The act of picking up the handset is what I am talking about. That act negates the value of a hand's free system. I have just used my hands to find my phone, find the button on my phone, etc, etc.

When I have an ear piece in, my eyes don't leave the road. I simply tap the side of my head and start talking. "Call Dad Home" etc. etc.

Then it's plan B.
I use the voice dialing and 95% of the time it works properly.
Spend a lot of time creating distinct sounding names and you'll save time and aggravation later on when you dial these folks.
Again, BlueTooth compatibility with voice commands isn't available to all devices. My Treo can voice dial with a wired headset, but not with wireless. Is your current headset wired or BT?
Check with your cell provider. See if they have any models that support BT voice dialing.

It's a wireless bluetooth set. Which is what I will end up using if I can't make this system work for me.

Thanks!
I never knew that.
Only catch is you have to wait a second, or so, to start speaking.

Thanks a ton!
Good tip!