Initial Impressions: Unboxing and First Look
Setting the Stage
The Geartist GB01 Bluetooth 4.0 hands free car kit FM arrives in a simple, functional package. The packaging doesn’t scream luxury, but it gets the job done, clearly displaying the device and its core features. Upon opening the box, you’re greeted with the main unit, the car kit itself, and a few essential accessories. You’ll find a user manual, which, while not overly detailed, provides a basic guide to setup and operation. A helpful addition would have been a quick start guide but its not something to detract from the overall package.
Design and Appearance
The physical design of the device is relatively compact, which makes it easy to place within your car without obstructing your view or getting in the way of other controls. The shape is generally rectangular with slightly rounded edges. Its made of plastic and feels reasonably sturdy for the price point. The front panel generally houses most of the controls including the volume up and down buttons, a multifunction button for answering and rejecting calls and also navigating through the menus if there are any. The display, while basic, provides information about the connected device, FM frequency and volume level. The design isn’t exactly groundbreaking, it leans toward functionality. The choice of matte finish on the plastic helps to reduce fingerprints.
Button and Construction
The placement of the buttons is generally well-thought-out, making it easy to find the controls without taking your eyes off the road. They also offer a decent tactile response, so you know when you’ve pressed a button. The construction feels solid enough for everyday use. You don’t get the feeling that it’s fragile. It is easy enough to tell that Geartist prioritizes practicality.
Installation
Setting up the car kit is generally easy and straightforward. The device plugs directly into your car’s cigarette lighter (or 12V power outlet). Once plugged in, the device powers up and begins searching for a Bluetooth signal from your smartphone. Pairing is a simple process; just enable Bluetooth on your phone and select the Geartist GB01 from the list of available devices. The user manual provides clear instructions, although a more visual guide would make the process even more intuitive.
Connecting and Communicating: Bluetooth 4.0 and Hands-Free Calling
Bluetooth Advantages
At the heart of the Geartist GB01 Bluetooth 4.0 hands free car kit FM lies its Bluetooth connectivity, specifically version 4.0. This is one of the key features and a selling point. Bluetooth 4.0 offers a number of advantages over older Bluetooth versions. Firstly, it’s known for its improved energy efficiency, which means that the car kit won’t drain your car’s battery quickly. Secondly, the connection range is generally good. This means that your phone can remain connected to the car kit even when you’re not directly beside it.
Bluetooth Performance
In testing, the Bluetooth connection proved to be generally reliable. Pairing was quick, and the connection held steady throughout driving. Audio streaming from a smartphone to the car kit was smooth, with minimal dropouts or interruptions. The range, while not extensive, was adequate for typical car usage; meaning that the device can maintain connection in most situations.
Hands-Free Calling Capabilities
The hands-free calling functionality is another primary feature. The Geartist GB01 has a built-in microphone, designed to pick up your voice and relay it to the person on the other end of the call. During our tests, we assessed the microphone’s performance in various driving conditions. In ideal situations, with the car stationary and the windows closed, the voice clarity was generally decent. The other party could hear us clearly.
Challenges and Noise
However, in more challenging environments, such as driving on a busy highway, the microphone struggled. The noise cancellation, while present, wasn’t overly effective at filtering out wind noise, traffic, and other ambient sounds. This could make it more difficult for the person on the other end to hear and understand what was being said. In such cases, the call quality could suffer, and the other person might request that you call back.
Call Management
The device incorporates a button to pick up and end phone calls which is also used to reject calls. You can also use your phone’s voice assistant (like Siri or Google Assistant) using the multifunction button.
Radio Waves: FM Transmitter Performance
Transmitter Functionality
Besides Bluetooth and calling, the Geartist GB01 Bluetooth 4.0 hands free car kit FM offers an FM transmitter functionality. This feature enables you to stream audio from your phone to your car’s stereo system, even if your car doesn’t have Bluetooth built-in.
FM Transmitter Setup
The FM transmitter works by transmitting a radio signal on a chosen frequency, which you then tune your car’s radio to receive. The process of setting up and using the FM transmitter is relatively straightforward. After you have paired your phone, you select an unused FM frequency on the GB01. You then tune your car’s radio to the same frequency.
Audio Quality
The audio quality through the FM transmitter is largely dependent on the environment, the car’s radio, and the chosen frequency. In areas with little radio interference, where a clear frequency can be found, the audio quality can be quite acceptable for casual listening. However, in areas with a lot of radio stations and interference, finding a clear frequency can be challenging, and the audio quality could suffer.
Testing and Interference
During our tests, we found that finding a clear FM frequency could be a bit hit or miss. Even when we found a seemingly clear frequency, we occasionally experienced static or other interference, especially when driving through different areas or near other sources of radio signals. This means you could have to adjust the frequency throughout your journey, a drawback for convenience.
Sound quality
The audio quality itself, when the connection was clear, was acceptable. The sound was not particularly crisp or detailed. It worked perfectly to listen to podcasts, audio books, and music streams, but might not satisfy audio enthusiasts.
Added Convenience: Additional Features and Capabilities
In addition to its core functions, the Geartist GB01 Bluetooth 4.0 hands free car kit FM provides a few additional features. These include a USB charging port, which allows you to charge your smartphone or other devices while you drive. This is a very convenient addition for those who rely on their phones for navigation or entertainment.
The inclusion of a USB charging port is a welcome convenience for those on the go. It’s a small detail but a useful one. While the charging speed isn’t necessarily the fastest, it provides a handy way to keep your devices powered up while you use them.
Putting It to the Test: User Experience in Real-World Scenarios
City Driving
The true test of any car kit is in its usability in real-world scenarios. To evaluate the Geartist GB01 Bluetooth 4.0 hands free car kit FM, we put it through various tests in the city and on the highway.
In the city, where traffic is heavy and there are frequent stops and starts, the hands-free calling functionality proved useful. The ability to take calls without reaching for the phone was a definite plus. The Bluetooth connection remained stable, and the audio quality was generally acceptable, although background noise was always a challenge. The USB charging port also proved handy for keeping the phone charged during extended periods of driving.
Highway Performance
On the highway, where speeds are higher and road noise increases, the microphone’s limitations became more noticeable. While we could still make and receive calls, the person on the other end of the line sometimes struggled to hear us clearly. The FM transmitter also experienced more interference at highway speeds, with the need to adjust the frequency more frequently.
Overall, the car kit performed reasonably well in both environments, but the limitations of the microphone and FM transmitter were a recurring theme.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
The Upsides
Now, let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses of the Geartist GB01 Bluetooth 4.0 hands free car kit FM.
Affordability: The most significant benefit is the budget-friendly price. It provides a convenient hands-free and FM transmitter solution without breaking the bank.
Ease of Setup and Use: The device is relatively simple to set up and operate, with an intuitive interface.
Bluetooth 4.0 Connectivity: Provides a reliable Bluetooth connection with good range and improved power efficiency.
USB Charging Port: The added convenience of a built-in USB charging port is a definite plus.
Compact Design: Fits discreetly in your car.
The Downsides
Microphone Quality: The microphone’s performance suffers in noisy environments, making clear communication challenging.
FM Transmitter Performance: Prone to interference, which can affect audio quality and require frequent frequency adjustments.
Overall Build Quality: While not terrible, the build quality could be better.
Basic Display: Display is functional, but lacks some visual appeal.
Value for Money: Is it Worth the Investment?
The Geartist GB01 Bluetooth 4.0 hands free car kit FM is priced competitively. Its budget-friendly cost makes it an accessible option for drivers who want an affordable hands-free and FM transmitter solution. However, its value depends on your specific needs.
If you prioritize excellent call quality and crystal-clear audio streaming, this might not be the ideal choice. However, if you’re on a budget, need hands-free calling and the added benefit of streaming music via FM, and accept some limitations, the device offers good value.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict and Recommendation
The Geartist GB01 Bluetooth 4.0 hands free car kit FM offers a practical and affordable solution for those who want to add Bluetooth and FM transmitter capabilities to their cars. It effectively addresses the need for hands-free calling and convenient audio streaming.
The key advantages are its ease of use, affordable price, and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. The shortcomings, such as the less-than-perfect microphone quality and the occasional FM transmitter interference, are generally acceptable given its price point.
The device is well suited for people with older cars, who may lack the latest audio technology. It’s also a great option for drivers who want to stay connected on a budget. This device will work well for occasional commuters, delivery drivers and individuals who prioritize function.
Recommendation
For those seeking a budget-friendly and accessible way to add hands-free calling and FM transmitter functionality to their cars, the Geartist GB01 Bluetooth 4.0 hands free car kit FM is worth considering. While it’s not perfect, it delivers a satisfactory experience for the price. It represents a great value for a budget option. If you’re looking for more premium sound, you might consider a more premium option.
Rating
We rate the Geartist GB01 Bluetooth 4.0 hands free car kit FM at 3.5 out of 5 stars.
For affordable hands-free calling and FM streaming, the Geartist GB01 provides a solid entry point.
