Hands-free iPhone cradle for the home office?

[1911]

OK, so I admit I am old (and old-fashioned) and somewhat of a Luddite when it comes to the electronic gear endemic to modern life. I do have an iPhone, and I think I'm ready to ditch the land lines in our home and in my home office. Does someone make a hands-free speakerphone or cradle for the iPhone for in an office (not for a car)? I want to be able to talk on my iPhone while sitting in my office and using the computer, without having to hold the iPhone up to my ear with one hand. And the built-in speaker is not loud enough for my old ears with hearing loss. When I search the interwebs I just get a bunch of links to car cradles. Any of you young whippersnappers seen anything like this or have any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[45Kevin]

I just lay the phone on the desk with the speaker on. Your ears must be really bad for those not to work.

You could use the ear plugs, or look into charger/amp/speaker units.

Or, get some plug-in external speakers, they get loud enough to work at a party.

Like this:
http://www.bose.ca/controller?url=/...tems/sounddock_systems/sounddock_xt/index.jsp

 

[1911]

Thanks for the ideas. Yes, my hearing is pretty bad; I need hearing aids but have been putting off getting some. Also, my iPhone is in a Lifeproof case, which I like for protection but it does cut the volume some.

 

[spressomon]

FWIW I use Apple ear bud(s) with built in mic...works. Or if talking between two iPhones...using FaceTime audio seems to have more RX volume gain to use in speaker mode; generally better TX & RX performance for both parties.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

You an also turn on bluetooth and connect wirelessly to a bluetooth speaker - I use a Braven, to listen to audio books, while driving. My daughter loves this OONTZ.

 

[1911]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Probably ear buds would have the best mic quality, but I dislike the thought of putting them in and taking them out for every phone call. Need to look at some bluetooth speakers I guess.

 

[davegonz]

Yeah, Bluetooth speakers with a built in mic will be your best bet.

 

[gregnash]

You an also turn on bluetooth and connect wirelessly to a bluetooth speaker - I use a Braven, to listen to audio books, while driving. My daughter loves this OONTZ.

Yeah, Bluetooth speakers with a built in mic will be your best bet.

This... There was a good article on 9to5toys.com about the top rated bluetooth speakers for 2014. In the top was the Logitech Ultimate Ears Boom (rated best for 2013) but a bit pricey at $179 (amazon). There were a few others like the Logitech Ultimate Ears Mini Boom, Oontz, a Bose unit and a couple others. If I remember correctly the Bose unit won this year (was ranked #2 last year) as they did some updates. All but a couple of the ones reviewed had built in mic.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

@1911 Did you see Greg's reply?

 

[1911]

@1911 Did you see Greg's reply?

Not until you tagged me for it, thanks!

 

[1911]

This... There was a good article on 9to5toys.com about the top rated bluetooth speakers for 2014. In the top was the Logitech Ultimate Ears Boom (rated best for 2013) but a bit pricey at $179 (amazon). There were a few others like the Logitech Ultimate Ears Mini Boom, Oontz, a Bose unit and a couple others. If I remember correctly the Bose unit won this year (was ranked #2 last year) as they did some updates. All but a couple of the ones reviewed had built in mic.

Good info; I will look into them - thanks!

 

[gregnash]

Here is the article... it was not at 9to5Toys afterall, it was at their sister site 9to5Mac...
http://9to5mac.com/2014/12/15/best-bluetooth-speaker-2015/

EDIT: Adding tags @1911, @pngunme

 

[1911]

Here is the article... it was not at 9to5Toys afterall, it was at their sister site 9to5Mac...
http://9to5mac.com/2014/12/15/best-bluetooth-speaker-2015/

EDIT: Adding tags @1911, @pngunme

Thanks!