MKi9200

A fully fledged Bluetooth hands-free car kit, Parrot's range-topping MKi9200 offers full compatibility with the Apple iPod range as well as the iPhone 3G. In addition to providing hands-free calling via your car's speakers, it connects to a range of music devices — including iPods, iPhones, USB keys, MP3 players, A2DP Bluetooth devices and anything featuring a standard line-in jack.

Although it may sound complicated at first, the MKi9200 is a pretty simple device. It consists of five main components — an amplifier that is installed inside your dashboard, an external dual microphone, a 2.4in colour display, an iPod/USB/line-in cable, and a wireless remote control. The MKi9200 needs to be installed by a professional, which should take approximately an hour and a half depending on your vehicle. Importantly, the installation is completely screw and hole free, meaning if you want to remove the unit down the track it won't leave any visible marks or holes.

The five components of the MKi9200 are installed in different places (with the exception of the amplifier) depending on the size of your vehicle's cabin and your requirements. For our installation, the microphone was wired at the front of the roof lining and the display was placed to the right of the steering wheel on the dash. Usually the iPod/USB/line-in cable is wired to the glove box, but if you have other compartments in your vehicle this can be adjusted to suit your needs. The amplifier, essentially the brains of the unit and where all the components are connected, is installed behind or underneath your dash, away from view.

Once installed and connected, the MKi9200 automatically powers on when you start your car. As this is a hands-free kit first and foremost, you'll need to pair your Bluetooth phone to the unit — a simple process that takes less than a minute. After being paired with a phone for the first time, the MKi9200 will automatically recognise and connect to it as soon as it's powered on. When connected, the LCD will display your phone's network and a reception bar indicator.

The critical component of the MKi9200 is the amplifier — this allows the unit to bypass your car stereo. For example, if you are listening to the radio and a call comes in, the radio is muted and your ring tone is played through you car's speakers. Conveniently, the MKi9200 synchronises with your phonebook and reads a caller's name. The unit will automatically synchronise your contacts and phone numbers each time a new entry is detected.