Review: EGO Cup hands-free system

I took the EGO Cup Bluetooth hands-free device for a test drive last week. Literally.

I was traveling in Missouri, and decided to put the new device to work. Unlike most wireless devices that either hang from your ear or are clipped to the visor of your vehicle, this one rest snuggly in almost any available cup holder. Setting up the device was very easy, as the buttons are very simple and intuitive. Pairing the device with my Treo took only seconds, and I was ready for my first call.

Unfortunately, it was pouring rain, and the sound of the driving water on the roof of the car made it impossible to use until the weather cleared. I called my wife, and soon learned that I had to almost shout for her to hear me clearly. The microphone is simply too far from the source (my mouth) for it to be comfortable to use. The speaker, on the other hand, was tremendous. I had no trouble hearing everyone I called very clearly.

Driving solo, meant I could still rest a beverage into the remaining cup holder, but had I had a passenger, something would have to give. Also, I was unable to use the device in my personal vehicles for a number of reasons. In one car, the cup holders are not traditional, and the holder doesn't fit. On another, the cup holder is very short, making the device also unusable. (I have a hard time putting anything larger than a 12 oz. can there). And on my final vehicle, the cup holders are just too far away for comfortable use.

Hook this same technology to a visor-mounted device, and I'd give it two thumbs-up. I can't give this more than a half-thumb-up, as the only folks I'd recommend this to is those whose vehicles have three or more cup holders in close proximity to the driver's mouth.

See more at Ego Hands Free.