us are always looking for ways to better our BlackBerry experience. A lot of times we do this through the purchasing of accessories, which help unleash the full power of our BlackBerrys in all aspects of our daily lives. One part of our daily routine that could use a nice accessory is driving. Most areas now enforce cell phone laws that do not allow us to talk on the phone while driving. Good time to buy a bluetooth accessory for your smartphone. If you don't use or like bluetooth headsets, or only use them in the car, you might want to consider purchasing the BlackBerry VM-605 Bluetooth Visor Mount Speakerphone. Not only will it save you a hefty ticket, it will also play your favorite music that is stored on your BT compatible BlackBerry through your car's speaker system.

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While doing some house cleaning this weekend I had the television playing in the background and caught the tail end of a story in regards to bans on talking on cell phones while driving. I *think* the story I saw was referring to California, and essentially stated that despite the bans on talking on your cell phone while driving (while holding the phone in your hand) being in effect for a while now, there has been no decrease to the rate of car accidents involving cell phones. There are a few ways you can look at a statement like that: are people not using hands-free solutions still and just saying they were after an incident? are (some) hands-free solutions just as distracting as holding the phone in your hand and talking? maybe it's texting vs. talking that's the real culprit? You get the idea.

Either way, I thought this would make a good poll to see where CrackBerry Nation currently weighs in on the subject. Obviously, not all hands-free accessories are created equal and not all people are at the same level of comfort in using them. I think vehicles that have Bluetooth built in are probably the optimal solution, but not every car on the road features it. In the vehicle I currently drive I don't have native BT, so typically use a Bluetooth speakerphone (currently using the BlackBerry Visor Mount) for calls now that it's law where I live to go hands-free. But is it actually safer? It's a little yes and no for me. Once you're connected and driving and talking I guess it feels safer, but at the same time it feels like there's more going on and more room for distractions (make sure the speakerphone is on, put the radio to the right station, BT turned on the phone and paired, etc.). It's more complex than just sticking the phone to your ear and talking.

Sound Off! What's your preferred hands-free solution? My guess is a lot of people out there are not yet comfortable with their in-car hands-free solution, so if you think you have like the solution you're using, be sure to share it in the comments. Let us know what accessories / method / etc. you use in your car to talk on the phone and remain focused on driving. And if you're looking for some in-car ideas, be sure to browse our Car Kits and Mounts and Bluetooth Accessories offerings. 

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