Q. I saw your review of the VicTsing FM Bluetooth car adapter, which adds Bluetooth call capability to older cars that do not have hands-free functionality. I bought the newer model, the one without buttons, and it ties up Siri so I can't use Siri at all when it is connected. What about the older model, does it do the same thing?
_ L.M., Minneapolis
A. With my own VicTsing Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter (the one with buttons), holding in the home button on the iPhone activates Siri. I suggest returning the one you have for the one I reviewed, the T11. The T11 has forward and back buttons, a volume knob and an answer call/redial button. There are also two USB ports, one of which offers 2.1A fast charging and a memory card slot for playing back music. It's a real powerhouse for only $16.99 on Amazon.
I have learned from experience that the newest version of a gadget is not always the best one, and whenever a manufacturer removes buttons, be cautious. It could be more a case of cost-cutting rather than trying to make the product better. Given that automotive devices should be operated by feel so you do not have to take your eyes off the road, I think buttons are extra important.
While I am on the subject of inexpensive devices that enhance the driving experience, I came across a very simple, inexpensive item I have really come to love, the JL Safety EZ Pass-Port.
One of the reasons it took me so long to get an E-ZPass is because using one usually requires attaching it to the windshield with ugly-looking, heavy-duty white Velcro. I think it looks bad and I don't like sticking anything permanent to the interior or exterior of the car. I am particular about keeping my cars original and will not do anything that could mar the interior or exterior finishes.
I finally broke down and bought and E-ZPass, figuring I would just keep it in the center console and hold it up to the windshield whenever I went through a toll plaza. After I bought the E-ZPass I had a hunch that there had to be a better way, and did a web search looking for something to hold it in place without the Velcro.
My search yielded the JL Safety EZ Pass-Port, selling for under $10 online. The EZ Pass-Port is a metal clip attached to a heavy duty suction cup that holds the E-ZPass very securely with no wobble whatsoever. It works with both old and new style E-ZPass transponders.
Once the suction cup is stuck to the windshield it stays there pretty much indefinitely. The first time I stuck the EZ Pass-Port to the windshield up by the rear-view mirror, it stayed there without falling for almost five months, at which point I took it down to put it in another vehicle. It has been in that car for over a month now without needing to be reattached. So, its performance has been absolutely perfect. Since I have three cars registered to my E-ZPass transponder it has proven to be an ideal solution to moving it from car to car, and I avoided that nasty Velcro.
Why more people do not use the EZ Pass-Port rather than the Velcro, I don't know. Perhaps they do not know it exists. Well, now you know! The EZ Pass-Port really should be sold wherever E-ZPass is sold, so if you are a vendor, take note. jlsafety.com
