Best/clearest head-set?
 

I need to get a new phone. And that's really all I want. I don't need music. I don;t need net access or email. I just use it for phone calls and occassional text messages.

What is important to me is that I get a good hands-free set and ear piece. A constant complaint for me is that I can not hear the caller well when I am using a hands-held phone.

Are there some ear pieces/head sets which you would recommend as being very good?

If you're looking for a headset, the Aliph Jawbone noise-cancelling set is supposed to be tops. I've ordered one, but haven't received it yet. There's another thread about the Jawbone somewhere around here.

If you want good sound, go wired. As "kewl" as Bluetooth is, it still has its limitations. A good quality wired headset on a good quality phone is going to get the best audio.

True.

If Bluetooth is what you need, then I second the Jawbone report. I have had one for a few months now. After some initial problems with fit, I have to say it is very superior: good volume coming in, great noise cancellation for your outbound sound.

:)

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For the past few months I've been using the Nokia wired handsfree - far better sound quality and "responsiveness" than the Bluetooth...

[/wistful]

For wired, my recommendation is the Ety-Com. I think you can get one for ~$35.

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er22.aspx

Positives: Excellent noise rejection with the microphone. In-ear design for the earpiece means that you can hear the other party no matter how loud the environment is.

Negatives: In-ear earpiece may not be comfortable for some (think Shure in-ear canalphones). Microphone placement is important, and there is a narrow range where it works well (which is why it isolates so well).

I have a question regarding power up/connect time from headset to phone.
I am not one to wear a headset all the time so will a bluetooth headset be able to power up & connect during the 4 or so rings that I get during an incoming call?

The headsets that I have (a Jawbone and a Motorola HS805, turn on within a second or two and connect instantly after that.

I use the Jawbone. With my phone, it is not instantaneous. If I am on a call and I want to switch to headset so that I can type while talking, it will take 2 - 4 seconds to activate the headset and another 4 - 6 for my phone to recognize it and for me to "accept" the recognition.

Usually, I will put the earphone on, activate it and watch the handset. When I am asked to accept, I in turn ask the person I am speaking to hold just a sec and indicate acceptance of the head-set/hand set relationship. After that it is a just second or so.

In short, your phone will have something to do with how seamless it is to activate the headset.

I do love that Jawbone.

My cellphone geek friend swears by the NxZen headset. You can check out the audio samples testing here--pretty cool.