Bluetooth Headsets
 

Has anyone here used one of the new Bluetooth headsets with a Bluetooth phone? I'm thinking of picking one up when I get my new cell phone. Are there any problems with reception? Irritation when using one etc? I'm particularly looking at the Motorola line of phones.

Thanks,
Lance

Hi Lance,

I'm using the Motorola HS810 headset that works with the v600. It's comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, reception is good, and the microphone sensitivity is great (so you don't have to feel like you have to yell to talk on it).

The blinking blue light it has also makes a great conversation piece. ;)

Jabra BT200
 

This is a first generation model from them, but I have been very happy with the performance over the past year. It works with all the BT phoens I have tried it with, and their customer service is VERY good when I had a small problem.

I am going to upgrade to their new generation headset soon. I have two of the BT200 so i'll sell one of them first to finance a newer one. But, I'll keep the older one as a standbye since it has worked so flawlessly.

i just bought a JABRA FREESPEAK 250... I think its a great headset, its light because most of the other ones I tried out like the Sony Ericsson and Motorola bluetooth headsets just weigh down your ears. But bluetooth rules!

I too have been very happy with Jabra. I bought mine on Ebay and although sold new it was a pretty old production version. As such it didnt have firmware that supported voice dailing with my phone. I called Jabra and described the problem, they had me find some numbers on the headset and tell them what they were. They looked up the numbers, got the production info and firmware version, said it wouldnt work with my phone and them replaced the headset for free. I was very, very pleased. I think it works well also.

The frespeak 250 weighs 23 grams and the Sony Ericsson HBH-65 weighs 22 grams. How can the Sony Ericsson headset weigh down your ears more than the Jabra headset?
Yes, the early Sony Ericsson headsets were bigger and heavier, but they've been replaced by lighter models.
As for product quality, the Jabra headsets always seem to place last in comparative tests against Motorola, Nokia and Sony Ericsson headsets.

maybe its the weight displacement and design

Okay, first an admission that I cant remember where I saw the comparison article, sorry. But at the time I decided which one to get I looked around and found a number of articles and a lot of web postings people who had tried multiple headsets and the Jabra came in first or near first in almost every category. Thats why I bought mine. This was probably about a year ago and Im sure new models are available. But I certainly havent seen that "the Jabra headsets always seem to place last in comparative tests against Motorola, Nokia and Sony Ericsson headsets".

If you are really interested in spending some money you might try the Nextlink Bluesppon.

i have the BT200 and i can attest to the poor construction quality. i don't use it much and already it's falling apart. it works good indoors but forget about outdoors because it is very susceptible to wind noise. also, it can only bond to one headset so it's a hassle if you want to share the headset.

that being said, it was the cheapest headset by a mile when i bought it a year ago and i would recommend it to those on a budget.

I can only say that this may be an issue of variability. I have had a Jabra for about a year. I use it a lot, I throw it in my briefcase and dump books etc on top of it without any heed. It still works and appears fine. It even passes the "no creak" test. When I squeeze on it there is no creaking sound or major shifting of parts like the outside panel. Again, YMMV but mine is solid and performs great. The inability to link to multiple devices is a problem if you have more than one BT phone that you use.

I have a Jabra FreeSpeak, too, which I use with my SonyEricsson T616 phone. I have been very happy with it.

I have the same combination. I find the headset OK for a couple of hours. The volume is fine for walking arounf but not that great when in the car. I find I really need to concentrate on listening.

I am investing in a BT car kit to overcome this problem.

Plantronics M3000
 

Would recommend this one - looks quite similar to the Motorola I think, but is cheaper - great battery life and looks a lot nice than the Jabra. Have seen it as low as GBP40 on the web

IMHO, the best buy at the moment is the Anycom HC110

http://www.anycom.com/us/products/hcc110.html

For just over $100 you get the bluetooth headset, carkit AND cordless mic for your visor.

Excellent reception, awesome battery life.

Stay clear of the motorola/Plantronics ones, nothing but problems with them, losing Bluetooth bonds with nokia/SE phones, breaking parts and bad batteries, I've tried them all..

Also, as cute as they are, the Sony Ericsson HBH-60/65's have really bad battery life...

Great thread, thanks - I think I'll go for the one ScottC recommends. Can I use that with any Bluetooth device (mobile phone, computer, etc.)?