Nextar preps hands-free kits with solar-charging option

I was surprised to learn, just a few days ago, that North Carolina is apparently one of the states that still hasn't adopted a hands-free law for cell phones and other techie gadgets that make driving even more challenging. Most other places stateside, however, this is the exception rather than the rule, one factor driving Nextar's planned introduction of two solar-powered, Bluetooth-enabled, hands-free kits for your car.

The company plans to show off the new products at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show; both of them will retail for far less than $100.

The products include the NXBT-001, which supports up to 250 hours of standby time and 10 hours of talk time on a full charge, and the NXBT-002, which provides 150 hours of standby time and 6 hours of talk time. Both of them use Bluetooth 2.0, which works at ranges of up to 30 feet, and come with a car adapter and bracket. The devices charge when the vehicle is being driven OR they draw on solar power.

Here's the NXBT-002 model:

Aside from the features listed above, the NXBT-001 comes with a feature that lets you set up an Advanced Audio Distribution Profile and an Audio/Video Remote Control Profile. NXBT-002 offers a caller name and ID display.