Do you enjoy hands free bliss with a Bluetooth headset, or do you find using one to be annoying? It’s a pretty polarizing question - either you like them or you don’t.
There are more choices than ever for those that do like using a Bluetooth headset. If you’re looking for a good headset, our sister site, pocketnow.com, has reviewed many, and here are a few that turned out to be winners: Aliph Jawbone ($77), BluAnt Z9 ($64), and the Iqua BHS-303 ($29). The Aliph and BlueAnt include noise cancellation, which can make a big difference if you’re chatting in the car or making phone calls outside.
Do you have a Bluetooth headset recommendation?
May 19th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
While I answered “Yes - makes life easier”, I would have to add a discalimer to that. I lean somehwere between Yes and No on this one. While I like the concept of bluetooth headsets, I have yet to find a headset that meets my standards. I have tried at least 20 headset and I have yet to be pleased. My next purchase is most likely going to be the Aliph Jawbone, and maybe finally I will be happy. I find myself using my old school Moto H500, not because it works or is even quality, but at least I know what to expect from it - fair call quality in low noise rooms, poor call quality everywhere else. Keeps me from thinking I might actually be able to use it.
May 19th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
My answer is not there.
o No, they are expensive.
May 19th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
what the shadow has bluetooth im def going to get it now
May 19th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I have 2 headsets in my lifetime. My first one was Motorola 350H or something. For work I got a Aliph Jawbone and I use it for taking helpdesk calls. Just so everyone knows, Aliph just came out with the Aliph Jawbone 2. It is said to be even better. A coworker of mine also has the Aliph Jawbone and he called me from his car while he was driving and I couldn’t not even tell. I could tell when he was driving and talking without the headset. I definitely recommend this headset. The life of it is awesome, I am on the phone for 8 hrs a days talking to employees doing tech support. I usually charge it every night, but sometimes I forget and then it still has enough juice to be running for 2 days in a row.
May 19th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
phil - I don’t think the Jawbone 2 is on sale yet. Have you seen it?
May 19th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I have the BlueAnt Z9…i love it. I’ve gone through my fair share of bluetooths and I’d rather not list them all (i’ve used a lot…been using bluetooths since you had to physically attach it to the phone becasue phones didn’t have built-in bluetooth, yes to many bluetooths to name)
But the z9 is a great headset…the only thing I don’t like is the somewhat complex button matrix. I don’t always remember which buttons to press. and getting used to hanging up with the Z9 takes some getting used to. But its small, blends in fairly well, great call quality…what more can you ask for?
May 20th, 2008 at 10:28 am
The Motorola H12 is the best bluetooth ever made.. The noise-reduction and echo-cancellation far exceeds any other headset on the market..
May 20th, 2008 at 11:32 am
I love the concept and ease of use for bluetooth headsets… however… I’m having a difficult time finding one that is comfortable to wear for extended periods. So my answer is yes… but then again no…
May 20th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I cannt find one that fits comfortably for just basic use and when I do wear it I usually get a ear infection
May 21st, 2008 at 7:09 am
ive only used my h700 that i bought for 40 bucks at the outlet then my dog ate it and i found a brand new one on ebay for 8 bucks ordered directly from hong kong. just thought id share my input. love bluetooth tho. i can use my cell as a remote control for my laptop. who knew.? lol yay A+ for bluetooth technology.
May 21st, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Parrot car kit or Bluetooth earpiece? Where’s the clear advantage?
Salespeople may tell you that Bluetooth earpieces are the low-cost solution to hands-free calling — but a closer look reveals these claims to be misleading.
Here is a list of disadvantages that the earpiece manufacturers and resellers don’t want you to know about:
* Nearly all Bluetooth earpieces have an internal battery that can’t be removed. These batteries have a short life of approximately 300 charges, or approximately one earpiece per year (less if you recharge every day). And prices range from $20-$300, averaging about $50.
* The earpiece can’t be used while it is charging.
* The earpieces don’t fit everyone comfortably. One size definitely doesn’t fit all; yet you cannot try the earpiece before you buy.
* The earpieces are uncomfortable for those who wear glasses or sunglasses.
* For reasons of hygiene, the earpieces should not be shared.
* Earpieces are easily lost, stolen, or broken.
* Bluetooth headsets, on average, last just 26 hours when not in use and only 2 to 3 hours when talking.
* The life of the battery starts to decline once you begin to use it, hence the talk time and standby time decreases.
* Many users purchase more than one Bluetooth earpiece, then finally give up and buy an integrated Bluetooth car kit.
* Potential harmful effects from radiation through the earpiece.
* Most people find the earpieces uncomfortable and ugly, and/or experience lousy audio quality.
* Many people will buy the earpiece believing it is more cost effective, ultimately they end up buying an integrated car kit because they just find it cumbersome to use.
For corporations looking to go hands-free, the disadvantages are multiplied. Bluetooth earpieces are more expensive than car kits over their 3-5 year life. Many employees resist using Bluetooth earpieces for reasons of comfort, aesthetics, and possible health risks. Yet no one will be unhappy with a Parrot hands-free car kit.
A Parrot Bluetooth car kit provides many years of robust, high-definition audio quality using your car stereo speakers. Parrot is hands-free at its finest!
Parrot is the undisputed leader in Bluetooth car kits, and the industry standard for corporate car and truck fleets across the country.
Keep your employees safe and happy with Parrot car kits. Parrot is hands-free done right.
Call Safewireless today!
http://www.safewireless.com
June 20th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I’ve got a Jabra 8010, mainly because it has stereo capabilities that I used with my Dash & now with the Shadow.
While not for the less-than-tech savvy, I have replaced the battery in the 8010 after some dilbert left it in a pair of pants that got washed (I refuse to tell on myself)….wasn’t me & you can’t prove it.
The above comment is obviously by a stock-holder, if not an outright PR flack for Parrot car kits….
I find wearing the Jabra to be painful AFTER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. While not recommended, I drive (long commute for Army Reserve stuff) & listen to audio books that I have ripped & stored on my smartphone.
One other note about Jabra. The model I have uses oddball ear hooks that come out of the device. I lost one. I called Jabra & within a week they sent me another pair FREE.