Jacques , the Jabra works great. No issues, easy setup. It is model number HFS 100. Pic attached.

 

Does it make a difference if you have the Bose system

 

No difference what the audio system is. The Jabra "connects" to any FM audio system via an FM modulator function. You simply tune to an "unused" FM frequency (88.7 for example) and the Jabra sends its source/signal (phone, Pandora, VM, etc) to the receiving unit which is tuned to matching FM frequency (88.7).

It is simple, effective and cheap! Quality is OK, but we don't drive Porsches primarily for that kind of "music", do we??

 

I have been unable to locate any desirable integrated solution that adapts to the stock system. A new system gets you all the updated features you will find in a new car. Not optimal but it's a fun project and the results are very satisfying.

 

I suppose that depends on one's definition of "desirable". I tried several add-ons like the Jabra but they either didn't work very well or they didn't offer much functionality (i.e., you get what you pay for). Also, trying to use a system that depends on "unused" FM bands in a major city (like L.A.) is an exercise in frustration.

I rejected replacing the PCM 2.1 with a new head unit for three reasons: 1) Expense: It would have cost a minimum of $2000 for a halfway decent unit if you have Bose. Ridiculous, in my view, for my needs. 2) 90% of the functionality offered by a new head unit (i.e., navigation, music streaming, Bluetooth) is also offered by a piece of technology I already have: my iPhone 5S; all that's needed is a way to integrate it with the existing PCM 2.1. and 3) I want to retain the stock appearance of the car.

I went for the Dension 500S BT for a little over $500, arranged professional installation for a couple hundred more, and now have a terrific unit fully integrated with the stock PCM. You can read about it in detail in this thread.

Of course, everyone has different needs and requirements and no one solution is more valid than any other. The above is what worked for me, but YMMV.

Also, in case no one's answered, if you have a telephone unit installed it will be a black flat metal box under the passenger seat.

 

Can't disagree with the logic at all. I really don't want to move away from the stock PCM but really think 700.00 is a lot that gains little. This is a personal impression. If changing to a new system did not impact the authenticity of the car I would gladly spend the 2k or whatever.

Very glad you are happy with the changes you made.

 

OBP, I agree with you on the "desirable" factor of the Jabra. For me it is an interim solution for sure. But at an almost 10X factor of price compared to the excellent Dension unit, it still has some attraction. Fortunately in the areas in which I have used the Jabra, I have not had the FM availability issue.

I did consider the $2K upgrade route, but it was way too expensive for what I need. Also, I'm a big fan of OEM/stock on electronics, so I'm leery of tearing into factory stuff.

So far, the Jabra has been good to very good for what I was expecting.

YMMV.

 

I too deliberated for 6mos to either go with an aftermarket HU or go with an add-on adaptation solution like the Dension 500s BT. Went thru the same thought process already mentioned above. I finally pulled the trigger and went for the Dension solution. I installed it myself with very good success so I saved about $300 on installation. It was supposed to be a 2-3 hr job but I managed to make it a weekend project. No regrets anytime I can spend a whole weekend of quality time bonding with baby!!!

 

SFZGT3

Thanks for the tip on the Jabra. I didn't know that device existed. But it fills a perfect gap in capabilities of the 07 997,

 

In much of the rest of the world, GSM is the cell network standard for all of the providers and they all will provide you with a clone SIM card for the SIM powering your personal cell phone. That phone option is there for that purpose - you pop your SIM clone in the slot and the car becomes the phone with the same cell # as your handheld unit, and uses the same existing voice plan.

In the US its used less because a good percent (half) the major providers use CDMA and not GSM and thus don't have SIM cards, and the half that does use SIM cards (TMobile/AT&T) will not provide you with a clone copy of your own SIM for use in the car. In our backwards US based world they want you to buy a separate plan (SIM) for your car. Or you can send your SIM out to have it cloned - but there is some risk involved there.

Thats why for cars in the US today the bluetooth interface is just the better option as any phone provider in North America can interface with the car's hands free system via bluetooth.

If the US was all SIM based, I'd go that route because your reception will be a bit better vs the phone(antenna) being inside the car, but as its not, the bluetooth phone option is really the way to go in North America.

 

The Jabra Freeway is the best way to go for handsfree calling. The battery lifetime is extraordinary, the speaker quality is great, the mike is good at noise cancellation, and it is easy to setup.

I first tried two other cheaper units in my 2006 C4 that didn't work out due to either poor speaker quality (so I couldn't hear others well when there was road/tire noise), or the person on the other end couldn't hear me talking to them due to the roar being picked up by the mike. Both of those got returned ASAP.

It's not that bad looking either and clips on firmly. I was able to go several weeks between charges using it only for quick status report calls.

 

Best price and where??

 

I see prices on eBay starting at $70 and all over the place in the $99 dollar range. Just Google it!