Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I bought this to connect my Iphone 3GS to my Toyota 4Runner stock radio. The phone connects via bluetooth and will stream music to the radio as promised. Incoming calls ring through the speakers, and pressing the button on the Satechi mutes the music and answers the call.
I can talk hands free using the built-in microphone, then return to music when the call ends. People at the other end of the call say it sounds like I'm in a "tin box," but that they can understand me. The volume level of phone calls is different from the volume level of music, thus you have to turn up the volume for phone calls, then turn it down again for the music.
The FM transmission is is not perfect, but it works. There is occassional static/interference from power lines, other cars with their own FM transmitters, or signal bleed from local FM stations. This isn't unique to the Satechi, as I have seen the same comments about similar devices from other manufacturers. It is just the compromise you make for a "wireless" solution that works with your existing radio.
I would give this product 3 or 4 stars, except for one thing: The display FLASHES CONSTANTLY when playing music, and it is BRIGHT! This makes it very distracting when driving at night.
Overall the unit works as advertised, and if you only drive during the day I could recommend it. But the bright flashing display makes it unusable at night. If you want a unit you can use at night, I recommend looking at other products.
*** UPDATE 7-20-2009 ***
As mentioned in other reviews, Satechi technical support is very responsive. They proactively contacted me about the flashing light and are trying to work out a solution. I'll update this review again with the results.
*** UPDATE 7-22-2009 ***
After discussing the problem, Satechi recommended their "Soundfly BT" model instead. It is similar to the BT04, with some added features, but most importantly does NOT have a bright flashing display. They graciously offered an exchange, which is in process now. SATECHI SUPPORT GETS 5 STARS, they have really gone out of their way to contact me, work out the issue, and find a way to make me a satisfied customer. I will post a review of the Soundfly BT unit when the exchange is complete.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Satechi Bluetooth Hands-free Car Stereo Fm Transmitter for iPhone 4, 3Gs & 3G, iPod Touch 4G, BlackBerry, HTC EVO, DROID, Samsung Galaxy S and Bluetooth Stereo A2DP supported Devices
