Gadget Reviews

The Scosche SolChat is similar to the Avantalk Sunday Pro that we reviewed a short while ago. The SolChat measures 90x62x15mm and was easy to set-up and use.

In the box you'll find the handsfree, a USB charging kit and cigarette lighter adaptor, a windshield suction cup mount and a sun visor clip. The unit itself has just three buttons - one to answer or end a call and volume up/down buttons.

The first time you charge the device you'll want to use the USB cable to take it to a full charge - from a computer it took around 3 hours. That charge should then give around 12 hours of talk time and up to 450 hours of use on standby, according to Scosche. The clever thing about the SolChat is that if you then use the windscreen mount and leave your car in the sun, the solar panel will keep topping up the charge of the internal lithium ion battery - meaning that you can go for a lot longer without having to charge it with a cable.

The SolChat also has some handy features built in - if your phone supports the transfer of contacts via Bluetooth the handsfree will announce the name of the person calling you if it's in your phonebook. If the number isn't stored then you simply hear an announcement of "Incomming Call".

Voice dialling is also supported (so long as it is by your phone too) and by pressing and holding the call button for a couple of seconds you can then speak the name of the person you'd like to call and it does it all for you!

Once your phone is paired the SolChat will also connect automatically with your phone when you get in the car, and it will automatically turn off once you're out of range.

The speakerphone was loud and clear, though could have been better on the motorway, and most 3rd parties could hear us fairly well.

The Scosche SolChat is available for around £54 which is a little expensive, however given it's features it probably isn't a bad investment.