Jabra SP500

Although some mobile phones now include the ability to act as speakerphones, that is, to output voice calls through a speaker and allow callers to speak without holding the handset to their mouths, these are often not of the highest quality.

Jabra, which is better known as a manufacturer of Bluetooth headsets, is aiming to fill the gap with the SP500, which also connects to the phone using Bluetooth, but broadcasts sound through its speaker.

It used to be the case that making a Bluetooth connection was fraught with difficulty, but installing the Jabra was very simple following the clear instructions in the supplied manual.

It connected to our test phone, an Orange SPV C500, with no problem, once we had followed the supplied instructions, and it set itself up as a hands-free device automatically.

Call quality is very good, with calls coming across loud and clear. The microphone is mounted on a rubber arm that can be moved around to suit, and it comes with a car-mounting kit.

It can also be used in places other than the car, should you want a speakerphone while at home, coming as it does with both a cigarette lighter adapter and a mains adapter.

The price is slightly higher than that of the Trust HS-8200 but the Jabra is a little more flexible.