Original Parrot Minikit Smart Universal Bluetooth Hands-Free Charging Holder PF290008AA

Test device: Samsung Epic, Android 2.2

I've been keeping an eye on Parrot's product line ever since I got my Fit a few years ago as there wasn't an option for hands-free. I wasn't ready to drop a few hundred on one of the integrated systems, plus another hundred or so for installation, though they look to be the best way to go. I tried a product similar to the Minikit, which turned out to be a disaster as it was way too quiet and then fell apart. But, I decided to give the Minikit Smart a try anyhow, based on the generally good reviews of their other products. My hope was that it was better than my current solution, which was to plug the phone's audio out into my Fit's audio in and shout a lot.

Out of the box, I was mostly happy with what I saw. The Minikit feels pretty solid, and similar in weight to my Garmin GPS. The cradle snuggled up well with my Epic, with no interference with the Epic's side buttons. No way to use the Epic's camera though, as it's fully blocked when centered on the Minikit's back. That eliminates the use of augmented reality apps while driving. Honestly, I worry about the mic, which on a thin retracting cable. If I have this thing attached to another surface and the suction holding the main body in place lets go, I am not confident that the cable is going to survive. No option to export the audio either, so if that cable does break, the Minikit becomes a paperweight. The kit seemed to contain everything I needed to get it to work, though the manual leaves a lot to be desired. Not that I needed it, but I was a little surprised Parrot didn't include a charging cable for iPhones, given their popularity. Even without, the kit still contains two of the most common cable types for smart phones.

As indicated by the manual, I first went to get the latest update for the Minikit from Parrot's website. Let me tell you, what a pain in the @ss. Navigating around the Parrot site is frustrating at best, even to the point of switching languages on you. While the US version of the site doesn't have a compatibility list for the Minikit, which makes sense since it is advertised as good for all smartphones, the UK version of the site I was transferred to does have one, (add the following to the end of Parrot's dot com address: /uk/support/onlinehelpguides/parrot_minikit_smart/compatibility). The list isn't so full, and my phone isn't listed. Eventually, I was able to find the software update for the Minikit (Note: The Parrot Software Update Tool is not compatible with the Minikit Smart, you need to visit the UK site to the software and instructions for flashing.) Following the procedure went well, and in a few minutes, I was able to update.

For the charging to work, you *must* have the Minikit connected to a power source for this to happen. It will not charge up your device from its own internal battery. I used a standard USB cable and USB cigarette light adapter instead of the included adapter, as I wanted the extra USB port my adapter offered (allows me to charge two USB devices at the same time). The included micro-USB cable fitted my Epic with no problem. It's a pretty short cable, just enough to reach around the back and connect without too much strain on the connectors. As hoped for, it charged up my phone without a problem. I was also able to charge both the Minikit and the phone using a USB wall adapter. A tad over 2hrs and the Minikit was ready to go.

Pairing my Epic with the Minikit was smooth as silk. In short order it had synced all my contacts over and was ready for use. I placed a few test calls from within the house, a quiet environment where I thought it would perform the best for taking vocal commands and for me being able to hear it. Hearing was no problem at all, the 2W speaker more than enough in the dead silence. The voice recognition didn't do so well. Out of 5 attempts for 10 different contacts, the Minkit only dialed out correctly once, most often not understanding who I was trying to call. Trying various mic positions didn't seem to help. In contrast, I use the voice input on my phone often and it rarely has issues, even when I am shouting at it while driving along the freeway.

In the car, I mounted the Minikit to the dash on the same plate that I had been using for my Garmin GPS and connected everything up. It's not a clean look, for sure. Power cord to the Minikit so it can provide power to my phone. One cord from the Minikit to the phone to give it said power. Mic cord from the Minikit to where I mounted the mic. And one optional cable to pipe music from the phone to the car's sound system. Looks a bit like a spider perched up there on the dash. Staying within the laws governing obstruction of view and items hung from the windshield could be a challenge with this setup, at least if one wants/plans to use the Minikit's ability to keep their phone charged up.

On the road, the Minikit's base was quite steady, holding onto the dash without a problem. The base's swivel allows for angling your device just right for best viewing and it's pretty tight. The swivel can be tightened further, should it start loosening up over time or because of a weighty device. The mic surface mount included in the kit held the mic in place without a problem. The cradle holds my Epic firmly, and the phone did not shift in position whatsoever over the course of several trips. For me, it was too quiet to use properly (not much sound deadening in a smart sporty car). Around town it was ok, as long as I had the windows up, no music going, and the fan for the heat/AC wasn't on. Anything above 60mph and it was too difficult to hear. I eventually plugged it directly to my Fit's sound system, and that worked much better. Though I couldn't listen to the radio or a CD with it plugged in like this, I could use Pandora, Audible, and few other music related apps instead. Callers could hear me pretty ok, I only had to repeat myself a few times at a higher volume.

The Minikit Smart is a decent product, but, not without its drawbacks. I wish I'd opted for one of their systems that is fitted right to my car's stereo though. It doesn't look clean when installed, should be removed after every trip so as not to invite thieves, and if I get an extended life battery for my phone the cradle probably won't be able to hold onto my phone anymore. As well, it's still better than what I had. Maybe I'll resort to taking it apart and integrating it into my Fit a bit better.