Guidepoint Connect Bluetooth Car Kit

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Back in the day, it used to be a pretty cool selling feature for GM that their cars came with OnStar, an integrated roadside assistance feature. The technology advanced and car makers died and just about everyone got a cell phone. I’m not sure if OnStar can really compete with a cell phone and AAA plus the addition of multi-function GPS devices complicates things even more. Sheesh, how many things do we need in our cars? Most people can’t drive as it is. Well, GuidePoint Systems announced today that it has launched a new Bluetooth kit for vehicles that is supposedly the only one that offers free emergency dispatch and roadside assistance as part of the package.

The Pontiac, Michigan-based company has begun shipping their new Guidepoint Connect, an in-vehicle Bluetooth system that offers such ground-breaking features as hands-free cell phone, integrated music control and emergency services/roadside help. The unit, designed to be mounted on the steering column, sports an oversimplified four-button control interface and has to be paired with a subscription to the Guidepoint roudside assistance service. It’s like the Jitterbug of Bluetooth car kits. Grammy will love it.

According to Guidepoint here’s how it works: In addition to the standard dial and hang-up buttons, the Guidepoint Connect unit includes two additional buttons: a phone button that connects callers directly to Guidepoint’s 24/7/365 response centers, and a white-cross button that can be integrated with Guidepoint’s GPS tracking device (sold separately) for pinpoint location-based services and one-touch emergency dispatch. There is even a feature that lets you channel your PMP through the device so you can hear your music through your car stereo.

Now, I’m as skeptical as the next guy when it comes to the necessity of yet another device in my car. From what I can gather, the Guidepoint Connect is a Bluetooth hands-free car kit (already got one), a wireless PMP connector (got one), and a roadside assistance program (already got one of those, too). As for the white-cross button that offers pinpoint location services…my cell phone has a GPS in it and I’m pretty sure if I have to call 911 they’ll be able to triangulate my signal.

The Guidepoint Connect is being launched at new-car dealerships and through retailers of mobile electronics. The MSRP of the unit is a pretty shocking $399 and this doesn’t include installation fees. Included in the cost of the unit is “free” E-Call service for emergency dispatch, plus one year of “complimentary” Guidepoint Silver service that includes roadside assistance, directory assistance and unlimited concierge service.

If I were you, I would keep your existing Bluetooth headset and AAA membership. I spent some time at www.guidepointsystems.com and I couldn’t for the life of me locate pricing info on the membership plans. The site is also riddled with programming errors and a graphic on the front page of a decapitated operator, who I’m sure is standing by to take your order. Caveat emptor.